Belinda Andrews-Jones, a Royal Veterinary College (RVC) alumna, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to veterinary nursing with the 2022 Dr Earl Rippie International Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship.
The only international recipient Belinda Andrews-Jones was honoured with this prestigious award for her impressive leadership and impact on growth of the profession and practice. In receiving this award, Belinda was invited to attend the Veterinary Meeting and Expo in Florida where she attended lectures and hands-on workshops including a day workshop on abdominal ultrasound.
The late Dr Earl H. Rippie Jnr., a former president of the North American Veterinary Community, recognised the value veterinary nurses bring to the healthcare team and the significant role they play in promoting the well-being of animals. This award reflects his steadfast belief that veterinary nurses are the spoke in the wheel of the practice and the heart of any veterinary hospital and should be celebrated as equals in the veterinary profession.
Belinda Andrews-Jones, veterinary nurse and RVC alumna, said: “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive this prestigious award. I am so honoured to have my work recognised in this way by the Dr Earl Rippie award panel. It means so much to me that the work I am so passionate about also resonates with others.”
Professor Stuart Reid, principal of the RVC, said: “I am delighted that Belinda Andrews-Jones has been recognised with this prestigious award. A member of the RVC’s talented alumni network, Belinda has led an impressive veterinary nursing career, championing and helping grow the profession.
“This international recognition is a testament to her ongoing work and commitment to ensuring veterinary nurses have equal voices and are rightfully acknowledged for the vital role they play in upholding the highest standards of animal care in veterinary practice.”
While at the RVC, Belinda Andrews-Jones graduated as a Veterinary nurse in 1996 then in 2017 completed a Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Education. Belinda now works as a Senior Manager at the NHS Dorset Healthcare University Trust, where throughout the pandemic she also used her veterinary knowledge and skills to set up and run a local COVID-19 vaccination service.
