RCVS Council elects new junior vice-president
Tim Parkin will take up the role in July.
Tim Parkin, head of the University of Bristol Veterinary School and a professor of veterinary epidemiology, has been elected as the new junior vice-president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
He was elected during the March meeting of RCVS Council, held at the Royal College of Nursing in London.
During the same meeting, the previous junior vice-president, Linda Belton, was appointed RCVS president for 2024-25. Sue Paterson will serve as senior vice-president. All three will take up their new positions at the College’s Annual General Meeting on 5 July 2024.
Prof Parkin holds degrees from the University of Bristol in Zoology and Veterinary Science, and has completed a PHD at the University of Liverpool on the epidemiology of fractures in racehorses.
Before working at the University of Bristol, he worked at the Animal Health Trust and the University of Glasgow. Since 2021, he has been a Veterinary Schools Council-appointed member of RCVS Council.
Prof Parkin said: “I would like to humbly thank my colleagues on RCVS Council for electing me to this role, it is a great honour.
“As a passionate advocate for veterinary education, one of my driving goals is ensuring that in 20 years’ time we will have veterinary professions that are more fit for purpose, working with a more recent Veterinary Surgeons Act and a make-up that is significantly more diverse and reflective of the society we serve.
“The discussions we’ve had at Council have reinforced in me the importance of change, and that change cannot come soon enough. Legislative reform which is clearly more required and hopefully closer than ever before; developing new, fulfilling career pathways to help with colleague retention and workforce shortages; and expanding and enhancing the ‘Team Vet’ ethos are areas I am looking forward to contributing to over the next three years.
“As the saying goes - the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, but the second best time is today.”
Image © RCVS
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
