IVC Evidensia colleagues pay tribute to outgoing GP Vet Lead, Edward Davies

December 01, 2023

After 11 years with IVC Evidensia, Edward Davies has retired from his position and leaves behind a legacy of tireless dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism for his work within the group to champion first opinion vets, alongside his positive contribution to the wider veterinary industry in the UK.

His career has taken him from a Clinical Director role to Small Animal Clinical Board chair where he was responsible for the professionalisation of such a vital group resource, and finally GP Vet Lead; a first within the profession. 

Edward has driven QI within the UK and has been instrumental in the work on appropriate antibiotic use, comprehensively addressing the clinical and commercial elements. His work on founding the market-leading GP Vet futures will continue to inspire future generations of vets to come.

Limitless enthusiasm for veterinary medicine

We reached out to a number of colleagues who wanted to share their thoughts about Edward as his tenure at the group comes to an end this week.

John Dinsdale, Country Medical Director for IVC Evidensia, had this to say: 

“Edward joined the group very early on and has been an embodiment of Independent Vetcare.

“There are few that have not been touched by his presence in IVC and he will be sorely missed by all. Edward has been a true ambassador for and advocate of the profession as a whole and IVC particularly. We all take this opportunity to wish Edward the very best in retirement.”

David Tweedle, Small Animal Clinical Board chair, also shared his thoughts:

“Edward has an enthusiasm for the profession which is infectious. He never fails to brighten up a meeting and always ensures that the interests and progression of the GP's is a priority. He will be missed.”

Richard Sinclair, Welfare Lead and Clinical Director at Lamond Vets, commented:

“It has been a great pleasure to have worked with Edward on the clinical board and welfare committee. His limitless enthusiasm and genuine fascination with the advancement of veterinary medicine has successfully driven projects for the company and the profession. 

“His honest voice and passion for championing the general practitioner have been an inspiration to me. While I am very sorry to see him go, I am sure he will throw himself into his next endeavour with similar vigour.”

Laura Playforth, Group Quality Improvement Director, said:

“During the years I have worked with Edward, I have found him to be one of the best people I know. He has an incredible, unwavering passion and enthusiasm for the veterinary professions, especially his influential work in championing the GP vet role and quality improvement in practice. 

“He is compassionate, thoughtful and an insightful thinker as well as a lot of fun to be around. I will miss his presence and his unique contributions.”

Gayle Hallowell, Group Director of Veterinary Professional Development, added:

“Well, it has been an absolute pleasure working with Edward over the last 2 years, a humble GP practitioner with a breadth of clinical knowledge one can only aspire too and a thirst and desire to learn new things - like educational theory! 

“He is a fantastic teacher and has contributed to educating those in the graduate academy, GP vet Futures and the international vets - even if he doesn’t think he's great!”

Lesley Moore, Quality Improvement Co-ordinator, said:

“Edward will be greatly missed. From our Monday morning chats to all the work we have done to develop Quality Improvement over the last 2 years together. 

“We have taken what was essentially a blank canvas and created a number of successful national projects. We have worked with so many practices on local projects and made really great progress driving QI forward in the UK which has no doubt had a massively positive impact on our patients and our teams. 

“Edward’s enthusiasm is infectious, and I hope he knows how respected he is throughout the veterinary community.”

Kelly Lee, Regional Veterinary Director for the Midlands, concluded:

“I have found working with Edward, and indeed just knowing him and talking to him about the veterinary world, fascinating, inspirational and humbling. 

“He is always positive, enthusiastic, and has a wonderful way of sharing his extensive knowledge on so many things in a way that is always inclusive, well balanced and accessible to all. He’s an example of everything that’s good about being a GP veterinary surgeon. 

“He sees opportunities everywhere and works hard to grasp them and share them with those of us lucky enough to know him. He’ll be missed greatly.”

Everyone at IVC Evidensia extends their warmest regards to Edward and wishes him the very best for his retirement after so many years of service to the group and the wider veterinary profession.