Lynne Hill elected as RCVS Junior Vice-President

Lynne Hill was today elected Junior Vice-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons - only the fourth woman to hold this office since the RCVS was established in 1844.

Currently the Head of Clinical Services at the Royal Veterinary College in London, Mrs Hill (pictured) was one of two candidates to stand for JVP at today's Council meeting and will formally start the post at RCVS Day on 9 July 2004.

Mrs Hill qualified from Dublin Veterinary School in 1977 and started her working life in mixed practice in England before settling in County Antrim as a practice partner. She then worked in veterinary industry for two years before moving to the RVC in 1996. Her current work encompasses the RVC's equine and small animal hospitals, the farm animal practice and the diagnostic laboratories.

Having also worked within the BVA and BSAVA (as its President in 1994) over the last 15 years, Mrs Hill was elected to RCVS Council in 1999 and has since served on its External Affairs Committee and the then Veterinary Nursing Committee. She is also the current Chairman of Advisory Committee and has been leading the work of that committee's Practice Standards Working Party.

Commenting on her election, Mrs Hill said, "The profession continues to face many challenges and needs to be ready to address these in a proactive and organised way. There are many pressures facing the RCVS, particularly as expectations of both clients and the younger members of our profession change.

"The RCVS is relevant to all its members but not all seem to see it that way - it will be my aim to ensure that this message is heard by more of the profession. I intend to meet as many members as possible, but I will also aim to open discussions with those who we do not reach frequently enough, including more animal owners, to see what it is they want and expect from the profession.

"These are exciting times. I hope that my veterinary political experience and varied professional background will allow me to lead the profession forward in a way that members would support. I consider it a great honour to be given this opportunity."