David McKeown honoured with BVA’s Chiron Award

David McKeown honoured with BVA’s Chiron Award

Ballymoney vet David McKeown, who recently celebrated 50 years in the profession, has been honoured for his hugely influential and supportive role in the lives of so many veterinary surgeons at times when they have needed help most.

He was among the winners of the British Veterinary Association’s four prestigious veterinary achievement awards at its annual Members’ Day, held this year at Clare College, University of Cambridge.

The annual awards recognise the exceptional commitment, work and achievements of vets from across the profession. with David  presented with the Chiron Award in recognition of his work to support veterinary professionals with their mental health and wellbeing.

 The Chiron Award acknowledges lifetime achievements in veterinary science or outstanding services to the profession and is judged as being of a standard that commands international or inter-professional recognition.

David said: “Having just celebrated 50 years as a vet, the news about this award left me speechless. I thought it was a prank call – I’m so glad I answered! Never in my wildest dreams did I think anything I have done would lead to receiving this amazing and prestigious award. I am humbled by BVA’s recognition and as a consequence the sense of optimism and enthusiasm which tends to perhaps define me has just been turbocharged!”

Outgoing BVA President Justine Shotton said: “Congratulations to all five winners. These highly sought-after awards shine a well-deserved light on an exceptional group of veterinary professionals, who each in their own field and practice, have helped propel the veterinary profession forward. Congratulations to you all on behalf of everyone at BVA.”

Other awards presented includes the BVA’s most prestigious scientific award, the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal along with the John Bleby Cup and Harry Steele-Bodger Scholarships.

This year’s winners are:

  • Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal – Professor Tim Greet, equine surgery specialist
  • John Bleby Cup – Mr Paul Freeman, retired mixed practice vet, BVA Council and North of England Veterinary Association member and Vetlife Trustee
  • Harry Steele-Bodger Scholarships – recent veterinary graduate from the University of Edinburgh Dr Rosa Loedel and University of Cambridge student Annabelle Lack

BVA Members’ Day and AGM is an annual event which includes the awards ceremony and the election of BVA’s President, Senior Vice President and Junior Vice President.

The BVA Member Survey 2022 is live until 3 October 2022, offering every BVA member the chance to help shape the future of BVA. The survey takes just 15 minutes to complete using the unique link sent to members via email. The results will be used to help BVA deliver the best possible support to the profession.