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Two trustees welcomed to BSAVA Board of Officers
Niall Connell will take the role of junior vice president.
Niall Connell and Jo Megarity will take their posts on 19 June.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is to welcome two new trustees to its Board of Officers in June.

Niall Connell and Jo Megarity will be formally accepted into their posts at BSAVA's Annual General Meeting, which takes place on 19 June at Woodrow House, Gloucester.

Taking the role of junior vice president will be Niall Connell, a previous volunteer in BSAVA's volunteer development committee.

Dr Connell earned his BVMS degree in Glasgow, before entering mixed animal practice in Fife. He moved to PDSA in London, before returning to Glasgow.

For ten years, Dr Connell served on the council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). He was RCVS president from 2019 to 2020, before becoming RCVS treasurer for two years.

In 2022 he became FRCVS, in recognitions of his contributions to the veterinary profession. He is currently chair of the RCVS Fellowship Board and a trustee of the Scottish SSPCA.

Dr Connell said:  “I am thrilled to be accepted for this role. BSAVA is an incredible organisation and their important work in the veterinary community has helped to empower me through most of my professional career.”

Jo Megarity RVN will accept the role of honorary treasurer, becoming the first veterinary nurse to join the BSAVA's Board of Officers.

Ms Megarity has worked in the veterinary industry since 2007. She has a special interest in rabbits, and provides rabbit specific CPD in the UK and abroad.

From 2019 to 2020, Ms Megarity was the president of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). She is currently secretary of the Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses, and has been a BSAVA volunteer on the education committee for one and a half years.

Ms Megarity said: “It’s an honour to be the first ever nurse appointed as a BSAVA trustee and further shows the associations commitment to supporting the veterinary team approach; ensuring that nursing skill sets are both included and celebrated across all aspects of the association.”

Amanda Stranack, CEO at the BSAVA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Niall and Jo to the BSAVA Board of Officers.

“Their combined insight, experience and passion for the veterinary profession will be a huge asset as we continue to evolve. We look forward to the fresh perspectives they will bring to the Association’s strategic direction.”

Image © BSAVA

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

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 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

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VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.