Newbury vet becomes president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association

A Newbury vet has taken up the prestigious position of president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA).

Carl Gorman, clinical director of the Falkland Veterinary Clinic, took up the post in June and will hold it for the next twelve months.

Mr Gorman, who first became a member of the association when he was a student, said it was a “massive honour” to take on the role.

“It will be a busy year,” he added. “Usually it’s a full-time job but I am having to work in the practice a few days a week still.”

In his Newtown Road clinic Mr Gorman specialises in keyhole and orthopedic surgery, as well as dealing with the exotic animals that are brought in.

The BSAVA is the association representing small animal vets in the UK, with the purpose to drive excellence in veterinary practice to improve the health and welfare of small animals, and with the mission to enable the community of small animal veterinary professionals to develop their knowledge and skills through leading-edge education, scientific research and collaboration.

The BSAVA runs the largest veterinary congress in the UK and provides CPD for vets through its regional structure, running a range of accredited post graduate certificates in areas such as medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care and ophthalmology.

It also works with the British Veterinary Association and the government on legislation and rules and regulations governing things such as kennels and dog walkers.

“It is one of the most prestigious positions in our profession,” Mr Gorman added.

“The people who do it are all volunteers and we do it because of our love of the profession.

“We have a lot to give back and we like to be involved in leading the profession.”

The role will take Mr Gorman to a number of conferences including some overseas, which he says are a great way to meet “a lot of really interesting people” and grow your network of colleagues.

Mr Gorman took on the Falkland Veterinary Practice back in 1989, before it became part of CVS, one of the largest corporate veterinary groups in the UK, in 2009. It is now a teaching practice for veterinary students from the University of Surrey.