Farm animal champion wins 2019 Young Vet of the Year award

A dedicated farm animal vet who supported her local practice at a time of need and who has shown a passion for her work around lameness and mobility in cattle has been awarded our Young Vet of the Year Award 2019.

One of the three finalists for the new BVA Young Vet of the Year Award 2019, supported by Zoetis, Emily Craven secured top spot and was presented with her award at the BVA Gala dinner last night, after a busy first day at the London Vet Show.

Emily, nominated for her passion for animal welfare and whose enthusiasm for farm practice was described as ‘infectious’ by her nominator, went above and beyond her call of duty as she balanced a full-time role whilst helping a local veterinary practice.

At a time of real need, a neighbouring practice reached out for help, and Emily, 30, responded. Emily offered more than an extra pair of hands, showing a dedication to the practice, the team and their work through a difficult period. She advised on TB testing, helped with routine calls and inspired the whole team. As Emily juggled two jobs over the five-month period, her nominator said that she ‘raised the team’s spirits to no end at a time when they were really up against it’, whilst showing ‘enthusiasm, dedication, tenacity and integrity’.

Lameness is recognised as one of the key welfare issues in dairy cows and Emily’s commitment to the area can be seen through her work at Westpoint Farm Vets, where she led on this subject on the clinical board. Emily was also involved in teaching Westpoint interns to ensure that this message is carried across to new farm vets entering the profession. She was even described as having given up on holidays to assist on Westpoint training courses across the UK. Emily is also cited as co-author in “Hoof Blocks tried and tested report 2019”, published by Kingshay Independent Dairy Specialists.

The award, which is in its first year, aims to recognise recent graduates who have gone above and beyond their role and who are making a difference within their community or the veterinary profession generally. As the winner, Emily will receive a prize of £1000 and a career-mentoring opportunity with Zoetis.

On receiving the award, Emily said:

“I’m completely shocked and overwhelmed. To be nominated was a shock, let alone being a finalist and winner. I am so grateful to my two teams, Westpoint Chelmsford and Oakwood Veterinary Group as everything I have ever done is for the clients and the team.

“The whole experience has been overwhelming and it’s an honour to be mentioned in the same category as the other two finalists. Thank you to Zoetis, BVA and everyone who has supported my career thus far- I feel incredibly lucky for this vote of confidence, makes a change from a night on call!"

BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said:

“I am delighted to present this award to Emily, who has shown dedication and passion for mobility in cattle and gone above and beyond when helping her local practice at a time of need. This award is aimed to highlight the outstanding everyday difference young vets make to the veterinary profession and Emily is certainly a deserved winner. I am sure that colleagues and the teams at BVA and Zoetis will join me in congratulating the finalists and our overall winner for their great work.”

Jamie Brannan, Senior Vice President and Cluster Lead UK, Ireland and Nordics at Zoetis said:

“Recognising young dynamic vets who are making the difference has been a highlight for Zoetis in 2019. Congratulations to all who were nominated, the finalist and the winner Emily Craven. Young vets are our future leaders of the profession and meeting individuals with such rich examples of how they are supporting others in such a professional manner has been inspiring to see.”