Purina Institute and WSAVA Search for Future Leaders

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I certainly appreciative of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and their undeniable global leadership role in veterinary medicine, particularly regarding the One Health initiative and taking a responsible course of recommendations regarding COVID-19. I’ve been fortunate enough to many times visit the living and breathing Purina Institute. This is place is more than a structure; walk inside and it truly feels like it’s living and breathing and not only is a place where the science of nutrition is explained but also supports science to help veterinary professionals further what we know. For example, I was honored to attend an international behavior conference there, and was so invigorating as experts from around the world came together to share their research, much funded by the Institute. I thought I’d offer the good news offered in this press release:
The Purina Institute has renewed its partnership with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and become the sponsor of its annual award recognizing the contribution of a veterinarian graduated within the last ten years.
The WSAVA Future Leader Award, supported by Purina Institute, will be presented during WSAVA World Congress which takes place from 23-26 September in Warsaw, Poland. The recipient will have contributed significantly to the betterment of companion animals, the veterinary profession and society at large. They are also likely to be active in continuing education, to have a strong record in community service and in bridging the gap between their generation and others. Full details are here. The deadline for nominations is April 15, 2020.
The Purina Institute serves as the global voice of Purina’s science, representing more than 500 scientists and pet care experts and is responsible for sharing groundbreaking research and providing objective, fact-based information sourced from the wider scientific domain. Through partnerships and collaboration with global thought leaders such as WSAVA, the Purina Institute helps facilitate the exchange of knowledge through events and programs, with the goal of putting nutrition at the forefront of pet health discussions. Now entering its second year as a Diamond Partner of the WSAVA, its support will also continue to underpin the running of some of the WSAVA’s key clinical committees and initiatives. These include:
- The Global Nutrition Committee, which produces research and resources to help the veterinary healthcare team and owners to understand the importance of nutrition in companion animal health
- The Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee, which promotes advances in companion animal wellness and welfare around the world.
- The Hereditary Disease Committee, which raises awareness and understanding of hereditary disease and genetic predispositions in dogs and cats
- The One Health Committee, which works to highlight the importance of the companion animal-human interface on the global One Health agenda and is leading the WSAVA’s response to the implications of COVID-19 for companion animals.
Commenting, Dr Lizzie Parker, Head of the Purina Institute, said: “We are really happy to be able to partner with WSAVA to recognize an outstanding individual who is changing the lives of pets and ultimately the people who love them.”
Dr Shane Ryan, WSAVA President, said: “WSAVA greatly values our partnership with the Purina Institute. The Institute’scontinued support allows our Committees to share knowledge among our global membership and to develop the educational tools and resources that are helping to transform companion animal veterinary care around the world. We are delighted to be partnering with the Purina Institute team during 2020 and we’re looking forward to reviewing some inspirational nominations for the WSAVA Future Leader Award later this year.”
Diamond Partnership is the premier level available under the WSAVA’s Partnership Program.
WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113 member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, together with lobbying on important issues affecting companion animal care worldwide