Dr Muhammad Hasan Mahrous has been named winner of the WSAVA Future Leader Award 2022.

Dr Muhammad Hasan Mahrous launched the Egyptian Chapter of IVSA. 

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has named Dr Muhammad Hasan Mahrous, a veterinary surgeon from Egypt, as the winner of its 2022 Future Leader Award.

Dr Mahrous won the award in recognition of his contribution to association building in his home country and increasing access to continuing education (CE) for Egyptian veterinary surgeons.

He will receive an engraved plaque and certificate during the WSAVA's World Congress, which takes place in October.

As a student, Dr Mahrous formed the Egyptian Chapter of the International Veterinary Students Association (IVSA). A not-for-profit association, the association aims to promote the international application of veterinary skills and knowledge to benefit animals and people. 

After qualifying as a veterinary surgeon, Dr Mahrous helped to found the Egyptian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ESAVA), the first association for companion animal veterinary surgeons in the country. In 2020, ESAVA joined the WSAVA to take its place in the global veterinary community and support the development of companion animal practice in Egypt.

Commenting on his achievement, Dr Mahrous said: “I am always inspired by the Thomas Jefferson quote – ‘If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done’. I am honoured to receive this award.”

Dr Geeta Saini, chair of the WSAVA Leadership and Nomination Committee, added: “The WSAVA is a firm believer in the importance of associations to support and connect veterinarians and to promote education and best practice standards.

“Dr Mahrous’ work as a student to launch the Egyptian Chapter of IVSA has enriched the experience of all veterinary students in Egypt as they are able to participate in the meetings, exchanges and other educational opportunities offered by IVSA to its members.

“He should also be very proud of the creation of ESAVA which is helping companion animal veterinarians in Egypt to work together to develop the profession, and we are delighted to have welcomed them into the WSAVA family.”

The WSAVA Future Leader Award honours a veterinary surgeon who has contributed significantly to the development of companion animals, the veterinary profession, and society at large since graduating within the previous ten years.