Jerry Davies elected RCVS Junior Vice-President

Dr Jerry Davies was elected Junior Vice-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at yesterday's RCVS Council meeting. He was uncontested and is due to take up office on RCVS Day on 2 July 2010.

Jerry (pictured) graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1974. He then spent two years in the Department of Surgery as a House Surgeon. After a brief spell in general practice he returned to the RVC, gaining a PhD (equine gastrointestinal disease) and a Diploma in Veterinary Radiology. He held the posts of Lecturer in Veterinary Radiology and then Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Surgery.

In the 1990s, he founded a referral practice in Bedfordshire, which later became Davies Veterinary Specialists. The practice is based on a single site and provides specialist support to general practitioners across a wide range of small animal disciplines. The practice employs 40 veterinary surgeons, 59 veterinary nurses and 36 other support staff. He divides his time between managing the practice and heading the diagnostic imaging team of four specialist radiologists.

Jerry is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and a European Veterinary Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging. He was awarded the BSAVA Simon Award for contributions to Small Animal Surgery in 2004.

Jerry was elected to RCVS Council in 2001 and has served as RCVS Treasurer since 2006. He chairs the Planning and Resources Committee and also sits on the Advisory Committee. He is Chairman of the 24/7 Working Party and in the past has also chaired the Preliminary Investigation Committee.

Commenting on his election, Jerry said: “I have enjoyed my varied career in our profession and still firmly believe that it provides a wonderful opportunity for bright young people to serve the animals and people in the UK and overseas.

“Our significant roles in food animal and companion animal health are manifest to all, however, our important contributions to public health and scientific research are sometimes overlooked. These opportunities provide a rich and varied career path for veterinary graduates.

“We must continue to be proud of our profession and encourage talented young people to consider veterinary science as a challenging and fulfilling career. Our reputation in the public’s eye is fundamental to this and we must work hard to earn their respect.”