University of Edinburgh graduate receives prestigious scholarship at BVA veterinary achievement awards

A recent veterinary graduate from the University of Edinburgh has received a highly respected scholarship at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) awards ceremony. 

BVA yesterday announced the winners of its four prestigious veterinary achievement awards at its annual Members’ Day, held this year at Clare College, University of Cambridge.

The annual awards recognise the exceptional commitment, work and achievements of vets from across the profession. Dr Rosa Loedel, a veterinary graduate from University of Edinburgh received the Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship during the ceremony.

The Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship was established in 1953 to honour the memory of Mr Henry Steele-Bodger, President of BVA from 1939-41, in recognition of his great services to the veterinary profession and to agriculture, particularly during the Second World War.

The award is open to penultimate or final year students at veterinary schools in the UK and Ireland or to those who have qualified from these schools within the previous three years. The grant will assist with visits to a veterinary or agricultural school, research institute or some other course of study approved by the Trustees.

Dr Rosa Loedel, a recent veterinary graduate from the University of Edinburgh, developed a keen interest in global health and the impact of infectious diseases of socioeconomic, geopolitical and ecological factors.

She is fascinated by challenges such as the reemergence of infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance and the impacts of climate change on human, animal and environmental health. She is now in Paris to complete an internship with the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Rosa said: “Vets are multi-skilled operators in many fields, I am excited to gain further insight into how we use our skills to protect animal health and welfare; to protect public health; and to protect our trade and our economy.

“I’m delighted to receive this award as it enables me to take on this fantastic opportunity with WOAH. I am excited to be able to experience an international organisation and hone in on my project focus areas of dog-mediated rabies control and research coordination.”

Outgoing BVA President Justine Shotton said: “Congratulations to all five winners. These highly sought-after awards shine a well-deserved light on an exceptional group of veterinary professionals, who each in their own field and practice, have helped propel the veterinary profession forward.

“Congratulations to you all on behalf of everyone at BVA.” 

Other awards presented today include the BVA’s most prestigious scientific award, the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal along with the Chiron Award and John Bleby Cup.

This year’s other winners are:

·        Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal – Professor Tim Greet, equine surgery specialist

·        Chiron Award – Dr David McKeown, farm and mixed practice vet, Veterinary Defence Society Member Services Director and mental health volunteer with Vetlife, VetSupport and the Samaritans

·        John Bleby Cup – Mr Paul Freeman, retired mixed practice vet, BVA Council and North of England Veterinary Association member and Vetlife Trustee

·        Harry Steele-Bodger Scholarships – University of Cambridge student Annabelle Lack

BVA Members’ Day and AGM is an annual event which includes the awards ceremony and the election of BVA’s President, Senior Vice President and Junior Vice President.

The BVA Member Survey 2022 is live until 3 October 2022, offering every BVA member the chance to help shape the future of BVA.

The survey takes just 15 minutes to complete using the unique link sent to members via email. The results will be used to help BVA deliver the best possible support to the profession.