The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is proud to announce Dr. Gemma Campling, BVMed Sci (Hons) BVM BVS MRCVS MCVSZ, as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Future Leader Award. The recognition highlights Dr. Campling’s significant impact on veterinary medicine and training, her commitment to animal welfare, and her outstanding leadership in the field, particularly in developing countries.
Dr. Gemma Campling, CEO and Founder of Worldwide Vets, has made remarkable strides in veterinary care across the globe. With a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from Nottingham University, UK, Dr. Campling has devoted her career to improving animal health and welfare in challenging environments such as conflict zones. Her extensive experience includes frontline veterinary outreach for both animals and owners affected by the war in Ukraine, community outreach and sterilization programs in Thailand and India, and high caseload equine practice in Egypt, among other significant contributions.
Dr. Ginger Templeton, a consultant and small animal practitioner who nominated Dr. Campling for this award, emphasized her unique approach and impactful work. “While her work on the front lines in Ukraine is attention-grabbing, what is perhaps most important is that she has intentionally positioned this work to fuel sustainability in local vet care and local employment while offering free services to those in need.”
Dr Campling runs Worldwide Vets, which she set up just after qualifying, to help other veterinary students and graduates gain clinical experiences while helping animals and charities needing volunteers. Olivia Walter, the director of Wildlife Vets International, commented how Worldwide Vets has grown in professionalism over the years, working in countries such as Thailand, Peru, Costa Rica, India, South Africa and Zimbabwe. “Gemma’s ability to provide veterinary expertise for a huge range of species, to be part of an in-country team passing on what knowledge she has to them as well as to continuously learn herself, make her a perfect partner for WVI. And her skills have come to fruition with her outstanding work in Ukraine.”
Dr. Campling has also launched significant projects within the veterinary community, creating the Worldwide Vets Golden Star Award which showcases the outstanding contributions of individuals in the veterinary and animal care industry who have made significant strides in animal welfare or conservation.
Markus Hegen, the chairman of the German charity Tiernothilfe, who worked alongside Dr Campling on animal sterilization missions in Ukraine, emphasized that she is a perfect candidate whose achievements are commensurate with the values of the WSAVA Future Leader Award. “Her historical track record, current work, and future goals are tightly aligned with the focus of this award… she is always looking for ways to reach more animals despite challenging working conditions on the frontline.” Dr. Campling’s groundbreaking initiatives, such as the THRIVE mental health course for veterinarians and nurses, further exemplify her holistic approach to veterinary care.
Dr. Ellen van Nierop, President of WSAVA, expressed her admiration for Dr. Campling’s achievements: “Dr. Campling is a credit to her community, as her work not only saves lives but also provides quality training opportunities for future generations of veterinarians. Her relentless commitment to animal welfare, her innovative approaches in veterinary medicine, and her courage and leadership in the field make her an exemplary recipient of the WSAVA Future Leader Award”.
Congratulations to Dr Campling on this achievement!