Liverpool Alumna becomes British Veterinary Association President
Anna Judson (BVSc 1987) was elected president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for 2023/24 on 28 September 2023. During her presidential year, Anna will focus on the theme of “a profession for everyone.”
We caught-up with Anna to hear about her memories of studying at Liverpool, her career highlights so far and what advice she would give to veterinary alumni wanting to contribute to the wider profession.
“I qualified from Liverpool Vet School in 1987 with many happy memories, not least the No More Exams euphoria on results day - 72 of them in total if memory serves me well!
If we take making a difference to animal health and welfare as a given, my career highlights all centre on the people I’ve met and the fresh perspectives and opportunities these have led to. There are two people from my time at Liverpool to whom I owe a particular debt of gratitude: Professor Eric Pickering and Professor Anthony. S. King.
Professor Pickering offered me a place after I visited his office waving my A level results. He even had the grace not to withdraw it despite my following up with a chastise about the then paucity of women vet students at the school.
Professor A.S. King’s inspirational teaching made neuroanatomy comprehensible and, knowing my interest in environmental matters, he introduced me to his zoologist friend in Borneo. Armed with a Liverpool university travel scholarship I spent the summer of fourth year learning about tropical veterinary medicine, how to tag sea snakes, and spot orangutan – being mindful not to stand too close and risk a shower of well-aimed urine from on high. I followed this up with an MSc in nature conservation at UCL and a lifetime interest in what we now call One Health.
As a working mother running a practice it was a juggle to add in voluntary work, but doable with a realistic selection that could involve the family. There are many benefits from being a volunteer, not least a window into community life and thinking, whether that’s local to the area or within the vet profession. I had, and still have, no Grand Plan, just a curiosity about life and an interest in making a difference, which is probably why I found myself on SPVS Council in 2011, SPVS President in 2020 and have the honour and privilege of being BVA President for 2023-24. A squiggly career that’s been fun and very rewarding.
For vets wanting to get involved with the wider profession what better first step than joining BVA at bva.co.uk/join. We’re the largest veterinary membership community championing and supporting vets at all stages of their career. Here’s a selection of BVA volunteer opportunities:
New grads can find out about representing vets at your career stage on BVA Council by visiting bva.co.uk/about-us/our-structure/our-council.
Young vets (up to 8 years post-graduation) can be part of the BVA Young Vet Network by becoming a rep or simply attending an event in your area. These events can really make a difference to someone new to an area and in need of support, CPD, and friendship. Find out more at bva.co.uk/yvn.
Current BVA volunteer vacancies are listed on our website at bva.co.uk/about-us/our-structure/our-council/regional-representatives-application/.
Why not give them a go?
A trip down memory lane wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the vet school fun times, the sports weekends, fundraiser hitch hikes, hill walking escapades and the social meets at The Phil with its renowned pink marble in the gents!”
Congratulations, Anna! Inspired and looking for a volunteering opportunity? Nominations will soon open to join ULVAA as Social Media Officer. E-mail us any questions at ulvaa@liv.ac.uk