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

WSAVA announces new chair of Vaccination Guidelines Group
"I am grateful for the trust of the VGG and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to further advance the mission of the WSAVA" - Dr Mary Marcondes
Brazilian vet Dr Mary Marcondes takes over the role.

Dr Mary Marcondes has been announced as the new chair of The World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA’s) Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG). She succeeds Dr Richard Squires, who is remaining a member of the VGG.

Dr Marcondes is a Brazilian veterinarian who qualified at the University of São Paulo, and subsequently completed a residency there in small animal internal medicine and surgery. She holds an MSc and PhD in clinical veterinary science, and has held postdoctoral positions in infectious diseases at the University of São Paulo Medical School, and the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California. 

She went on to spend 26 years working for São Paulo State University (UNESP) before retiring as an associate professor of small animal internal medicine and infectious diseases.

The VGG is a team of experts from around the world who are focused on providing evidence-based scientific advice to the global veterinary profession on optimum practice for dogs and cats.

The latest version of peer-reviewed WSAVA Global Guidelines on Vaccination for veterinarians is due to be released during the WSAVA World Congress 2023 which is being held in Lisbon, Portugal this September. 

Dr Ellen van Nierop, WSAVA president, said: “VGG Guidelines are transforming vaccination practice around the world and we are grateful for the huge contribution that Dr Marcondes has already made to the VGG. We are delighted to welcome her to the new role of VGG Chair and look forward to working with her and the rest of the team as it starts this new chapter.” 

Dr Marcondes said: “I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to continue the important work initiated by Professor Michael Day and Dr Richard Squires. It is a privilege to carry forward their vision. This position carries immense importance as it allows me to contribute to the wellbeing of small companion animals on a global scale. I am grateful for the trust of the VGG and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to further advance the mission of the WSAVA to advance the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide through an educated, committed and collaborative global community of veterinary peers.”

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

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.

 

Click here for more...
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.