David Barrett

Biography

David’s background is in dairy farming in the Southwest of England, attending Brymore School from the age of 13 before gaining an intercalated BSc in Anatomical Sciences (1987) and BVSc (1990) from the University of Bristol and entering mixed practice in North Wales. After undertaking the Cert CHP, he joined the University of Glasgow, gaining the DBR and DCHP before becoming an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health and Production. In 2003 his work was pivotal in establishing the European College of Bovine Health Management (ECBHM), revolutionising postgraduate clinical training across Europe and beyond, and paving the way for many other ‘species’ Colleges. He was President of the ECBHM 2005-07 before moving back to the University of Bristol to take up the Chair of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction in 2011, and start to rebuild the farm animal teaching and research group. In 2017 he was made FRCVS for meritorious contribution to clinical practice, and in 2019 became an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies for an outstanding career in clinical practice, veterinary education, research, and professional leadership. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology in 2021. He was awarded the prestigious ‘Brownlie Bull’ in 2022 for outstanding service during 17-years as a Board member of the BCVA, during which time he led many important and impactful initiatives and held numerous roles including being BCVA President 2018-19.

Currently David is Professor, Section Lead and School Education Director at Bristol Veterinary School and a member of the ECBHM, BVA, BCVA, SVEPM, AVTRW, SVS and Vet Trust.

A keen walker and marathon and ultra-marathon runner, David’s time is split between Bristol, Oxfordshire, and his home in Scotland, working and supporting his family, including his three older children all at university, his partner and young stepdaughter.

Council Member category

• Elected member: 2024 - 2028

Committee membership

• Specialist Recognition Subcommittee (Chair)
• Specialist Recognition and Advanced Practitioner Appeals Committee
• Education Committee (Observer)