Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS elects new junior vice president
Dr Christopher (Kit) Sturgess has served on council as an elected member since 2013.

Dr Kit Sturgess to assume role from 2020-21

The RCVS has announced that Dr Christopher (Kit) Sturgess has been appointed as the new junior vice president of the College for 2020 to 2021.

As an RCVS-recognised specialist in small animal medicine, Dr Strugess has been working as an internist in private referral practice since 2003. As well as being a member of a range of RCVS committees and project groups, he is currently chair of the RCVS Finances & Resources Committee and has been RCVS treasurer since 2017.

Dr Sturgess is also chair of the Small Animal Veterinary Association and a trustee of both Cats Protection and the Wildheart Trust.

Commenting on his election, Dr Sturgess said: "It was a great honour to be elected as the next junior vice president by my fellow council members. I feel that I can make a positive contribution to the work that the RCVS is already undertaking in ensuring the veterinary team remains healthy and respected.

“In particular I am keen to look at how the RCVS can help find solutions to our workforce issues – improving retention as well as encouraging and facilitating vets and nurses back into the profession."

In addition to the appointment of Dr Sturgess as junior vice president, Dr Mandisa Greene was confirmed as president for 2020 to 2021 and current president, Dr Niall Connell, was confirmed as senior vice president for this period.

Professor Susan Dawson was also voted in as RCVS treasurer. Prof Dawson is currently professor and head of school at the University of Liverpool and is chair of the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative. She will formally begin her new role on Friday 10 July during Royal College Day.

Prof Dawson said: “I have been a proud member of the veterinary profession since 1983 and am delighted to be on RCVS Council where, along with our colleagues in Belgravia House, we get the opportunity to make a difference. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on Council and am very grateful for being given the opportunity to take on the role of treasurer.

“With all the things happening in the veterinary professions and beyond, it is an exciting time to take on the treasurer role and I will do my very best to do as good a job as previous treasurers.”

Image (c) RCVS.

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.