BVA Young Vet of the Year announced
David Charles, winner of the BVA Young Vet of the Year award, alongside BVA president Elizabeth Mullineaux and Oya Canbas of the prize's sponsor Zoetis.
The winner of this year’s British Veterinary Association (BVA) Young Vet of the Year award has been revealed.
David Charles, who works as an international business development manager for NoBACZ Healthcare, received the award during the BVA Awards Dinner on 14 November.
A graduate of the University of Bristol, Dr Charles has worked in mixed practice and as part of a farm animal team in Derbyshire. During his his time in the Midlands, he relaunched the practice’s flock health club and secured funding for breeding services to support sheep farms.
After being injured in a serious car accident, he had to leave behind full-time clinical work and began doing consultancy work. He joined NoBACZ Healthcare earlier this year.
After winning the award, Dr Charles said: “I was stunned to even be nominated for this prestigious award, let alone win it! I am absolutely delighted and humbled at the same time.
“My career has been a real journey of ups and downs so far, but I’ve overcome the challenges in my way and have had the chance to undertake and create several different opportunities since having to step away from full-time clinical work.
“I hope to do this award justice and to inspire other young vets who may also be going through difficult times to rise to the challenge and embrace the varied opportunities our profession offers. Congratulations to my fellow finalists too.”
The event, hosted at the London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf, also saw several other awards given out to honour people and practices for their contributions to the veterinary profession.
The BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award) was presented to Paula Boyden, veterinary director at the charity Dogs Trust, for her work improving the lives of dogs, veterinary professionals, and animal owners.
Eddie Clutton, clinical director of the Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals (Roslin Institute), received the BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal) for his contributions to the field of veterinary anaesthesia.
Three workplaces were celebrated in the Wellbeing Award for the support they offer their teams. The small/medium practice award, for workplaces with up to 25 employees, was won by Axe Valley Large Animal Vets in Cheddar, Somerset. The large practice award went to Old Golf House Vets, in Thetford, Norfolk, and the non-clinical workplace winner was the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire.
BVA president Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Whether working in small animal, equine or farm practices, or in a wide range of non-clinical roles, vets make a vital contribution to society.
“The BVA Awards is an opportunity to showcase the very best of their achievements, from our committed early career vets and teams going the extra mile to support wellbeing, through to practitioners with long and outstanding careers with lasting impact.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners, who should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved not only for themselves but on behalf of the whole profession.”
Image © BVA
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. 
