Farm hosts fourth annual EMS bootcamps for student vets

Across July, our farm teams hosted their fourth annual farm bootcamps where 24 veterinary students gained valuable experience in farm practice.

The annual farm bootcamps offer second, third and fourth-year veterinary students a week-long Extra Mural Studies (EMS) programme designed to equip them with confidence and practical skills for a career in farm practice. The two bootcamps took place in Uttoxeter in the Midlands and across Kilmarnock and Stirling in Scotland.

This year’s cohort gathered 24 veterinary students from across the UK, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Nottingham.

Hosted by our Regional Heads of Farm, Gill Whitehurst, Hugh Thompson and Navaratnam Partheeban, the two bootcamps offered a packed schedule of hands-on workshops alongside classroom-based learning. Each day focused on key areas of farm practice, including lameness, foot trimming, mobility scoring, dairy fertility, parasite control and camelids.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, the farm team also offered two fully funded places to students from underrepresented backgrounds. Students were also able to apply for an EMS bursary to help cover the cost of training, accommodation, food and travel, enabling those facing financial hardship to complete their required EMS.

Navaratnam Partheeban, Regional Head of Farm, shared:

“We're proud to champion equity in farm veterinary practice. Every student who applies is selected because we believe that everyone deserves opportunities, access to inspiring role models, and the chance to genuinely explore a career in farm animal practice, regardless of their background or previous experience.

“Watching this year's cohort learn, grow in confidence and support one another throughout the week has been a real privilege.”

A huge thank you to Hugh, Gill, and Navaratnam for your incredible work in delivering the events and the farm teams for investing your time and knowledge into training future vets.

Finally, congratulations to Sophie-Anne MacDonald, one of this year’s attending farm bootcamp students, who has now joined Woodside Vets as a new graduate vet!