Mark Bowen is the new president of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).
Mark took on the role after the BEVA congress earlier this month (9-12 September) and succeeds Andrew Harrison.
Mark is associate professional at the University of Nottingham and qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1996.
He has a particular interest in equine cardiology and veterinary education; being one of a small number of veterinary surgeons to have been awarded the prestigious status of principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
He is a specialist in large animal internal medicine and holds Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons certificates in both equine internal medicine and veterinary anaesthesia. He also has a masters in medical education.
“BEVA’s strengths lie in its members, who are committed to the welfare of the horse and the advancement of clinical practice. With new benefits for members, a new website, a new role for the BEVA Trust and the highest quality of education, BEVA is now an even more forceful and effective voice for the equine profession, both internally and externally,” he said.
“While the profession attempts to shape its future for the next 15 years, we must continue to support the innovative individuals in the profession who look ‘outside the box’ and make sure that the future of our profession, the next generation of veterinary surgeons, does not become restricted by dogma and tradition; that they too can replicate the level of innovation seen in equine practice over the last 50 years.
“It is vital that we continue to strengthen our relationships with the British Horseracing Authority and contribute to the development of a funding body to replace the Horserace Betting Levy Board. Our relationship with the BVA, the regulation of allied professionals, the rescheduling of ketamine, the new EU animal health regulations and EU medicines regulations, even the role of Europe, are key areas where BEVA will make veterinary voices heard for the benefit of equine welfare.
“Lastly, employment and retention of veterinary graduates in the profession is a cause of concern to us all. Over the next year we will enhance the Internship Awareness Programme and provide support and mentoring for the younger members of the profession. BEVA council is full of individuals committed to working on your behalf and I am looking forward to working alongside them all for the benefit of us all.”
Vicki Nicholls, veterinary assistant at Wright and Morten Vets, Cheshire becomes president elect.
