Vet with MS to give BVA keynote speech
Dr Connell is a trustee for the Scottish SPCA.
Veterinary surgeon Dr Niall Connell is set to deliver the keynote speech at this year’s British Veterinary Association (BVA) Members’ Day on 28 September 2023.
His speech, titled ‘Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Lessons learned from a pure squinty career’, will focus on the challenges he has overcome during his career in the veterinary profession. Squinty, or squint, is a Scottish dialect term for something that is not straight.
After being diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in 2003, when he was in his early forties, Dr Connell continued to work in clinical practice for six years before moving into other veterinary roles. He has sat on the RCVS Council for ten years and served as RCVS president from 2019 to 2020. He is also a trustee for the Scottish SPCA.
Earlier this year, the University of Edinburgh awarded him an honorary doctorate in veterinary medicine and surgery for championing equality and diversity and acting as a positive role model.
Looking ahead to the speech, Dr Connell said: “It’s a real privilege to be asked to speak at BVA Members’ Day to so many peers from our wonderful profession. My talk will provide a brief, upbeat overview of my career which, due to chronic illness, became ‘pure squinty’.
“It will cover ill health, uncertainty, isolation and the importance of support during difficult times. I will mention barriers and opportunities for the individual professional and the future of our profession, especially regarding recruitment and retention, including veterinary nurses and undergraduates.”
BVA president Malcolm Morley added: “Dr Connell’s career in the veterinary profession has been inspiring, from his dedicated work in mixed and then charity practice, through to his time as RCVS president and his work on Widening Participation including with Glasgow Vet School. We are delighted to host him as keynote speaker at this year’s BVA Members’ Day and I’m sure his speech will be a highlight of the day.”
The annual BVA Members’ Day will take place at Trades Hall, Glasgow.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
