Bright future for RCVS
Image: Tom Witte
Newly elected council member Tom Witte - the youngest candidate to stand for election - stormed to the top of the election results with an impressive 2251 votes.
Commenting on his success, he said: "I am very pleased but also humbled by the support of our members and to be part of such an important institution. I am passionate about our profession and I hope that came across in my manifesto."
Speaking to MRCVSonline after the election, Dr Witte stressed that his top priority on the council will be to improve two-way communication between the council and the profession.
"I hope that over the next four years I will be able to convey the story and life of being on council back to the profession so we can all have a bit more understanding of what is involved," he said.
His experiences in general and referral practice, he feels, have helped him to hone his own communication skills, while his varied background as a practising vet, researcher and university teacher, have prepared him for his role on the council in many different ways.
Discussing the RCVS' aim of becoming a first-rate regulator, Dr Witte said "I am certainly very excited to be involved at such a progressive time!"
Dr Witte's long-term hope for the college, he says, is simply: "That we continue to go from strength to strength and excel at being the first rate regulator we want to be."
Hopeful for the future, he added: "I believe our profession is in a position of strength but also that it can be so much more than it currently is. That is what I hope I can help to achieve."
Dr Witte noted the "exceptional people" at the college, beginning with the "warm greeting" of Thelma Rees on reception, to the valuable help provided by Nick Stace, Gordon Hockey, Clare Boulton and Nick Royle.
Concluding, Dr Witte said to MRCVSonline members: "A very large thank you for your support, I am truly humbled by it, and I will set out and try to do exactly what I have promised. Please do not hesitate to contact me to bring forward any issues."
Click here to contact Dr Witte.
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.
