Vets gather to honour Des Thompson
“There are not enough words to really explain how much Des has given to vets, nurses, students, owners, and pets throughout his career” – Alison Speakman.
Veterinary associations in Northern Ireland came together on Tuesday, 7 November to mark 40 years since Des Thompson OBE was president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and celebrate his contribution to the veterinary profession.
More than 50 delegates attended the event in Belfast, alongside Mr Thompson, his wife Rosalie, and two of his daughters.
The day included CPD from speaker Ed Hall and speeches from the organisations attending the meeting, including the BSAVA, the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland, the British Veterinary Association Northern Ireland, and the Young Vet Network in Northern Ireland.
In addition to serving as BSAVA president, Mr Thompson has also served as president of other major veterinary organisations including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Northern Ireland Veterinary Association, and as chairman of the Ulster Branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
In 1991, he was awarded an OBE for his contributions to the veterinary profession and in 2014 he was the first person to receive the RCVS Queen’s Medal.
Although he retired as a veterinary surgeon in 2009, he remains an active member of the veterinary community in Northern Ireland.
Alison Speakman, BSAVA senior vice-president, said: “There are not enough words to really explain how much Des has given to vets, nurses, students, owners, and pets throughout his career.
“He is one of the kindest, most supportive, humble, and true gentlemen you will ever meet, and it is an honour to celebrate his outstanding achievements with him and his wife Rosalie.”
Image © BSAVA
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
