BVA Young Vet of the Year 2025 finalists announced
Dr Urquhart-Gilmore has been nominated in recognition of her care for patients, clients and her colleagues.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has revealed this year’s finalists for the Young Vet of the Year Award.
The BVA’s award judging panel has selected three veterinary surgeons, from a variety of practice backgrounds, that have excelled in the early stages of their career.
This year’s finalists were chosen by BVA president Liz Mullineaux, Zoetis representative Sophie Duguid, RCVS president Tim Parkin and last year’s winner David Charles. The panel discussed entrants’ hard work, career achievements and dedication to the profession.
Jade Urquhart-Gilmore, a small animal veterinary surgeon, has been nominated in recognition for her care for patients, clients and her colleagues.
Dr Urquhart-Gilmore graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2021, working in two small animal first opinion practices before becoming a lead veterinary surgeon. Since taking the role, she has aimed to improve communication, introduced regular case reflections, and sought to ensure all team members feel valued.
She is currently studying for a Master’s degree in clinical animal behaviour, and is also advocating for better sustainability and inclusivity.
Dr Urquhart-Gilmore said: “Becoming a vet has been a lifelong dream for me. I love my job and my brilliant team and strive to deliver the best for my patients, clients and team members.
“I’m a passionate advocate for inclusivity and sustainability within our profession and hope to continue championing these in all my work in the future.”
Another nominee is mixed animal veterinary surgeon Leah Hunter, who has been recognised for her dedication, compassion and professionalism in all aspects of her work.
A graduate from the University of Edinburgh, Dr Hunter now works at a mixed animal practice in Orkney. She has developed a particular interest in small animal dentistry, regenerative farming and sustainability.
Outside of her work in practice, Dr Hunter remains passionate about nature and conservation. She works with multiple charities in the local area and also provides first aid to stranded whales and dolphins.
Dr Hunter said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been named as one of the finalists for this award. I feel very lucky to have found a job in a beautiful part of the world within such a caring practice in a lovely community.”
The final nominee is Rosemary Charnley, a farm veterinary surgeon in South Wales.
After graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2019, Dr Charnley completed an internship with a large-scale dairy veterinary consultancy in the US. She now has a practice in South Wales, where she is involved with dairy farming herself, and has completed her Master’s degree in cattle nutrition.
She is also the founder of a multi-practice young vet social group, which aims to support early career vets.
Dr Charnley said: “It is a humbling experience to be nominated for this award. I would never have imagined that I would get a call to say I was one of the final three. I hope I can be a positive example to all, not only within our varied veterinary profession but also the industries we support.”
BVA’s Young Vet of the Year will be revealed at the BVA Awards on Thursday, 16 October 2025.
Image © BVA
A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.
