International Women’s Day 2026: RVN and Curling Champion Lisa on passion, pressure and podiums

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting Lisa Davie, RVN, following her recent Scottish Women’s Curling Championship win.

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the achievements of women across our network, recognise their hard work and highlight some of their fascinating stories. 

Among the many inspiring women in our network is Lisa Davie, RVN at Bruceview Vets. Alongside her career in veterinary nursing, Lisa competes in curling at a national level, has recently secured her second consecutive Scottish Women’s Curling Championship title and working towards competing on the world stage with her team. 

In this interview, Lisa reflects on how her love for animals and curling developed, how she manages the pressures of practice life with the demands of elite competition, and the ambitions that drive both careers. 

Congratulations on your second-year win in the Scottish Women’s Curling Championship! What does this achievement mean to you personally? 

Winning the Scottish title for the second year in a row means a great deal to me.  

This year’s victory feels even more special because it has put our team in a strong position for selection to the World Women’s Championships. Being selected for Worlds is a first for our team, and I’m absolutely delighted. It makes this win feel like a real milestone and a reward for all the hard work we’ve put in together.


Photo: Peter Joyce / Scottish Curling

What drew you to vet nursing as a career and curling as a sport? 

Curling has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up travelling around Scotland to different ice rinks, watching my mum and dad compete, and being surrounded by the sport made me want to try it myself from a young age. It’s always felt like a natural fit for me. 

My interest in vet nursing started in a similar way through experience. I spent countless hours helping on the family farm when I was younger, and that sparked my passion for animals. I always knew I wanted to work with animals, but it wasn’t until a careers day at school that I realised vet nursing was an option. I arranged work experience at Bruceview Vets soon after and starting there confirmed to me that this was the career I wanted to pursue. 

How do you manage high pressure situations in clinic and on the ice? 

In many ways, high pressure situations in curling and in the clinic feel surprisingly similar to me. On the ice, I focus on my breathing to steady my heart rate and clear my head. That helps me stay present, trust my technique, and make the right call on weight and line. 

In the clinic, I rely on the strength of the team around me. When things get busy or stressful, we communicate, support each other, and work out the best plan for the animals. The calmness I’ve learned from curling really helps; I know how to reset mentally, stay focused, and put the animal I’m caring for first.


Photo: Peter Joyce / Scottish Curling

How do you balance the demands of practice life with training and competing at such a high level? 

Balancing the two is something I’ve had to work hard at. I’m someone who always wants to give my best in everything I do, so finding the right balance between curling, vet nursing, and having time for myself has been really important. I’ve had open conversations with both my practice management and my curling coaches to make sure we create a schedule that works for everyone. 

At the moment, I train on the ice and in the gym five days a week and work two days a week at the practice. Our competition schedule can get busy, but Bruceview Vets has been incredibly supportive in helping me plan my holidays around events. During the offseason, I make sure to give back by covering shifts and helping colleagues take their summer leave. 

It’s a constant balancing act, but good communication, planning, and the support of the people around me make it possible. 

Do you have any advice for women who wish to pursue multiple passions? 

My advice to other women would be to go for it, advocate for yourself and don’t downplay your talent. If you have another passion you want to pursue professionally, it’s absolutely possible with hard work, good organisation, and belief in your abilities. 

I’d also encourage women to talk openly about their passions and achievements. I’m naturally quite humble, but the support and enthusiasm I get from my colleagues always uplifts me. Sharing what you’re doing not only helps others understand your journey, but it also gives people the chance to celebrate you and support you through the tougher moments.  

Are there any women in vet nursing or curling that inspire you? 

I look at all my colleagues, and I see qualities in every one of them I look to have. Whether it be their compassion for every patient that comes into the practice, their knowledge, their life at home with family and children or their aspirations.  

In curling, I look up to Anna Hasselborg, 2026 Olympic Champion in women's curling. Her professionalism, consistency, and leadership are qualities I really admire. Seeing women like her succeed at the highest level reminds me that it’s possible to chase more than one ambition and still excel. 

Do you have any long terms goals for your vet nursing and sporting careers?  

One of my biggest longterm goals in sport is to be selected for the 2030 Olympics in France. That’s something I’m incredibly motivated by, and I know it will take years of consistent training and attention to small details that make a difference at the top level. 

In my vet nursing career, my goal is to continue developing my skills and experience while balancing my curling commitments. I’m very grateful for the support Bruceview Vets have given me throughout my journey, and I look forward to the day I can return to fulltime nursing once my competitive career allows it. Being able to grow in both areas is really important to me, and I’m committed to making that happen. 

Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women across our teams and practices who inspire us every day.