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Improve International awards Louise O'Dwyer Scholarship 2022
"I hope to be able to continue Louise's legacy by inspiring other veterinary nurses to follow their own aspirations at any stage of their career" - Claire Thomas.

Claire Thomas RVN 'honoured and excited' for the opportunity. 

The winner of the Louise O'Dwyer Scholarship for 2022 has been announced as Claire Thomas RVN.

Claire, who works at Dick White Referrals, will study Emergency and Critical Care, and will be awarded a Nurse Certificate (NCert) by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).

The scholarship is given in memory of Louise O'Dwyer, a much-loved and highly respected and awarded veterinary nurse, who died in 2019. 

Louise was passionate about Emergency and Critical Care (ECC), and lectured on the topic at courses and congresses around the world, as well as on Improve International's ISVPS NCert ECC training course. 

With over twenty years' experience in general practice, Claire made the decision to become an ECC nurse and follow her passion to care for critically ill patients.

Dr Charlotte French, of Improve International, said: “We are delighted to award the Louise O’Dwyer Scholarship to Claire and excited to see her bring her passion and ambition to our ISVPS NCert Emergency and Critical Care training programme. 

“We believe she will excel in this discipline and inspire other vet nurses to advance their own skills and confidence in this vital area of veterinary medicine. Many congratulations.”

Claire commented on her successful application: “I am truly honoured and excited to have been chosen for the Louise O’Dwyer Legacy Scholarship for 2022. Thank you to Louise’s family and Improve International for this amazing opportunity. 

“Louise was an inspirational nurse who always promoted autonomy within the profession and encouraged nurses to follow their own interests in a specialist field. I hope to be able to continue Louise’s legacy by inspiring other nurses to follow their own aspirations at any stage of their career.

“I hope to use this scholarship to further my knowledge and develop practical skills to enhance my role as an ECC nurse and provide the best clinical care to critically ill patients.”

 

Image (C) Improve International

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.