Millstreet vet appointed as new Veterinary Ireland president
Executive, Mullins Certavp(vc) And Creighton, Bvmbvs Veterinary Consulting Mark Minister, President, & Bvm Picture: Msc Former Hazell European Pgcert Mrcvs, Pigott Ireland Vulcan Ceo Lucinda President, Jane Harrison Acp, Chief Bvs Outgoing Finbarr Ining Murphy,
A Millstreet vet whose mother led the profession almost a decade ago has been appointed as the new president of Veterinary Ireland.
Raised in a veterinary household in Cork, Jane Pigott followed her passion for animal health, graduating from the University of Nottingham and initially working in mixed practice.
She later undertook further study in veterinary cardiology, achieving her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Veterinary Cardiology and subsequently become an accredited RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Cardiology, and earning a master’s degree before returning to Ireland to become a partner in an 11-vet mixed practice. She continues her cardiology work by providing a small animal cardiology referral service in Ireland and the UK.
As the first second-generation president of Veterinary Ireland - her mother, Mairead Wallace-Pigott, was president of the organisation in 2016 - Jane carries a deep understanding of the role’s responsibilities and the profession’s challenges.
“Growing up in a veterinary household, I witnessed firsthand the challenges our profession faced and the vital role Veterinary Ireland played in addressing them. These experiences instilled in me a profound respect for our profession and the power of collaboration," Ms Pigott said.
"It is an immense honour to represent the grassroots members who form the backbone of Veterinary Ireland and to advocate for the countless practitioners working tirelessly to advance our profession. Together, we will face the challenges ahead and continue building a sustainable, thriving future for veterinary medicine.”
Speaking in Trim, the organisation's new president highlighted sustainability in veterinary practice as a critical issue, particularly for rural mixed practices.
“The financial and operational challenges of maintaining 24-hour emergency cover while ensuring a work-life balance are pressing concerns,” she said.
With changes to 24-hour care dynamics anticipated due to the Medicines SI, Jane Pigott pledged to explore avenues of support for practices to ensure their viability.
She was presented with the formal chain of office by outgoing President Hazell Mullins BVM BVS PgCert ACP at the Conference and AGM in Trim.
