Peak veterinary association welcomes new president

20 Jun 2017

Dr. Paula Parker has become the national president of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), which represents close to 10,000 veterinarians and veterinary students.

Dr. Parker said it was an honour and privilege to be elected President of the AVA.

“The depth and diversity of skills of our members is humbling as is their commitment to work proactively together to advance veterinary science and support each other and their communities.

“It’s an exciting time to be a veterinarian and to be part of the AVA. The veterinary landscape is changing at a rapid pace so it’s important that the AVA anticipates the future needs of the profession.

“I’m proud to be leading the AVA as we advocate for the health and welfare of Australia’s animals and champion the responsible use of antibiotics.

“It’s also a pleasure to chair a board of engaged and skilled directors, who are so committed to the success of the profession,” she said.

The AVA’s CEO, Mr. Graham Catt, said the association warmly welcomes Dr. Paula Parker to the position as national president.

“Paula is driven, accomplished, a good communicator and during her two years on the board has shown a passion for strong governance. I look forward to working with her as we continue to position the AVA and our members as the health and welfare leader in Australia’s animal industries,” Mr. Catt said.

Paula is the youngest national president in the association’s nearly 100-year history.

About Paula Parker

Paula was appointed to the Board of the AVA in 2015. She has been President of the South Gippsland Branch of the Victorian Division and has served on both the finance and risk and audit committees throughout her time on the AVA Board. Paula was involved in the successful amalgamation of the AVA Practice Management special interest group and the Australian Veterinary Business Association to form the Veterinary Business Group, which launched on 1 January 2017. Paula has postgraduate qualifications in Business and Corporate Governance. She is passionate about organisational governance and leadership in the not-for-profit sector.

Paula graduated from the University of Queensland with first class honors in 2008. As a clinician, she worked in large animal and mixed practice in Gippsland for five years before transitioning to full-time emergency and critical care practice. She has been a hospital director in both referral and general practice settings. Paula has a Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies from Murdoch University and is a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care. Paula is now a senior emergency and critical care veterinarian in a multi-disciplinary specialist hospital on the Gold Coast in Queensland. She is actively involved in mentoring, clinical training and development of veterinarians with a similar passion for emergency and critical care.

For further information and requests for interviews contact the AVA media office on 0439 628 898 or media@ava.com.au.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the only national association representing veterinarians in Australia. Founded in 1921, the AVA today represents 9000 members working in all areas of animal science, health, and welfare.