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WSAVA appoints chair of new standards steering committee
“I am really looking forward to joining the WSAVA team” – Rochelle Low.
The committee will create a set of standards for companion animal practices.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has announced the chair of its newly established Standards Steering Committee.

Rochelle Low, global vice-president of veterinary quality and patient safety at Mars Veterinary Health, will take on the role.

The committee has been created to develop and launch the WSAVA's Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practices (ESCAVP). These standards are intended to help companion animal veterinary practices to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and access support resources.

Under Low’s leadership, the Standards Steering Committee will initially focus on identifying partner organisations that can contribute to the development and launch of the ESCAVP, and creating a practical project plan outlining key milestones and areas of focus.

In her role at Mars Veterinary Health, Dr Low has had responsibility of overseeing patient safety initiatives, addressing antimicrobial resistance, and leading the design and development of quality programmes and standards.

As well as holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, she has completed a Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality at Johns Hopkins University and a Master's in Healthcare Leadership at Brown University.

Dr Low said: “I am excited and honoured to take on the role of chair of the Essential Standards Committee for WSAVA.

“Setting key standards for companion animal practice globally will make an important difference to our patients and the veterinary teams that care for them. I am really looking forward to joining the WSAVA team.”

Ellen van Nierop, WSAVA president, added: “Rochelle's proven track record of leadership and her dedication to veterinary medicine make her the ideal candidate to guide our efforts in implementing WSAVA’s Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practices.”

Image © WSAVA

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.