Europe’s largest equine veterinary event, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress, which takes place live from 8 to 10 September 2022 at the ACC Liverpool, will reflect upon Peter Rossdale’s momentous contributions to the equine veterinary profession with the inclusion of the two new commemorative initiatives.
The founder of Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Peter Rossdale, died on 28 November 2021. He was a dedicated equine clinician and scientist and one of the first to embrace veterinary evidence-based medicine.
The Dr Peter Rossdale Memorial lecture will become an annual fixture at Congress and will cover aspects of evidence-based medicine. The inaugural address will reflect a subject close to Peter Rossdale’s heart; ‘evidence in perinatology’ and will be presented by Celia Marr, who will also recall key aspects of the life of Peter, who is regarded as one of the greatest mentors in equine veterinary science.
Professor Celia Marr said: “I am extremely honoured, and daunted to speak about current evidence in perinatology at BEVA congress this year.
“Peter Rossdale was a passionate advocate of using data from clinical practice to advance veterinary science and it seems very fitting that the first lecture in his honour will be focussing on how evidence can inform practice in perinatology, an aspect of equine practice to which he dedicated the majority of his outstanding career”.
The new Peter Rossdale EVE Literary Prize has also been introduced this year, for the best clinical research paper in the publication Equine Veterinary Education (EVE). The Prize honours Peter’s career as a clinical researcher and editor. It was introduced in recognition of Peter establishing EVE having identified the need to encourage the education of clinicians and to motivate them to publish clinical papers.
Mike Shepherd, managing clinical director of Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, said: “As a young practitioner, I benefited personally from Peter’s mentoring and encouragement to use my own caseload for research. Rossdales is delighted to be supporting the Peter Rossdale EVE Literary Prize, which will identify and recognise the outstanding young clinical researchers of today.”
Already in existence is the Peter Rossdale EVJ Open Award. This was established by Peter, when he was editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal and on his retirement it was renamed in his honour.
BEVA Congress is the ultimate annual get together for the profession. This year’s theme aims to champion the diverse opportunities the profession offers, and to address some of the non-clinical challenges currently being faced, such as recruitment, retention and work-life balance. The programme includes five live streams running in parallel throughout the conference with clinical research presentations returning after a COVID-19 enforced hiatus. A virtual stream will also be available live online. The first plenary lecture will be presented by Dr Pat McCue who will review events that have shaped current practice in equine reproduction before looking at what the future holds.
Congress tickets provide access to all lectures, the exhibition hall as well as full access to the virtual congress hub. Virtual tickets receive full access to the virtual congress hub only. This year BEVA is also giving physical delegates access to all Congress content for six months after the event.
Early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets and £187 for vet nurses for all three days (with concessions available for those in their first three years post graduation or on a lower salary). Virtual tickets are £199 for vets and £40 for nurses.
BEVA has a “peace of mind” bookings policy to reassure those who are concerned that the COVID-19 situation may change between booking their ticket and the event.
Full details of the BEVA Congress programme and booking details can be found here on the Congress website.
