Danny Chambers shares his hopes for the future of the RCVS
The RCVS has announced the candidates standing in the 2017 RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses Council Elections. This year there are 16 candidates competing for six places in the RCVS Council, including three existing Council members eligible for re-election and 13 candidates not currently on council.
Here we take a look at the manifesto of Mr Danny Chambers - a mixed, equine and small animal vet with a passion for animal welfare.
Danny graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2008 with an MSc in Infectious Disease Control. Since completing his studies, Danny has worked in veterinary practices both in the UK and New Zealand. In 2016, he locumed in the equine departments at The Universities of Edinburgh and Bristol.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Danny has participated in One Health projects across the globe. To date he has supervised veterinary students in India and implemented a livestock programme in Iraq. Danny says that these experiences helped him to gain an even greater appreciation of how the veterinary sector can improve lives around the world.
With ‘fake news’ dominating the headlines, Danny’s candidate manifesto is a timely reminder that the medical professions - together with scientists and experts - are suffering from a decline in public trust. If elected, Danny aims to ensure that the public understands that the best quality advice regarding animal health comes from a qualified veterinary surgeon.
‘Our membership of the RCVS differentiates us from the many so-called alternative or holistic practitioners who offer potentially dangerous advice or delay the seeking of effective treatment,’ he writes. ‘I would aim to ensure that the RCVS offers the profession and the public clear guidance about the value of conventional, complementary and alternative therapies following the Standards Committee Review of the RCVS’ position on complementary and alternative therapies.’
He continues: ‘In particular, the RCVS needs to clarify where the boundaries of acceptable practice lie for those vets abusing their privileged position as members of our profession to sell therapies and products that have no plausible basis in science.’
Outside of work, Danny enjoys mountain biking, trail running and playing the guitar. With a great sense of humour, he appreciates the value of a healthy work-life balance. He also understands how feelings of stress in the workforce can lead to mental health problems. Insufficient earnings, long working hours and increasing public expectations are all linked to an increased drop out from clinical practice - and research shows that graduates are most at risk.
‘If elected, I would work to ensure that the good work started by the Mind Matters Initiative and Vet Futures leads to positive changes in working environments, particularly for recent graduates,’ he writes.
Ballot papers and candidates’ details will be posted to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote during the week commencing 13 March. All votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5 pm on Friday, 28 April 2017.
Image (C) RCVS
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.
