WSAVA Announces First CEO

More than 55 years after its formal naming, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has appointed its first CEO: Arpita Bhose.

Bhose has served as WSAVA’s association manager since 2016, and in her new role will work with the WSAVA leadership team to advance the association’s mission of enhancing the health and welfare of companion animals. In particular, WSAVA has announced that 1 of its immediate goals is to develop WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including vaccination, nutrition, and pain management. The association produced vaccination guidelines in 2015 and global nutrition assessment guidelines in 2011, both which have been translated into multiple languages, including Polish, Japanese, and Spanish.

“2018 is shaping up to be one of our most ambitious years to date with further new members joining us and a range of new initiatives underway. As we continue to grow, a strong operational team to oversee the day to day running of the association is essential, both to support our members and to enable members of our Executive Board to focus on their areas of responsibility,” said Walt Ingwersen, DVM, DVSc, WSAVA president.

As CEO, Bhose will also work alongside key association members to strengthen communication between WSAVA and its 105 member associations that include more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide. Current initiatives for the association also include campaigning on key issues to veterinarians globally—such as access to veterinary medicines and animal welfare—as well as the furtherance of its continuing education courses.

“I am delighted to have been appointed to this new role and at such an exciting time for WSAVA,” Bhose said. “I look forward to building on our successes, and with the insight of our members, eagerly anticipate implementing the changes necessary to support our rapid growth.”