British Veterinary Association names its Young Vet of the Year winner for 2024

The special event, which included a drinks reception sponsored by Lloyd and Whyte as well as dinner and dancing at the five-star London Marriott Hotel Canar Wharf, saw the presentation of four of BVA’s prestigious awards following the first day of London Vet Show and BVA Congress.

BVA’s Young Vet of the Year 2024
Dr David Charles MRCVS

BVA’s Young Vet of the Year award celebrates inspirational vets in the first stages of their professional career. David Charles demonstrated enthusiasm, an outstanding range of commitment and support for the farming community, and resilience during challenging times to secure the title.

A 2019 Bristol University graduate, David worked in mixed practice before joining Scarsdale Vets’ farm animal team in early 2020 where he developed a passion for small ruminant work and completed his CertAVP (Sheep). He went on to relaunch the ‘flock health club’ and secured funding for new advanced breeding services to support sheep farms across the Midlands. After sustaining significant injuries in a serious car accident, he was forced to step down from clinical work but went on to set up his veterinary consultancy, offering CPD training for vets and students working with The Webinar Vet and Vet Times. This year, he joined NoBACZ Healthcare as their International Business Development Manager, where he works to bring their innovative and sustainable products into the livestock health markets globally. He continues to offer sheep advisory services to farmers and teach students, and recently supported APHA as an OV during the current BTV-3 outbreak.

On being named the winner, David said: “I was stunned to even be nominated for this prestigious award, let alone win it! I am absolutely delighted and humbled at the same time. My career has been a real journey of ups and downs so far, but I’ve overcome the challenges in my way and have had the chance to undertake and create several different opportunities since having to step away from full-time clinical work. I hope to do this award justice and to inspire other young vets who may also be going through difficult times to rise to the challenge and embrace the varied opportunities our profession offers. Congratulations to my fellow finalists too.”

The judging panel included: BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux; Linda Belton, RCVS President and director of the George Veterinary Group; Colin Penny, Medical Affairs Manager for Ruminant POM V at Zoetis; and last year’s Young Vet of the Year Dr. Henry Lamb.

On behalf of the judges, BVA President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “A big congratulations to David. He has faced significant challenges in the past few years: although he has stepped back from his much-loved clinical work, his proactiveness and resilience to explore alternative ways to use his experience and passion for the veterinary profession is really inspiring. His enthusiasm and determination to succeed demonstrates what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.”

Oya Canbas from sponsor Zoetis, said: "Zoetis is honored to be part of the Young Vet of the Year Award, which highlights the exceptional contributions of rising talent within the veterinary profession. This year’s winner, David Charles, and each of the finalists are inspiring examples of the passion and dedication that strengthen our industry and improve animal care.”

The other awards presented during the evening were:

• BVA Wellbeing Awards, supported by MSD Animal Health UK
• BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award)
• BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Award)

About the awards British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Whether working in small animal, equine or farm practices, or in a wide range of non-clinical roles, vets make a vital contribution to society. The BVA Awards is an opportunity to showcase the very best of their achievements, from our committed early career vets and teams going the extra mile to support wellbeing, through to practitioners with long and outstanding careers with lasting impact. Congratulations to this year’s winners, who should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved not only for themselves but on behalf of the whole profession.”