This award is presented for contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine by a qualified veterinarian. This means all aspects of medicine, including but not limited to, internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, oncology and medical aspects of neurology, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging and exotics (NTCA).
2025 Winner – Professor Holger A. Volk DVM, PGCAP, PhD, DipECVN, FHEA, FRCVS
Holger is currently Professor of Small Animal Diseases and the Head of Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, visiting Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Royal Veterinary College, London and Affiliate Professor of Veterinary Neurology, University of Copenhagen.
He graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover in 2001, where he also did his PhD in Neuropharmacology studying basic mechanisms of drug-resistant epilepsy. He then completed his specialist clinical education doing an internship and a residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). The RVC also provided him with the chance to not only excel academically and clinically, but also in his leadership skills, going through the reigns from lecturer to head of service, clinical director of the Small Animal Referral clinic and last as head of department of clinical science and services.
Holger is internationally known for his work in the field of SARS-CoV-2 Medical Scent Detection Dogs, neuropathic pain and epilepsy. He was President of the European College of Veterinary Neurology and active in the Executive Board of Veterinary Specialisation as treasurer. Holger has been chairing the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force, which published seven consensus statements for canine and feline epilepsy and was a co-chair of the recent published ACVIM consensus statement about medical treatment of epilepsy and emergency seizures, and ECVN consensus about movement disorders. He has been a recipient of several Jim Bee educator excellent in teaching awards, the prestigious Bourgelat Award from BSAVA, and the International Canine Health Award from the Kennel Club, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) International Award. In 2022, Holger became fellow of the RCVS for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice. He has published multiple books and book chapters, >300 articles, >180 conference abstracts, and is a frequent flyer on the international conference circuit.
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