Charity-founding vet receives WSAVA Future Leader Award
Dr Campling has provided frontline veterinary care for pets and owners affected by the war in Ukraine.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has named the recipient of the 2024 Future Leader Award as Gemma Campling.
Dr Campling is recognised for her involvement with veterinary medicine, training and work with animal welfare, as well as the leadership she presents in developing countries.
Soon after graduating Nottingham University, Dr Campling founded the animal welfare charity Worldwide Vets. The charity aims to help students and graduates to gain clinical experience, while also supporting charities in need of volunteers.
Through her work as chief executive officer and founder of Worldwide Vets, Dr Campling has developed extensive experience providing frontline veterinary outreach in challenging environments.
This has included providing vital support to animals and their owners affected by the war in Ukraine, community outreach and sterilisation in Thailand and a high caseload equine practice in Egypt. The charity now also works in Peru, Costa Rica, India, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Alongside this, Dr Campling created the Worldwide Vets Golden Star Award, which celebrates those in the veterinary and animal care industry who make significant contribution to animal welfare and conservation.
She has been praised by contemporaries for her wide range of veterinary expertise, sharing this knowledge and her dedication to continued learning. She is also celebrated for her holistic approach to veterinary care, such as introducing the THRIVE mental health course for veterinary surgeons and nurses.
Dr Campling was nominated for WSAVA’s Future Leader Award by Ginger Templeton, a consultant and small animal practitioner.
Dr Templeton said: "While her work on the front lines in Ukraine is attention-grabbing, what is perhaps most important is that she has intentionally positioned this work to fuel sustainability in local vet care and local employment while offering free services to those in need."
Ellen van Nierop, president of WSAVA, said: "Dr. Campling is a credit to her community, as her work not only saves lives but also provides quality training opportunities for future generations of veterinarians.
“Her relentless commitment to animal welfare, her innovative approaches in veterinary medicine, and her courage and leadership in the field make her an exemplary recipient of the WSAVA Future Leader Award”.
Image © WSAVA
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
