Finalists revealed for Young Vet of the Year 2026
This is Jade Urquhart-Gilmore's second nomination for the award.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced its three finalists for this year’s Young Vet of the Year 2026.
The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, is in its ninth year and celebrates inspirational early-career vets who have already made an impact. The winner will be announced at the BVA Awards.
This year’s nominees are Jade Urquhart-Gilmore, Anna Hewison and Rachael White.
It is the second year that Dr Urquhart-Gilmore has been shortlisted for the award, in recognition of the exceptional care she gives. Having graduated in 2021 from the Royal Veterinary College, she is now lead veterinary surgeon at Crofts Veterinary Practice in Surrey.
After suffering a brain injury in 2025, Dr Urquhart-Gilmore also advocates for chronic illness, neurodivergence and disability support in the workplace.
Dr Urquhart-Gilmore said: "During the acute recovery from my traumatic brain injury, the fear of losing my place in the incredible veterinary community became a real concern. But the support I received from the profession, and the love I have for veterinary, has become one of the biggest assets during my recovery."
Dr Anna Hewison, a 2022 University of Nottingham graduate, is a farm veterinary surgeon at Shepton Vets, Somerset. She has been nominated for her high standards of care, commitment to self-development and mentoring her colleagues.
Dr Hewison runs the practice’s Youngstock Club, developing the programme to encourage a closer relationship between veterinary surgeons, technicians and farmers.
She said: “I was honoured and humbled to be nominated for this award–and I can’t believe I’ve been named as a finalist! Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as well as all the hard-working vets providing care to animals of all shapes and sizes."
Rachael White, who graduated from the University of Bristol in 2019, has been nominated for her clinical and surgical progress as well as her attention to detail when planning and performing procedures.
Her colleagues at Emerson’s Green Veterinary Surgery also praise her clinical excellence and leadership at a young age.
Dr White said: "I am humbled to have been nominated for this award, let alone become a finalist! My main passion lies with surgery and I'm currently pursuing a surgical certificate."
The BVA Awards Dinner will take place as part of BVA Live on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
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. 
