I've always wanted to be a vet since I can remember. It all started with a goldfish, but that's another story. It took me five attempts to get into vet school. I come from a family where my mom was a cleaner and my dad was a chef. No one in my family had ever been to university. I grew up in a challenging part of central London with no access to role models and our pets didn’t have access to regular veterinary care. I got a degree in molecular genetics from King's College in London, and eventually, on my fifth attempt, I got into the Royal Veterinary College and qualified in 2012.

After qualifying, I worked in small animal practice across the South East. I worked in various practices, did out-of-hours work, and developed an interest in exotics, which started because of a role model I met during my clinical placements. This led me to join the British Veterinary Association's Ethics and Welfare Committee, initially with an application focused on tortoises. I became chair of that group, which meant I sat on the BVA Council and got involved in policymaking.

In 2019, I became the youngest British Veterinary Association president - and only the fifth woman to take on that role. During my three-year tenure, my focus was on vet diversity, inclusivity and workplace discrimination. My presidency was overtaken by Brexit and then COVID-19, making it a very intense period. Despite the challenges, it was incredibly fulfilling, and I was awarded the RCVS Inspiration Award and Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contributions to the profession.

After my presidency, I was quite burnt out and went into a first opinion practice with a high routine and preventative care caseload to spend time doing something different to give myself a break. Then, I was approached for my current role at IVC Evidensia, which I joined just over two and a half years ago. I realised that by being part of something big, I could make a significant difference. If my work with IVC Evidensia led to things being done differently, it would affect thousands of people, and ultimately patients. That's why I joined, and I've been involved in various initiatives in my time here so far, including our approaches to supporting flexible working and offering excellent learning and development pathways.

What motivates you in your work?

I feel fulfilled at work when I'm making a significant difference on a larger scale, but it is ultimately all about people. What drives me is doing meaningful work and making a difference to people. Success, to me, looks like having happy people doing their work to the best of their ability. Even as an in-practice vet, if I built a good relationship with a client, the outcome for the patient would be better. My current role enables me to make that difference on a larger scale. 

IVC Evidensia has the benefit of scale and a people-focused culture - those are the reasons people come and stay in a role. Different generations across our professions have different drivers, but meaningful work and feeling valued are crucial. We need to enable people to do meaningful work with fair salaries and benefits, in a place where they feel valued. At IVC Evidensia, we want to be open, welcoming, and clinically focused - somewhere you can start and end your career.

What advice would you give to an early career vet professional who is inspired by your story?

My career happened because I took those random opportunities that came my way, and I understood my “why”. We will all have different interests and things that drive us, and so my advice would be to know yourself and what matters to you and what drives you in the first instance. Then, never turn down an opportunity and always push on that open door. What’s the worst that could happen? You don’t like it and you walk back through the door. 

Also, don't try and be perfect; do your best and learn from things that don’t go according to plan.

What was the inspiration for the Training Centres and can you tell us more about them?

There are two main reasons the training centre concept came about: our proficiency mapping work and our Care Frameworks. Our proficiency mapping identified key areas where our teams were less confident and would benefit from additional training and support. And our innovative Care Frameworks will also be supported by training delivered out of the training centres. 

These centres, with both wet lab and seminar room facilities, are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. We use innovative models for training which allows our team members to gain hands-on experience in a controlled and safe environment, enhancing their skills and confidence. 

The training we provide at these learning centres is relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with the latest standards and best practices in veterinary care. By integrating a data-driven approach, we can tailor the training to meet the specific needs of our teams and address any gaps in their knowledge or skills.

The training centres support lifelong learning and allow people to practice and learn in a safe space. This is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within our organisation. By providing the resources and opportunities to enhance our vet’s and vet nurses’ skills, we are not only improving the quality of care we provide to our patients but also investing in the growth and development of our people.

Why do you think this new approach to learning and development for vet professionals is significant?

These new training centres are significant and tie in with IVC Evidensia’s work on our quality improvement care frameworks – which are unique. Our care frameworks are designed to elevate the level of care across our network, ensuring that all our practices have the information they need to provide the best care. 

Overall, the IVC Evidensia Academy Training Centres represent a significant investment in our people and our commitment to excellence in veterinary care. They are a testament to our dedication to continuous improvement and our belief in the importance of providing our teams with the best possible training and development opportunities.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have a dog called Bridget Bones and a Maine Coon called Fuzz Lightyear! They are both such characters and bring a lot of joy to my life. They keep me busy and entertained.

In terms of hobbies, I enjoy dancing. It's a great way to unwind and have fun. I've tried various styles over the years, but I particularly enjoy Latin and Ceroc. It's not just about the physical activity; it's also a social experience that allows me to meet new people and make friends.

Recently, I've discovered Hyrox, a fitness competition that combines running with functional fitness exercises. I hate the gym, but Hyrox gives me a reason to go because I can follow a set pattern! The structured nature of the competition keeps me motivated and focused. It's challenging, but I love the sense of accomplishment I get from completing an event.