Volunteering as Welsh regional representative: finding my place in the veterinary community

Volunteering as Welsh regional representative – Finding my place in the veterinary community

Introduction

After moving out of practice following a tumultuous time with my mental and physical health working as a new graduate through the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads of what I wanted to do, what I was able to do, and what would fulfill me moving forward. I had a deepset desire to make a difference, something I often felt powerless to do working in clinical practice. At the same time I felt guilty for no longer carrying on in what I felt I was ‘supposed to do’ after committing so much of my life and time to studying and working in this wonderful profession. It was at this point that an email dropped into my inbox about volunteering with the BVA – more specifically in the role of regional representative for Wales. I can honestly say that by responding to that email, and in turn applying for the role, I reaffirmed my place within the veterinary sphere and have transformed my once negative outlook into something more positive with a chance to make the real change I had been seeking.  

Meeting other BVA volunteers

One of the highlights of joining the Welsh branch committee has been meeting all of the wonderful people involved with the BVA – both volunteers and employees. I had quite a narrow impression of the profession leaving university, mostly working with other small animal veterinary team members, and to meet and learn from people in all different facets of the veterinary world has been an eye opening and much welcomed experience.

Meeting other members of the veterinary sphere

Beyond this, I have also had the chance to meet policymakers, union leaders, university presidents and charity founders and representatives. Not only meeting with them, but speaking as peers and working closely to address our combined interests in a productive way. This is not something I ever could have imagined doing when I started vet school, and I often have to pinch myself that I have the honour to partake and contribute to these vital conversations.

Attending events

You could be forgiven for thinking that my role as representative has therefore been defined by conference rooms, Teams calls and committee meetings. While this has certainly taken up some of my time, it has been fairly balanced with spectacular meals and events hosted in some of the most iconic buildings in South Wales – from Cardiff Castle to the Senedd building, it is quite the experience to attend these venues and contribute to our combined history in a meaningful way.

Representing the profession

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the vets of Wales for entrusting me to represent their views over the last few years. My tenure has encompassed wide ranging issues from the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), to dog breeding and of course the ever present spectre of the ongoing Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation. These are all topics I never would have had the in-depth understanding of that I do now without my role with the BVA, and by no means do I intend to step back now that my term has ended. I look forward to continuing to serve as the Junior Vice President of Welsh Branch and I am excited to welcome in the next branch representative and pass the torch on. Careful – it burns bright!