This award is presented annually by the BSAVA as the primary recognition for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary nursing.
2025 Winner – Tina Parnell MA, Pg Dip CABC, Cert AAB, RVN
Tina is a lecturer in veterinary nursing at the Atlantic Technological University and has spent her entire life living with, and working for, other animals.
Prior to qualifying as a veterinary nurse in 1994, Tina’s earlier career was spent travelling, and working with, animals on four continents.
She later progressed to head nurse in a small animal practice in Ireland. During her time in small animal practice Tina recognized the link between animal behaviour and health and this interest in behaviour led her to continue her studies at University of Southampton. She graduated in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from University of Southampton and continues to emphasize the importance of recognizing the link between health and behaviour when delivering holistic care to our patients. This theme informs her behaviour practice, her nursing and her teaching.
Tina completed a Master of Arts degree in education, and after nearly 30 years of nursing she took up her post as a lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at the Atlantic Technological University. In this position she is provided with the opportunity to encourage and foster future veterinary nurses.
Tina is a contributing member of the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nursing Education (ACOVENE) and a contributing member of the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Council of Ireland. She held the post of treasurer for BSAVA Northern Ireland, and she is a founder member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC).
The recipients of 2025 will be celebrated at the BSAVA awards ceremony held at BSAVA Congress and Expo on Friday 21st March at Manchester Central. Book your tickets here