BSAVA welcomes new President
17 April 2018
Incoming BSAVA President Philip Lhermette will champion 21st century education, drive the veterinary agenda forward and build on the holistic vision of support for the profession established by his predecessor John Chitty.
Phil Lhermette is looking forward to giving back to the profession he has loved for more than 35 years, by helping to tackle the challenges faced by small animal veterinary science.
Three strategic themes will underpin his year in office, supported by an ‘extremely able board of officers with a diverse range of skills, more than 300 volunteers across the UK, and the outstanding team at Woodrow House without whom very little would be achieved’:
1) Veterinary education in the 21st century
In his new role, Philip will oversee the opening of 21st century veterinary education facilities at the refurbished BSAVA headquarters, Woodrow House, which will deliver first class science and CPD for members.
BSAVA will develop opportunities for new CPD both here and abroad, especially with the recently launched digital library which will make access to all BSAVA resources available at the touch of a button.
2) Driving the veterinary agenda forward
BSAVA has a rolling five-year strategic plan to deliver services to members in the most effective way, so many projects develop and progress over more than a year, and as in almost everything BSAVA does, they are a team effort.
BSAVA is frequently called on to provide input into a variety of matters affecting the veterinary profession, including legislative changes which have increased enormously as a result of Brexit. Philip will work with BSAVA’s Policy Groups to address many of the challenges faced at local, national and international level and provide valuable support services to members.
3) Holistic support for the veterinary profession
Following the launch at BSAVA Congress of a Mentorship pilot scheme and a whole series of activities to support the person as well as the professional, Philip will champion further initiatives to support a ‘no blame’ culture across the profession, focus on greater engagement with students and increase support for graduates in their first three years in practice, with a view to retaining more graduates in clinical practice.
Philip Lhermette said he was looking forward to the role: “Being able to give something back to the profession I love is a great honour and I am very proud of BSAVA’s role in supporting members and creating a brighter future. Once you leave the small world you inhabit in general practice and start to understand where we fit into the global picture as a profession, you realise the importance of communication and cooperation.
“One of the major challenges ahead will be Brexit and the impact it will have on jobs, pharmaceuticals, research and many other aspects of veterinary life and life in general, so we are working in close association with BVA and others to try and mitigate the impact these changes will have on the profession.”
Philip added: “This is a really great profession to be in, and BSAVA passionately supports every professional throughout their career, but the responsibilities taken on by new graduates can seem really daunting. I would like to try to instil in younger members of the profession the passion I still have for veterinary medicine and surgery and help BSAVA provide even more support where it is needed most.”
Philip runs a private practice near Sevenoaks in Kent, he is married and has three children – the oldest of whom is a vet in practice.