“A positive force for change”
Mandisa Greene is standing for election to the RCVS Council.
Small animal vet Mandisa Greene hopes to be a “positive force for change” on the RCVS Council. If elected, she says she will represent a growing majority of women, working mothers, recent graduates and vets with diverse backgrounds.
Mandisa spoke to MRCVSonline about home visits, boosting support for new graduates and helping the college to connect better with the profession.
1. Why did you decide to stand for election?
I was motivated to stand for election by the recent decision regarding Mr Chikosi made by the RCVS in a very publicised disciplinary hearing. I felt as though the people involved might have been somewhat disconnected from the practicalities and the very real, difficult positions that practising vets face on a day-to-day basis.
I believe that changing expectations and dialogue about home visits will only be possible when individuals with diverse working experiences and practices are able to contribute to the body that is responsible for our code of professional conduct.
2. What are you hoping to achieve if you are elected to the council?
I am hoping to represent the voice of the growing majority. Recent graduates, women, working mothers and people with diverse and international backgrounds. I would also like to encourage and support the RCVS to a somewhat more credible position with its younger members where there is more activity and engagement not only with this group of members but all members who are working in difficult and challenging environments.
3. What changes would you like to see in the profession?
I would like to see us move beyond the status quo and the expectation for home visits removed from the code of conduct. I think there will still be situations that require vets to do home visits but the climate of fear that surrounds this situation is unnecessary.
I would like to see more support for young graduates, especially vets in difficult working situations. I think our network needs to be more united and supportive.
4. Where do you see the college in five years?
With a more active and dynamic membership. Engaged with, and on top of, the current issues faced by members, and proactively working for its members who are working in difficult and challenging environments.
5. Why should our members vote for you?
Because I represent the change I would like to see in the council. My journey to becoming a vet was not an easy one, but I succeeded because of determination, motivation and the support of my family and friends. I believe that with support and enthusiasm, I can be a positive force for change within the council.
6. How can the college connect better with the veterinary profession?
The college can connect physically with the profession by making use of social media and other means of communication that are relevant to our times (free webinars, podcasts, online forums, even Twitter and Instagram for interesting cases).
However, the college also needs to connect emotionally with its members by getting out and being involved in the real issues they are facing. More member consultation needs to be carried out – and more listening to members.
I hope to support the college in moving beyond simply seeking opinions from members, to really engaging and feeding back to members where ideas and suggestions have been adopted.
If elected to the RCVS Council, Mandisa will take up her seat in July. Ballot papers are being posted today (March 19) and all votes must be cast by April 25 at 5pm.
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