The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has honoured the
achievements and dedication of two veterinary professionals at its annual BVA Day.
The
BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup)
was presented to West London vet Dr Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards
and the BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund)
was awarded to University of Edinburgh student
Natalie Bubenheim at the annual BVA members event, held at its London headquarters in Mansfield Street yesterday (Thursday 25 September).
The event included the association’s Annual General Meeting and the election
of its new President and Junior Vice President.
Dr Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards MRCVS – winner of
BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup)
The BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) is presented annually to the BVA Council member who has made an outstanding contribution at Council.
This year, the award goes to
Veselina Trufcheva.
Having qualified as a vet in 2006 from Trakia University in Bulgaria and with experience in both EU and UK practices, she has been working as a small animal vet in the UK for 13 years, most recently as a senior vet in a West London small animal practice.
She was first elected for BVA Council as the representative for London in February 2023 and has since contributed actively to debates, representing the views of West London vets within Council discussions. Veselina has also hosted many visits for BVA’s team,
to give them an invaluable insight into veterinary life, and always takes the time to acknowledge hard work from everyone at BVA HQ.
Small animal vet Veselina Trufcheva-Edwards said: “I am honoured and at the same time deeply moved to receive the John Bleby Cup. I am grateful to be part of an organisation that shapes the future for the veterinary profession and honoured to represent the diverse voices of our London region. Working with likeminded and passionate individuals, channelling all BVA tools to support others and representing members at council meetings to shape new policy, has been an empowering experience, both personally and professionally.”
Natalie Bubenheim – winner of the BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund)
This travel scholarship was established in 1953 to honour Mr Henry Steele-Bodger, President of the BVA 1939-41, in recognition of his great services
to the veterinary profession and to agriculture, particularly during the Second World War. The full award has been granted to Natalie Bubenheim, to assist her
towards her contribution to the project
‘Analysis of Performance and Health Indicators in a Commercial Goat and Sheep Herd/Flock in Malawi’.
Natalie, a final year University of Edinburgh veterinary student, has a strong interest in wildlife and livestock health in low-income regions. During her first degree, she spent six months studying in South Africa, an experience that inspired her pursuit of veterinary medicine and a commitment to improving animal health in Southern Africa. She is also a committee member of the Edinburgh Farm Animal Veterinary Society, and a member of the Dick Vet Wildlife and Zoological Society.
Veterinary student Natalie Bubenheim said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the funding which has made this project possible. Without this support, I would not have been able to travel to Malawi to carry out the research on-site. The opportunity to collaborate directly with local students and staff, visit the farms, and understand the real-world conditions is essential to the success and impact of the project. This funding is not only enabling valuable research into herd health and productivity but also helping strengthen veterinary education and food security in the Lilongwe community.”
Outgoing British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “It is such a pleasure to be able to highlight the achievements and dedication of exceptional members of the veterinary profession and these prestigious awards go to worthy winners. Veselina’s dedication to the BVA Council and her efforts to always represent the voices of those in her region demonstrate her passion and dedication. We have also always noticed how she always takes the time to thank people for their own hard work. In a challenging profession, the simple kindness of a few words of thanks goes a long way.
“BVA trustees were really impressed with Natalie’s application and exciting choice of project – they especially liked the fact it combines building her skills, benefits to animal welfare and sharing her knowledge with local students. This is a really special project and we know Natalie has a bright future ahead of her.”
