Formerly a senior lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College, Mr Fishwick told the annual BVA Members’ Day in Belfast that cooperative working would be the central pillar of his tenure, building on the 'Team Vet’ drive launched by the BVA and British Veterinary Nursing Association earlier in the year.
Mr Fishwick specialised in cattle health and production in his early career and became a lecturer in farm animal practice at the RVC before taking responsibility for its large animal practice clinic, serving clients throughout Hertfordshire and Essex.
In 1997 he moved to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he worked as head veterinarian to the world’s largest fully integrated dairy company, farming over 25,000 high producing dairy cows in a desert environment. He returned to the RVC in 2003, working as senior lecturer in dairy herd medicine, head of the biological services unit and finally took charge of the newly formed department of production and population health in 2012.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “We are very pleased that John has been elected as the new BVA President. Given his background and experience in large animal practice, I am confident that the farming industry will be well represented.”
Mr Fishwick said: “It is a huge honour to represent my fellow members of BVA. I am constantly inspired by the tenacity and dedication of my colleagues and it is a privilege - particularly during this time of professional, social and political upheaval - to be so involved in a profession that is pivotal to animal health, welfare and protecting human health too. I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.”