Sharon Ann King, a small animal veterinarian from Aberystwyth, has been awarded the prestigious BVA Veterinary Mentor Award 2026. This newly established accolade, supported by Hill's Pet Nutrition, honors a mentor who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to guiding and supporting others within the veterinary profession.
The award was presented at the BVA Awards Dinner 2026, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, alongside twelve other award categories. Sharon, who works as a small animal vet at Downes Veterinary Services and serves as a lecturer in Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, was recognized for her compassion and commitment to supporting those who "might have fallen into the cracks along the way." Her nominations highlighted her personal approach and her efforts to support individuals as whole people, not merely as veterinary students.
Sharon, a graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in 1999, expressed her gratitude: "This recognition means a great deal to me, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been nominated for this award, let alone be named as the winner! To play even a small role in supporting and helping to shape the next generation of vets is a real privilege, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I feel very proud to be part of a profession that places such importance on mentorship and supporting our students and colleagues."
British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS praised Sharon's impact: "Vet school can be demanding and for some students, overwhelming. However, Sharon's personal touch and commitment to ensuring that no one 'falls into the cracks along the way' means those she mentors get the compassionate and understanding support they need. The stories shared as part of her nomination were very moving and highlighted how she supports and mentors the 'whole person' and not just the 'vet student.' She's an inspiration. Congratulations, Sharon."
Hillary Pearce, Professional and Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition, which sponsors the award, commented: "Especially today, when veterinary medicine and the world at large are changing at a rapid pace, those who choose this challenging and rewarding profession benefit from support, and mentorship is critical to success. Hill's has always been a strong supporter of the veterinary profession and the individuals who make it up, and we are proud to continue that support as the sponsor of the inaugural BVA Veterinary Mentor Award."
The BVA Awards recognize inspirational veterinarians from across the profession who go above and beyond for their patients and clients, support wellbeing and positive workplace culture, drive positive change in sustainability, deliver inspirational leadership and mentoring, and push the boundaries of veterinary science. Dr. Rob Williams added: "The BVA Awards shine a light on the vital contribution vets and vet teams make in their communities and society at large; celebrating those who go the extra mile, who are outstanding in their fields; who show compassion and support for their colleagues; and make significant contributions to the health of both animals and people. We're so proud to be able to recognize their achievements and dedication and wish sincere congratulations to all our 2026 award winners."
