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WSAVA welcomes new president
Dr Ellen van Nierop.

Dr Ellen van Nierop will lead the association's global community. 

Small animal clinician Dr Ellen van Nierop, who practises in Quito, Ecuador, has been named president of the WSAVA.

Originally from the Netherlands, Dr Nierop was elected president at the WSAVA World Congress (29-31 October) in Lima, Peru. She will be supported by Dr Jim Berry from Canada, who was elected WSAVA vice president. 

Ellen said: “I am honoured to serve the veterinary profession as WSAVA President and will ensure that we continue to strengthen and grow our global veterinary community in order to build a better future for both our current members and those still to come.”

"As a practising clinician, I find the WSAVA’s educational resources invaluable and, as a member of the Executive Board, I have seen at first hand the hugely positive influence the association is having in terms of raising standards of companion animal veterinary care around the world."

A graduate of Ghent University in Belgium, Ellen runs a small animal clinic with her husband, who is also a vet. She first joined the WSAVA Executive Board in 2013 and has been the Ecuadorian representative of the WSAVA for AMVEPE since 2009. 

Other new roles on the WSAVA executive board include Dr Oscar Umaña from Costa Rica as honorary treasurer and Dr Jerzy Gawor from Poland as Board Member.

Image (C) WSAVA.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 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.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.