BVA reveals winner of Young Vet of the Year 2025
“I truly do love the work that I do, island vetting really is unique and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help make a difference." – Leah Hunter
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has named mixed animal veterinary surgeon Leah Hunter as this year’s BVA Young Vet of the Year.
The award was presented as part of the association’s second annual BVA Awards, held on 16 October at BVA’s headquarters in London.
A 2021 graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Dr Hunter went on to work as a mixed animal practice Flett and Carmichael Veterinary Surgeons. Both in practice and in the surrounding Orkney countryside, Dr Hunter is praised for her dedication and compassion for her patients.
Outside of the practice, Dr Hunter is closely involved with a number of charities, including as a British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) medic and a Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme volunteer. This work sees her respond to emergency call-outs for seals, porpoises and dolphins – providing life-saving first aid.
Dr Hunter said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award; this is an amazing way to mark my first four years in the veterinary profession. I am very humbled to even be nominated, let alone win this award, especially when I know how many amazing and talented young vets there are in the UK.
“I truly do love the work that I do, island vetting really is unique and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help make a difference. I wish a huge congratulations to my fellow finalists too, they are inspiring veterinary professionals, and I wish them all the best with their careers.”
BVA president Rob Williams said: “A huge congratulations to Leah for winning this prestigious award. Her dedication to pets, farm animals and wildlife is exceptional – not content with giving the highest possible care during working hours, her work outside the walls of her practice is also outstanding.”
The BVA Awards ceremony also saw BVA Outstanding Service Award presented to Dr Rachel Dean, the BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award presented to Prof Andrew Cunningham, and the BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award presented to Dr Polly Compston.
Image © British Veterinary Association
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.
