Humanimal Trust has announced the appointment of Dr Mary Fraser as its new Chair of Trustees, succeeding Professor Roberto La Ragione, who steps down after completing his third consecutive term as Chair.
Mary is a veterinary surgeon who has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between human and veterinary medicine, education and research. She began her career in mixed practice before completing a PhD in canine dermatology, funded by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. She then moved into education and clinical research in both further/higher education and the corporate sector, alongside establishing her own small animal practice.
Currently Executive Director of Education at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Glasgow, Mary has also worked with the University of Stirling’s Innovation Centre and developed innovative training pathways for veterinary nurses. In 2017, she was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.
Her professional interests span One Medicine, animal welfare, veterinary and medical education, clinical decision-making and charitable work. A long-standing supporter of Humanimal Trust, Mary brings both vision and experience to her new role. She said: “I am honoured to become Chair of Humanimal Trust at such a crucial time in its journey. The principle of One Medicine – that human and animal health professionals can and should learn from one another to improve the health of all species – has never been more important.
“As someone who, over the years, has had the opportunity to spend the day job working with vets, vet nurses, physicians and human nurses, I’ve seen first-hand the similarities between these specialities. There is more in common between these professions that you may think, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations laid by Professor Roberto La Ragione and working with the Trust to deliver real, societal change.”
Outgoing Chair, Professor Roberto La Ragione, said: “As my third and final term as Chair comes to an end, I feel a huge sense of pride and gratitude. Pride, that despite challenges and obstacles, we have seen the early shoots of One Medicine put down much stronger roots, spreading across professional and public communities in the UK and further afield. Gratitude, that so many have joined us in the One Medicine movement, whether as donors, supporters, professionals, volunteers or staff.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Humanimal Trust and I am delighted to hand over to Dr Fraser, whose experience and commitment to One Medicine will ensure the Trust continues to grow and deliver impact.”
CEO of Humanimal Trust, Joe Bailey, said: “I want to extend my deepest thanks to Roberto for his exceptional leadership, guidance and unwavering belief in our mission. His support has been a true anchor for the Trust, and we are incredibly fortunate that he will remain a Trustee.
“At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Mary as our new Chair. Her leadership, passion and deep understanding of both human and veterinary medicine will help us create a fair, two-way street and deliver real, measurable change for all patients – both human and animal.”