The search is now on for the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA’s) Young Vet of the Year 2023.
The award, now in its fifth year, celebrates vets in the early stages of their career and recognises an outstanding individual nominated by other veterinary professions.
It is open to all those registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and in the first eight years of their careers.
Nominations, which are being accepted until midnight on Monday, August 28, can be from those working within any veterinary sphere, including clinical practice, research, education or veterinary politics, and the award is open for self-entry and nominations.
The winner will receive £1,000 prize money, one year of free BVA membership, a mentoring/engagement opportunity with the award sponsor Zoetis, and career development opportunities including becoming a BVA ambassador and more.
The BVA said that there are many reasons a vet may be awarded the title, including: The applicant may have championed causes in the sector, provided outstanding care for their patients, supported their clients and colleagues, given back to their community or gone the extra mile.
They may also be chosen for instances where they have inspired others in the veterinary community or for when their dedication has had a significant impact, it said.
Judging criteria includes:
- Outstanding and consistent levels of care to their patients;
- Outstanding professionalism;
- Great interpersonal skills with both colleagues and pet owners;
- Those who have gone above and beyond the normal call of duty;
- Those who have made a significant impact to a specific cause or the veterinary community.
Commenting on the awards, BVA junior vice-president, Anna Judson said: “Our profession is full of incredible people, who are doing amazing work: Vets who give their absolute best every day to give animals exemplary care as well as showing compassion and understanding to their owners.
“They are doing this fantastic work against a challenging, highly pressured backdrop of workforce shortages, a cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis.
“However, our vets, including vets in the early stages of their career, consistently step up to the challenge and I’m so proud to be part of this profession.
“Now is the time to celebrate these young vets, who work so hard and deserve to be recognised for the vital roles they play in looking after the health and welfare of animals in the UK.”
Finalists will be contacted by the middle of October and the winner will be announced at the gala dinner of the London Vet Show in November 2023.
