It takes an exceptional veterinarian to look outside the familiarity of their home environment and endeavour to serve the profession beyond our borders.
The Kesteven Medal is awarded to an Australian veterinarian in recognition of distinguished contribution to international veterinary science via the provision of technical and scientific assistance to developing countries.
The Kesteven Medal was inaugurated by the late Dr KVL Kesteven and first awarded in 1980. From NSW farmer to becoming the first veterinarian appointed to the Food and Agriculture Organization in Washington, Dr Kesteven’s achievements in all corners of the world are an inspiration to any veterinarian who seeks to make a difference through international service.
Recent recipients of the Kesteven Medal embody his outstanding ambassadorship for Australia. Most recently Dr Roger Clarke, for his 30-year service to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and his extraordinary efforts in the Asia-Pacific region to improve the standards of veterinary practice and animal welfare, notably through continuing education and the formation of the Federation of Asian Small Animal Veterinary Associations (FASAVA).
The Committee, Judges and Board will look at the outstanding service to veterinary science in Australia, considering how the nominee has contributed to international activities, how they have shown this under difficult conditions and how they conducted themselves. This will be provided by:
It is open to both members and non-member Australian veterinarians.
Strong candidates for the Kesteven Medal will be those who continue to make the effort under difficult conditions, conduct themselves well in the developing country, show empathy for counterparts, cement friendships and develop linkages of ongoing value. Commitment and compassion in the performance of the achievement are criteria for the award. Self interest should not be the only motive for undertaking the work.
Drawn from a variety of occupations, from salaried posts in international aid organisations to private veterinarians whose advanced skills and experience give them opportunities to enhance livestock production in developing countries.
As much as possible the effort should be identified with the Australian veterinary profession and to a lesser extent Australian society. The achievement should reflect well on the person's veterinary training and experience in Australia, and the support of Australian institutions and the Australian community in making the achievement possible.
Only one award may be given in any one year and the award will not be given if a suitable recipient cannot be identified.
Nominations may be submitted by AVA members and AVA Group Committees.
Self-nominations will not be considered.
The AVA Awards Committee are responsible for receiving the nominations and ensuring that recipients have been judged as per the criteria.
The AVA Board ratifies the recipients before they are announced to ensure suitability of all recipients.
Secrecy should be maintained in relation to nominations.
It may be necessary to speak with the nominee to obtain information required for submitting but we ask that you do this discreetly and let them know that nominations do not guarantee success.
If not successful, the same nominee can be put forward for a further 2 years following their first nomination.
Please note that these nominations will not occur automatically. Subsequent nominations must be resubmitted to ensure that all relevant information is accurate and up to date.
After 2 years the nominator will have to apply to the Awards Committee (via Peta Bortfield) to request consideration to be able to submit another nomination.
The Awards Committee will not provide feedback on the nominations as they are confidential.