The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Dr Anna Judson, a GP vet, as its new president for 2023-2024.
Judson was elected at the association’s Members’ Day in Glasgow yesterday (Thursday, September 28).
Speaking on her appointment, Judson said she wishes to build a “thriving” veterinary profession in the UK.
“We must ask ourselves difficult questions about what we could be doing differently to bring about positive change,” she said.
“Creating good veterinary workplaces is vital to the future of the profession, which in turn is good for animal welfare and sustainability.
“I am confident that together we can continue to build a modern, accessible profession for everyone.
“One that cares about and advocates for good animal welfare, that provides a rewarding career for all those who seek to be part of it, and one that takes action to protect the planet and its incredible ecosystem that makes this all possible.”
Anna Judson
Judson was a graduate of Liverpool Vet School in 1987 and her veterinary career has included ownership of both mixed and small animal practices in rural mid Wales.
She is a past president of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS), has an MSc in nature conservation and has led veterinary sustainability initiatives.
During her first speech as president yesterday, Judson announced her presidential theme for the duration of her term: ‘A profession for everyone’.
“We need to build a thriving profession, we need one that attracts and holds onto our people, one that provides the right care at the right time to our patients, and one that contributes positively, rather than impacting on, the planet we share with other animals,” she said.
“BVA’s Good Veterinary Workplace initiative is already helping practices to build a more flexible, inclusive and sustainable profession of which we can all be proud.
“My theme will accelerate that progress, with BVA taking practical steps to support vet teams to build workplaces where everyone can thrive.”
Judson said she is also aiming to ensure BVA members’ voices are heard as part of the recently launched Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review.
Earlier this month, the CMA launched a review into the veterinary services market for household pets. The aim of the review is to explore how well the market is working for pet owners who are paying for veterinary services.
Judson urged vets to share their inputs directly with the BVA and the CMA.
“It’s important for us all to recognise that the outcome may have far-reaching consequences, not just for companion animal vet teams but across the profession more broadly,” she said.
“Although undoubtedly challenging, we see the review as an opportunity to shine a light on the highly skilled and compassionate work that vets and vet teams deliver day in, day out for animals and their clients across the UK.
“It’s a chance to demonstrate our value and reset the damaging narrative in the media around costs of veterinary care, something that BVA has been tirelessly challenging over the last twelve months since the cost-of-living crisis took hold.”
Outgoing president and other roles
Outgoing BVA president and equine vet Dr Malcolm Morley will now step into the post of BVA senior vice president.
During his presidential year, Morley focused on the theme of ‘Investing in people’ to help both veterinary employers and employees build positive, inclusive workplaces and a supporting culture.
Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux has been elected as the new BVA junior vice president.
An RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) recognised specialist in wildlife medicine, Mullineaux juggles roles as a locum small animal vet in Edinburgh; invited tutor on wildlife and conservation medicine courses at universities in England, Scotland and Italy; and scientific advisor to Secret World Wildlife Rescue.
She is also past president of the British Veterinary Zoological Society.
BVA awards
At the BVA Members’ Day, the association unveiled the winners of its veterinary achievement awards.
The awards aim to recognise the exceptional commitment, work and achievements of vets from across the profession.
This year’s awards and winners are:
- BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal): Dr Richard Sibley (Dick Sibley);
- BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award): Dr Jane Ladlow;
- BVA Council Impact Award (John Bleby Cup): Dr Elysé Summerfield-Smith;
- BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Scholarship): Dr Kimberly Tam;
- BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award): Dr Luke Gamble;
- Vet Record Impact Award: Angela Heeley, Dave Brodbelt, Dan O’Neill, David Church and Lucy Davison.
