Three veterinary professionals were recognised with prestigious awards during the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) annual BVA Day, held on 26 September at its headquarters in London.
The event, which included the association’s Annual General Meeting, celebrated the achievements of these individuals for their contributions to the veterinary profession.
The awards presented at the event were the BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) and the Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship. Each recipient was acknowledged for their dedication, hard work, and the positive impact they have made within the profession.
BVA Council Impact Award: Dr Kate Higgins
Dr Kate Higgins was awarded the BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) for her outstanding contributions to the BVA Council. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in 2002, Dr Higgins has spent much of her career in small animal practice, currently working as the owner of Village Vets in Formby, near Liverpool. Since joining the BVA Council, she has been a strong advocate for her region, ensuring that the views and concerns of local veterinary professionals are represented in discussions.
Dr Higgins has played a significant role in the BVA’s response to the ongoing Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into veterinary services, contributing through her involvement in the BVA Transparency and Client Choice Working Group. Speaking about the award, she expressed her gratitude, saying: “I was both surprised and humbled to learn I’d been selected to receive the John Bleby Cup this year. The CMA investigation is one of the most important issues facing our sector at the moment, and I’m grateful to have been able to contribute.”
Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship
The Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship was awarded to two deserving recipients this year. The full scholarship was granted to final-year University of Liverpool student Natasha Tredgold, who will use the funding to support her research project at the Talarak Foundation’s Conservation Breeding Centre in the Philippines. Her project focuses on investigating the effects of radio telemetry harness attachments on critically endangered Negros Bleeding Heart doves, with the aim of improving post-release monitoring and increasing survival rates of this species.
Natasha expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, which she says will help her pursue her interests in wildlife medicine and the welfare impacts of veterinary interventions. “I’m incredibly grateful to be awarded the 2024 scholarship. It is a massive help towards my project, and I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to develop my interest in wildlife medicine,” she said.
Due to the high calibre of applications for the scholarship this year, the BVA Trustees also awarded a special smaller travel scholarship to Cambridge graduate Sinthu Devkumar. Sinthu’s project focuses on evaluating Disaster Risk Reduction strategies using a One Health approach in Japan. With a Master’s degree in Environmental Change and Management, she hopes to further her career in the intersection of health and the environment. The scholarship will support her in conducting fieldwork and engaging with experts in the field of health and disaster management.
Sinthu commented on the importance of the scholarship in advancing her project, saying: “As someone keen to pursue a career in One Health, I’m thrilled to have received part of this scholarship. I am very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important field.”
Recognition for Outstanding Dedication
Outgoing BVA President Dr Anna Judson praised the award recipients for their dedication and impact on the profession. She highlighted Dr Higgins’ work on the BVA Council, noting her valuable contributions to the profession, particularly in relation to the CMA investigation. Dr Judson also expressed admiration for the research projects undertaken by Natasha and Sinthu, acknowledging their commitment to tackling important issues in wildlife medicine and disaster management.
“This year’s BVA achievement awards shine a light on three inspiring members of Team Vet. Kate’s hard work and contributions since joining not only BVA Council but the veterinary profession itself have been really valuable. We are also really impressed by Natasha and Sinthu: their projects spotlight important issues, and we know their futures in the veterinary profession are bright,” Dr Judson said.
BVA Day continues to be an important event in the veterinary calendar, celebrating the achievements of veterinary professionals and recognising their contributions to animal health, welfare, and the wider profession.
