The new President of Veterinary Ireland has been announced as Jane Pigott BVMBVS CertAVP(VC) MSc MRCVS, who hails from Cork.
Announced in Trim, Co. Meath at the Annual Conference and AGM for the professional body for Irish veterinarians on Friday last (22nd), Ms Pigott, who was raised in a veterinary household, followed her passion for animal health, graduating from the University of Nottingham and initially working in mixed practice.
Speaking in Trim, Jane Pigott highlighted sustainability in veterinary practice as a critical issue, particularly for rural mixed practices.
“The financial and operational challenges of maintaining 24-hour emergency cover while ensuring a work-life balance are pressing concerns,” she explained.
“Growing up in a veterinary household, I witnessed first-hand the challenges our profession faced and the vital role Veterinary Ireland played in addressing them. These experiences instilled in me a profound respect for our profession and the power of collaboration”.
Ms Pigott, who undertook further study in veterinary cardiology, achieving her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Veterinary Cardiology and subsequently become an accredited RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Cardiology, earning a master’s degree before returning to Ireland to become a partner in an 11-vet mixed practice. She continues her cardiology work by providing a small animal cardiology referral service in Millstreet, Ireland and the UK.
With changes to 24-hour care dynamics anticipated due to the Medicines SI, Jane Pigott pledged to explore avenues of support for practices to ensure their viability. “We must safeguard the future of veterinary care, particularly in rural areas, and support our colleagues in navigating these challenges,” she said.
“Veterinary Ireland stands with our members and the wider veterinary community, sharing the joys as well as the challenges of practice life,” she stated.
Jane Pigott also reaffirmed Veterinary Ireland’s commitment to providing high-quality Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE) to meet the needs of today’s vets while preparing for the future.
“It is an immense honour to represent the grassroots members who form the backbone of Veterinary Ireland and to advocate for the countless practitioners working tirelessly to advance our profession. Together, we will face the challenges ahead and continue building a sustainable, thriving future for veterinary medicine,” she said.
