I never planned on being a vet from a young age like so many of my colleagues, but I did spend my childhood around horses, and I have had a horse by my side for as long as I can remember. For me, it was a natural progression to work in equine once I graduated. I did a course at Glasgow University which opened the door to the variety of different roles that involved working with animals. Studying at the vet campus for a few of the classes gave me an insight into what was involved, and I don’t think my interest in veterinary would have been ignited if it wasn’t for those experiences. After graduating from Glasgow University, I worked in several different fields, including PR, sponsorship, marketing, and PA work for the BBC. However, I could never find the level of job satisfaction I sought.
 
It was then that I decided to start pursuing the work experience that was necessary for the application to vet school, thinking that the surgeries, blood, and environment would cut my career short and send me back to the drawing board. However, the opposite turned out to be true, and it inspired me so much that I applied to RVC, where I obtained a place on the Accelerated BeVetMed course. I think working in different fields has allowed me to gain valuable skills that I was able to use in my early career as a vet. 

Can you tell us about your internship at Fyrnwy Equine Clinic? How did that experience influence your growth as a young vet?

I completed the internship at Fyrnwy Equine Hospital, which was a great starting point for me. The internship is rotating, and I was able to experience everything that a career in equine has to offer. The opportunity of seeing such a wide range of cases both on the road and in a hospital environment allows you to fully understand the extent of each case from beginning to end. Attending the first call, deciding on a management plan, carrying out the anaesthesia or scrubbing into the surgery, and then finally helping with the aftercare. As a young vet, it gave me the toolset I required to succeed in the world of equine.

How did it feel to be recognised as Equine Young Vet of the Year at the IVCE Equine Congress?

Having recently joined a new practice and then being nominated by my team and to go on and be selected as the overall winner was a huge surprise and a great honour, particularly at this stage in my career.
 
In many ways, it is a vindication that my decision to go back to university and become a vet was the right one and that all the hard work and effort that all new graduates put in is not going unnoticed. This recognition will help me continue to take on new challenges and learning opportunities in the hope that I can advance not only my career but the quality of care that I can give each horse and client.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in equine practice?

Equine practice can be very rewarding and varied, once you get used to working in all weather! Each day is so varied - from working in a hospital to being on the road as an ambulatory vet or working in a hybrid environment. My choice to partake in an equine internship helped me build confidence, working with a large team of vets and very experienced nurses, and repeating many of the skills required on a day-to-day basis.
 
Often it was stressful at times, taking on full responsibility but also rewarding to see cases through from start to finish and to work alongside a supportive team. My internship has empowered me to approach any case with confidence and apply both the theory and the skills I have learned to the benefit of each case. Diagnostics and treatments in this field are constantly changing and evolving, and no one expects you to know the answer to every single question, so don’t be afraid to ask and learn new techniques and skills whilst on the job.

What inspired your decision to move back to Scotland and join the team at Avondale?

Scotland has always been home for me, and after spending over six years away, it was always my goal to move back at some point. The team at Avondale had a position, and it was a great opportunity right on my doorstep. Avondale has been great to work with so far, allowing me the full scope to pursue all my interests and advance my knowledge in other areas, while also allowing me to keep my skills up to date.
 
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, and Scotland has plenty of places to venture, whether that be walking or running. I am hoping once I am more settled to bring a horse back into my life, which no doubt will take up the rest of my time.