Published: 14 Nov 2024 | Last Updated: 20 Nov 2024 13:34:35

Twelve Royal Veterinary College (RVC) graduates have been selected as part of the 30 Under Thirty Class of 2024 for being outstanding veterinary professionals.

They were honoured at the London Vet Show in an Induction Ceremony on 14^th November 2024.

The highly commended group was chosen by a judging panel, after being nominated by those who have worked closely with them. The 30 Under Thirty group is comprised of practising veterinary surgeons and nurses, as well as people who have moved into non-clinical roles, and celebrates their achievements.

One of those selected is 2024 BVetMed RVC graduate Jack Conway, now a veterinary surgeon at Medivet. Jack is also Senior Vice President of the Association of Veterinary Students, having served as President during his final year of studies. Fellow recipient and 2024 BVetMed RVC graduate Emmanuel Oloyede is a small animal veterinary surgeon who aspires to specialise in clinical animal behaviour.

There are also three recipients from the RVC’s class of 2023 veterinary graduates, including Lauren Prisk, Chantelle Woodward-Iles and Lucy Wildblood, as well as Veterinary Nursing graduate Olivia Stofberg. In addition to her clinical work, Olivia has become an author and researches the history of veterinary nursing.

Other RVC graduates in this year’s 30 Under Thirty honour roll include Georgina Bryson (BSc 2022); Jemima de Courcy-Ireland (BVetMed 2021); Penelope Crocker (BVetMed 2020); Alexander Crow (BVetMed2019); Georgina Barry (BVetMed 2018); and Jesle Varu (BSc Vet Nursing 2018).

Jack Conway, BVetMed RVC graduate and veterinary surgeon, said:

“The 30 Under Thirty award recognises the work I have done over the last seven years, supporting and championing students as part of the Association of Veterinary Students and RVC Students’ Union. It shows the advancement of visibility for students within the veterinary sector and the progression of equity, safety, and transparency of extra-mural studies. I hope this award furthers the conversation about the future of the future members of the veterinary sphere.”

Olivia Stofberg, RVC veterinary nursing graduate, commented:

“This award means so much to me as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) but also as an author and emerging screenwriter. With this award, I would like to inspire the next generation of RVNs to believe in themselves and what they are passionate about in the veterinary nursing profession. Still today, I cannot believe that I got into RVC and am now an RVC graduate. The RVC made me feel vet nurses can do anything if they put their minds to it.”

Chantelle Woodward-Iles, RVC veterinary graduate, added:

“I am incredibly honoured to be recognised in the London Vet Show's 30 Under Thirty awards. This acknowledgement not only celebrates my journey as a young professional but also shines a light on the causes that matter most to me – wildlife rehabilitation and compassionate, community-focused veterinary care.

“Volunteering at a wildlife hospital has deepened my passion for protecting vulnerable species and enhancing animal welfare, while working at an independent practice has taught me the value of personalised, patient-centred care. Both experiences have been pivotal in shaping my skills and dedication to the profession. This award motivates me to continue learning and advocating for the wellbeing of all animals and contributing to the future of veterinary medicine.”

Notes to Editors

The full 30 Under Thirty list can be viewed on the London Vet Show website.

Media contacts

• Jasmin De Vivo – devivo@plmr.co.uk or rvc@plmr.co.uk
• Press Line: 0800 368 9520

About the RVC

• The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London. 
• It is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that hold accreditations from the RCVS in the UK (with reciprocal recognition from the AVBC for Australasia, the VCI for Ireland and the SAVC for South Africa), the EAEVE in the EU, and the AVMA in the USA and Canada. 
• The RVC is ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2024. 
• The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. 
• The RVC is a research-led institution, with 88% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. 
• The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire.