New president of the British Veterinary Association Daniella Dos Santos is to continue to champion diversity within the industry, after she was elected president for 2019/2020 at its annual members’ day yesterday (19 September).
Dos Santos spent last year junior vice president and launched the #TimeForChange campaign, undertaken with the University of Exeter, as part of the Vet Futures project.
She was also heavily involved in the development of the report on Discrimination in the Veterinary Profession. The report prompted the BVA to launch the #BigConversation, which has seen discussion of these important topics in traditional and social media throughout the summer as well as conversations at BVA Council and our Good Workplace Working Group.
Dos Santos plans to continue this work next year and has announced that the theme for her presidential year is #VetDiversity, which builds upon past presidents Simon Doherty’s and John Fishwick’s themes of ‘One Veterinary Community’ and ‘Team Vet – Working Together’, respectively.
Dos Santos said: “I’ve really enjoyed my year as Junior Vice President, getting to grips with the many challenges and opportunities facing the profession in the current political climate.
“I look forward to representing and championing all members over the coming year and I’m excited to continue our work encouraging and celebrating diversity and inclusiveness across our profession.”
She added: “Vets are such wonderful advocates for the animals in our care and I’m keen to ensure we are also advocates for our own welfare and wellbeing. The veterinary world is changing and we have a perfect opportunity in that change to create a profession that is welcoming and supportive of everyone.”
