The veterinary profession is packed with unsung heroes – often people we work alongside every day who set the standards the rest of us aim to live up to. So the BSAVA Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the inspiring work of our peers. The 2015 recipients have been honoured at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association’s annual Congress, during the opening ceremony hosted by President Patricia Colville. She said, “This is a highlight for me – being able to publically thank some of the vets and veterinary nurses who promote our profession and keep it moving towards ever higher standards of science and welfare. Congratulations to our recipients this year – and I hope we continue to get nominations from across the profession for future years.”

FRANK BEATTIE TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship was established in 1988 in memory of Frank Beattie, a well‑respected practising veterinary surgeon and long-standing member of the BSAVA, and is awarded annually from a generous gift given by Frank’s widow, Annie. The scholarship worth £2000 allows a member of the BSAVA to undertake a trip abroad to study a particular aspect of veterinary practice.

Rachel Dean BVMS PhD DSAM(fel) MRCVS

Recognised RCVS specialist in Feline Medicine Clinical Associate Professor in Feline Medicine, University of Nottingham Director of the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham Rachel Dean graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1996 and spent 6 years in practice before working at the feline centre at the

University of Bristol from 2002–2005. Rachel holds the RCVS Diploma in Feline Medicine and completed a PhD on the epidemiology of feline injection site sarcomas. She is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in Feline Medicine at the University of Nottingham where she directs the Centre of Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine. Rachel has a particular interest in feline infectious diseases and vaccination, and is passionate about improving the health and welfare of homeless cats and dogs. She is the inaugural chair of the Association of Charity Vets.

THE AMOROSO AWARD

This award was instituted in memory of the late Professor EC Amoroso of the Royal Veterinary

College and is presented for outstanding contributions to small animal studies by a non-clinical member of university staff. This award is kindly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and takes the form of a textbook of the awardee’s choice and a cheque.

Kieron Salmon BVSc PhD PGCertHE FHEA MRCVS

Kieron Salmon graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1996 and spent a year in equine practice at Hampden Veterinary Hospital, Aylesbury, followed by 2 years in small animal practice at Birch Veterinary Centre, Birkenhead. At this point in his career Kieron decided he wanted to teach so returned to the University of Liverpool in 1999 to complete a PhD, followed by a post-doctoral position. In 2006 he started a lectureship in anatomy and small animal studies, followed by a lectureship in pre-clinical sciences and clinical skills.

THE MELTON AWARD

This award is presented for meritorious contributions by a veterinary surgeon to small animal veterinary practice and is kindly sponsored by Royal Canin. The award, which takes the form of BSAVA manuals and a cheque, is open only to veterinary surgeons in general practice.

Jeremy Queen BVSc CertSAO MRCVS

Jeremy Queen graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1988. After a spell in practice, he undertook a residency and then lectureship in small animal orthopaedics. He published, and presented at BSAVA, during this time. Since moving into private practice he has undertaken only (mostly referral) orthopaedic and spinal surgery. He has authored a series of orthopaedic articles and runs a local radiography group. Jeremy has given numerous talks, has been a supervisor for several RCVS surgery certificate candidates, and is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Orthopaedics.

THE SIMON AWARD

This award is presented to a member of the BSAVA for outstanding contributions in the field of veterinary surgery. Simon, a Golden Retriever owned by Mr J. Thomas, a blind telephone operator, also became blind and had his sight restored by surgery, thus enabling him to resume his full duties as a guide dog. Mr Thomas, in appreciation of the work and surgical skill which had made this possible, inaugurated and made this award at the 1962 annual Congress. The award takes the form of a statuette of ‘Simon’, BSAVA manuals and a cheque and is kindly sponsored by Veterinary Instrumentation.

Jacqueline Reid BVMS PhD DVA Dip ECVAA MRCVS

Jacqueline Reid graduated from the University of Glasgow and after being awarded her PhD in 1984, went on to specialise in veterinary anaesthesia, during which time she developed an interest in pain assessment and management. She is a founding member of the Glasgow University Pain and Welfare Group (Health-Related Quality of Life, HRQL), a multidisciplinary team with expertise in veterinary medicine, statistics, animal behaviour and psychometric instrument design. Jacqueline is currently an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow and a Director in NewMetrica, a research company that specialises in the development of scientifically robust instruments to measure pain and HRQL in non-verbal species.

THE WOODROW AWARD

This award is presented to a member of the BSAVA for outstanding contributions in the field of small animal veterinary medicine. The award takes the form of BSAVA manuals, a cheque and a gift from the President in memory of C.E. Woodrow, a founder member of the Association and its first President.

Claudia Hartley BVSc Cert V Ophthal Dip ECVO MRCVS

Claudia Hartley qualified from the University of Bristol and spent 9 years in mixed general practice, achieving her RCVS Certificate in Ophthalmology. She undertook her residency at the Animal

Health Trust, and gained her European Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2007. Claudia has been an RCVS Recognised Specialist since 2011 and was Head of Ophthalmology at the Animal Health Trust until 2015.

THE J.A. WIGHT MEMORIAL AWARD

This award is presented by the Blue Cross to recognise outstanding contributions to the welfare of companion animals. The award takes the form of an inscribed figure and a cheque.

David Grant MBE BVetMed Cert SAD FRCVS

After qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 1968, David Grant became a temporary veterinary inspector during the foot‑and-mouth epidemic. He then moved to Kent and worked in farm practice. Following 3 years at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital (which he later became Director of from 1987–2012), David spent a sabbatical year in Medellin, Colombia, did a spell at a small animal practice in London and then 3 years at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, obtaining the RCVS Diploma in Canine Dermatology by examination. He has been an examiner for the certificate and diploma in veterinary dermatology for the RCVS and is a former President of the European Society for Veterinary Dermatology. David was also one of the original members of the BVA Ethics and Welfare Group.

THE BLAINE AWARD

This award is presented for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary medicine or surgery. The award, kindly sponsored by Royal Canin, takes the form of textbooks and a cheque.

Laura Blackwood BVMS (Hons) PhD MVM Cert VR Dip ECVIM-CA (Onc) MRCVS

Laura Blackwood graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1990, and was a house surgeon then locum resident in oncology. In 1993 she moved to a PetSavers Residency in Clinical Oncology at the University of Cambridge. After finishing her residency in 1996, Laura completed a PhD in gene therapy for thyroid tumours at the University of Glasgow. She returned to clinics in Glasgow, then moved to the University of Liverpool in January 2002, as Head of the Small Animal Division. Laura was made Professor of Small Animal Oncology in 2011 and heads up the oncology team.

THE BOURGELAT AWARD

This award is presented by the BSAVA as the primary recognition for really outstanding international contributions to the field of small animal practice. The award takes the form of BSAVA manuals, artwork and a cheque.

Holger A. Volk DVM PGCAP PhD Dip ECVN FHEA MRCVS

Holger Volk is the Clinical Director of the Royal Veterinary College Small Animal Referral Hospital, Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery and currently the President of the European College of Veterinary Neurology. He graduated from the Veterinary School of Hanover in 2001, where he also did a PhD in neuropharmacology. He then completed an internship and a residency in neurology and neurosurgery at the Royal Veterinary College. Holger is known for his work in the field of Chiari-like malformation/ syringomyelia and epilepsy. Holger has been leading the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force, which recently published seven consensus statements for canine and feline epilepsy and was a co-chair of the recently published ACVIM consensus statement about medical treatment of epilepsy. He has published multiple books, over 140 articles and over 200 conference abstracts, and is a frequent speaker on the international conference circuit.

PETSAVERS AWARD

This award is presented to the author of the best clinical research paper published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) during the 12 months ending 30th September 2015. The award takes the form of textbooks and a cheque and is kindly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Gillian Calvo  BSc (Hons) Dip AVN DipHE CVN (Small Animal) CCRP RVN

Development of a behaviour‐based measurement tool with defined intervention level for assessing acute pain in cats Gillian Calvo graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2001 and during her 14 year career has endlessly pushed the boundaries of her profession undertaking various clinical nursing, research and management roles within three University veterinary schools and private referral practice across the UK and Ireland. Gillian has specialised in clinical roles ranging from neurology and rehabilitation, orthopaedics and anaesthesia. Throughout this time she has been awarded a first class honours degree in Clinical Vet Nursing with a corresponding ‘Top Dissertation Award’, the RCVS Advanced

Vet Nursing Diploma, Advanced Clinical Vet Nurse Diploma and a Certificate as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee. Gillian actively entered the realms of clinical research in 2011 while Head Nurse at the University College Dublin and continues to embark on research projects alongside her latest role as the Patient Flow Manager at the Royal Veterinary College. Gillian remains fearlessly intrigued and excited about the challenges ahead of her, both in research and in her management role, and hopes this award will inspire veterinary nurses across the country.

DUNKIN AWARD

This award is presented to the author of the most valuable article published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) by a small animal practitioner during the 12 months ending 30th September 2015. The aim of the award is to encourage the publication of high quality research performed by a small animal practitioner. To qualify for this award, the first author of the paper should be a practitioner working outside of academia. The award takes the form of textbooks and a cheque.

Micha C. Simons VMD

Post‐operative complications and owner satisfaction following partial caudectomies. Micha Simons graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. She completed rotating and surgical internships at a private specialty practice in Long Island, New York, followed by a surgical and emergency internship at the University of Missouri. Micha then completed a residency in small animal surgery at the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Levittown, Pennsylvania. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery at Purdue University. Her main clinical and research interests include wound management, surgical oncology and reconstruction.

THE JSAP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award is designed to recognise outstanding contributions to the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP). The journal relies upon an extensive voluntary network of referees to carry out the peer review of papers, as well as on its loyal authors and those who have in the past contributed to the workings of the editorial board. The award is decided by the Editor and Associate Editors, and is open to all bar the current Editor and Associate Editor team. The award takes the form of textbooks and a cheque.

Mike Martin MVB DVC MRCVS

Mike Martin qualified from the University College Dublin in 1986. He worked for 2 years in mixed practice and 4 years at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, as a house-physician and then as a resident in veterinary cardiology. During this time he gained the RCVS Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Cardiology and then RCVS Specialist status in Veterinary Cardiology in 1995, which has been re-validated every 5 years since. He has also been an examiner for the RCVS at certificate and diploma level. Mike worked at his own private referral practice from 1992 to 2015 and then moved his cardiology service within Willows Referral Centre, Solihull. He is a frequent CPD lecturer within Europe and has presented his clinical research at specialist cardiology meetings in both Europe and the USA. He has been both Honorary Secretary and Chairman of the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society. Mike has published over 40 scientific peer-reviewed papers and two textbooks, Small Animal ECGs: An Introductory Guide (3rd edition) and Cardiorespiratory Diseases of the Dog and Cat (2nd edition) published by Wiley, and written a number of book chapters in veterinary textbooks, including the chapter on Syncope in Ettinger 8th edition.

THE RAY BUTCHER AWARD

This brand new award is in memory of Ray Butcher, President of the Association between 1993 1994, who sadly passed away in 2015. The award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to animal welfare in the community and takes the form of a cheque and glassware.

Jean Morris BVSc MRCVS

Jean Morris qualified from the University of Bristol in 1960, where she feels the small group size (28 students in her year) contributed to the excellent training she received. Still close with her year group, they have enjoyed a reunion every year since graduating. In 1961, Jean married Malcolm and had four children. She started her own practice in the basement of her Newport house in the late 1960s, which grew from a single consulting table in one room to purpose-built premises. Although she sold the practice in 2000, Jean still enjoys working there almost full-time.
Jean considers herself to be an old fashioned general practitioner, who has been lucky enough to have a job she has loved all her life, while helping people and their animals along the way.

THE BRUCE VIVASH JONES VETERINARY NURSE AWARD

This award is presented by the BSAVA as the primary recognition for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary nursing. The award takes the form of textbooks and a medal.

Katherine Kissick MA CertEd RVN

Katherine Kissick holds teaching certificates and a masters degree in education. She has had part time teaching roles in veterinary nursing and was a full time lecturer at Myerscough College in 1993 and Head of Department for Veterinary Nursing and Farriery Science from 1998–2015. She is now phasing her retirement undertaking remote online Advanced Veterinary Nursing teaching from Alderney, Channel Islands.

Louise O’Dwyer MBA BSc (Hons) VTS(Anaesthesia & ECC) Dip AVN(Medical & Surgical) RVN

Louise O’Dwyer gained her Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) in 2004 followed by her Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Medical) in 2007, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Emergency and Critical Care) in 2011 and Veterinary Technician Specialist (Anaesthesia) in 2014. Louise has contributed to over 35 books, and journal articles, and lectures worldwide on all aspects of anaesthesia, emergency and critical care, surgery and infection control. Louise spent 15 years working at PetMedics in Manchester, firstly as Head Nurse and then Clinical Director. In October 2015 Louise moved to Vets Now to take up the position of Clinical Support Manager. Louise’s interests include all aspects of emergency care, but particularly trauma patients, as well as anaesthesia, surgical nursing, infection control and wound management.

CLINICAL ABSTRACTS: Practitioner Award

Awarded by the BSAVA for the best Clinical Abstract presented by a practitioner at BSAVA Congress, this award takes the form of a cheque for continuing education and is kindly sponsored by Companion.

Jocelyn Toner BVSc MRCVS

Investigations into the effect of feline upper respiratory tract disease on length of stay in a rehoming centre Jocelyn Toner graduated from the University of Bristol in 1998. After a period in small animal practice she moved to the charity sector and now provides veterinary services to a large RSPCA rehoming centre. She also holds a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from the University of Southampton.

CLINICAL ABSTRACTS: Intern/Recent Graduate Award

Awarded by the BSAVA for the best Clinical Abstract by an intern or graduate at BSAVA Congress, this award takes the form of a cheque for continuing education.

Toby Trimble BVM BVS(Hons) BVMed Sci PGCert MRCVS

Comparison of quality of sedation in dogs using dexmedetomidine combined with methadone or butorphanol: preliminary results Toby Trimble graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2011. Over the following 2 years, he worked with exotic pets, zoo and small animals in Birmingham. In 2014 he started a rotating internship at Dick White Referrals in Cambridgeshire. Toby joined the University of Glasgow as an anaesthesia resident in 2015 and is studying towards a European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. His research interests include locoregional anaesthesia and sedation techniques.

CLINICAL ABSTRACTS: Medicine Resident Award

Awarded by the BSAVA for the best Clinical Abstract by a medicine resident at BSAVA Congress, this award takes the form of a cheque for continuing education.

Ana Rita Serras MRCVS

Owners’ perception of their dogs’ quality of life during and after radiation therapy for cancer Ana Rita Serras graduated from the University of Evora in Portugal in 2004. In 2012, Ana completed a rotating internship followed by a locum internship position at the University of Liverpool. In March 2016, Ana completed a 3-year ECVIM residency in veterinary oncology at the Animal Health Trust and she plans to sit her final exams next year. Ana is also about to complete a Masters degree in clinical oncology at the University of Birmingham.

CLINICAL ABSTRACTS: Surgery Resident Award
Awarded by the BSAVA for the best Clinical Abstract by a surgery resident at BSAVA Congress, this award takes the form of a cheque for continuing education.

Naomi Shimizu DVM MRCVS

Intra- and inter-observer reliability and repeatability of computed tomographic changes affecting the medial coronoid process in the canine elbow Naomi Shimizu graduated in 2011 from Alfort Veterinary School, near Paris. After working for 10 months at a private practice in Paris, she did a surgical internship at the University of Tokyo for a year. She then decided to move to the UK where she worked for 6 months in a private practice in Swindon, before completing a rotating internship at the University of Bristol. Naomi then did a locum internship in soft tissue surgery at the University of Liverpool. Since August 2015, she has been doing a surgery residency at the University of Liege in Belgium.

CLINICAL ABSTRACTS: Poster Award

Awarded by the BSAVA for the best Clinical Abstract poster presented at BSAVA Congress, this award takes the form a cheque for continuing education.

Sarah Spencer BVSc(Distinct) BSc(Hons) PGCert MRCVS

Feline meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology (FMUA): a retrospective analysis of 14 cases

Sarah graduated from the University of Bristol in 2012 and spent 18 months in general small animal practice before doing a year’s rotating internship at Dick White Referrals in Cambridgeshire. She returned to the University of Bristol last year, where she is a resident in small animal internal medicine. Sarah’s main interest is feline medicine and she hopes to specialise further in this field after completing her residency.

CLINICAL ABSTRACTS: Nurse Award

Awarded by the BSAVA for the best Clinical Abstract presented by a veterinary nurse at BSAVA Congress, this award takes the form of a cheque for continuing education.

Gina Parkes DipAVN RVN

A clinical analysis of complications associated with peripheral intravenous catheter placement in cats and dogs Gina Parkes qualified in Northern Ireland in 2008 before developing a passion for medicine and referral nursing at Melbourne University. After gaining her DipAVN, she joined the Royal Veterinary College as the Senior Medicine Nurse at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in 2011, and is currently working towards her Veterinary Technician Specialist qualification in Internal Medicine.