Muhammad Hasan Mahrous, an Egyptian veterinarian who qualified in 2018 and works at a veterinary clinic in Dubai, is to receive the 2022 WSAVA Future Leader Award in recognition of his contribution to association building in his home country and to increasing access to continuing education for Egyptian veterinarians.
The WSAVA Future Leader Award acknowledges the work of a veterinarian who graduated within the last ten years and who has contributed significantly to the betterment of companion animals, the veterinary profession and society at large.
While a veterinary student, Mahrous set up the Egyptian Chapter of the International Veterinary Students Association (IVSA). A not-for-profit association, IVSA aims to benefit animals and people by harnessing the potential and dedication of veterinary students to promote the international application of veterinary skills, education, and knowledge.
On qualification, Mahrous helped found the Egyptian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ESAVA), the first association for companion animal veterinarians in the country. ESAVA joined the WSAVA in 2020 to take its place in the global veterinary community and support the development of companion animal practice in Egypt.
Silvina Muñiz, an Argentinian veterinarian who uses mass media to educate owners about responsible pet ownership and who campaigns on animal welfare issues, has been named the recipient of 2022’s WSAVA Award for Companion Animal Welfare.
The WSAVA Companion Animal Welfare Award recognizes individual veterinarians who have made a significant contribution to animal welfare and inspired others to play their part in advancing welfare globally.
Since 2004, Muñiz has presented VETv/Canal Vet, a TV show which teaches owners how to care for their pets and informs them about disease prevention. Its content is endorsed by respected veterinary associations and institutions, including the Universidad de Buenos Aires and the Asociación de Veterinarios de Animales de Compañía de Argentina (AVEACA), a member association of the WSAVA.
Muñiz graduated from the Universidad Nacional de La Plata in 1987 and has continued her own veterinary education with post-graduate courses on topics including Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, Radiology and Ethology. She has also interviewed leading veterinary professionals at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain, and UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, USA., to gain insights on health prevention and client education for companion animals, both at teaching hospitals and in veterinary practice settings.
In addition to her media work, she is a director of veterinary hospital VET Clínica in Buenos Aires and veterinary director of Dog Run Argentina, an association which oversees the health and welfare of dogs participating in sport. Muñiz was Chair of AVEACA from May 2017 until May 2022 and is currently its Vice President. She is also the Argentine Representative to the Federación Iberoamericana de Asociaciones Veterinarias de Animales de Compañía.
Mahrous and Muñiz will receive their award during this year’s WSAVA World Congress, which will take place from October 29–31 in Lima, Peru.