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Melissa Donald

BVMS MRCVS

Biography

Melissa Donald, RCVS Council member

Melissa Donald graduated from Glasgow University in 1987 and started her career as a food animal intern at Iowa State University in the USA.

In 1990 she joined a 2-person traditional mixed practice on the Ayrshire coast and over the following 25 years developed it (with the help of her husband) to a 4.5 vet 100% small animal practice, concentrating on dentistry and was the new graduate mentor.

In 2004, Melissa became the Clinical Coach for the nurse training and later RCVS practical OSCE examiner for the VN exams.

Outside of work, her family keep her grounded together with dogs, cats and sheep.  Also, she is a keen (if slow) runner and keep fit enthusiast.

In 2012, Melissa set up Eglinton parkrun, a volunteer based, weekly, free, community running event and was Event Director until 2014. She was a volunteer for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. 

She is a past president of the Ayrshire Veterinary Association and has represented Ayrshire on BVA Council, also serving on their MSG committee.

Council Member category

  • Elected: 2016 - 2024

Committee membership

  • Nominations Committee
  • Officer Team
  • Registration Committee
  • Specialist Recognition and Advanced Practitioner Appeals Committee
  • Standards Committee
  • Fellowship Board
  • RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees
  • Hardwick Street Refurbishment Group

Declaration of interests

Directorships

Independent non-executive director of the Red Tractor Scheme

Director, Glasgow Cat and Dog Home

Director, Scottish SPCA Property Trustee Ltd

Relevant financial interests, eg shareholdings, bonds and derivatives

None

Consultancies

None

Appointments to other bodies

Past President, BVA Scottish Branch

 

Membership of other veterinary or allied organisations

  • BVA - member
  • BSAVA - member
  • SSPCA - Trustee
  • Association of Charity Vets - member

Employment

  • 1988 - current: Partner, K and M Donald (farming enterprise)
  • 1990 - 2015 - Veterinary Surgeon, Oaks Vet Centre, Ayrshire
  • 1987 - Iowa State University: Food animal intern

Qualifications (other than veterinary qualifications listed in the Register)

None

Interests relating to immediate family or close friends

None

Other relevant information

None