New RCVS Vice President elected
Image - RCVS
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced the uncontested election of Colonel Neil Smith RAVC to the post of Vice-President. Col. Smith is due to assume office on 6th July 2012. Also, the RCVS announced the confirmation of Jacqui Molyneux as President and Dr Jerry Davies as Vice-President, which will also take effect in July 2012.
Col. Smith graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 1989, and was commissioned into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) with the intention of staying for four years. Twenty-two years later, he is now the Director Army Veterinary and Remount Services, effectively the Chief Veterinary Officer for the Army and head of the RAVC, which currently has over 35 Veterinary Officers. He has also previously been President of the RVC Student Union Society, the RVC Alumnus Association, Southern Counties, and the Association of Government Veterinarians. He is currently a Council member of the Central Veterinary Society, and has previously sat on the BVA's Veterinary Policy Group.
Commenting on his election, Col. Smith said “I am honoured to have been elected as the next Vice-President. The College is about to go through some significant organisational changes, not least because of the proposed legislative reform order. However, I aim to ensure that we remain focused on our primary role in safeguarding the health and welfare of animals committed to veterinary care. The functions of the RCVS are quite diverse, and I am keen that we try to enhance both the profession’s and the public’s understanding of our remit, including our responsibility for educational, ethical and clinical standards.”
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. 
