Shows
veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 73 - Opening the WindowsWe’re so thrilled to have Dr. Sean McCormack join us on this episode of the podcast. We talk about his amazing career, from working in windowless rooms to finally “opening that window” as his path evolved from zoo vet to garden designer.
Sean shares stories about roses, rainbows, flora and fauna, David Attenborough, and everything in between. It’s a warm, engaging chat that shows his passion for wildlife, conservation, and storytelling in veterinary work.
Dr. Sean McCormack is a veterinarian, conservationist, and media presenter. He studied Animal Science before vet school...2025-07-1445 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 72 - Just a Thought... Does honey heal wounds?In this week’s clinical segment, we’re joined once again by Amelia Sherwood RVN, a highly experienced veterinary nurse and educator with a special interest in wound management. Together, we explore the evidence behind one of the most interesting treatments in both human and veterinary medicine: honey.
We begin by asking the big question; does honey really “heal all wounds,” and is there strong veterinary evidence to support its use in clinical practice? Amelia shares her expertise on how honey functions as part of a comprehensive wound care strategy, including its antimicrobial properties, its impact on...2025-05-2620 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 71 - Can we just let them?In this special Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Amelia Sherwood RVN, a passionate veterinary nurse, educator, and advocate for nurse progression and support. Amelia began her nursing career in 2008 and has since held a variety of roles across clinical practice, education, industry, and leadership.
From her early days in primary care and examining OSCEs, to supporting teams as a Regional Nursing Manager and now leading her own consultancy business, Amelia’s career is a testament to the diverse and dynamic pathways available to veterinary nurses. She is also widel...2025-05-1145 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 70 - Just a thought... Should I use prazosin in blocked cats?We’re switching things up in 2025 with a slightly different format. You’ll still get all the great conversations with inspiring people across the veterinary profession, but we’re also introducing shorter, standalone clinical segments to focus on key topics.
This week, we’re tackling a common clinical question: Should I use prazosin in my blocked cats?
To help us break it down, Dr. Sam Taylor, RCVS Recognized Specialist in Feline Medicine and Veterinary Specialist Lead at International Cat Care, joins us to discuss the latest evidence and best practices when managing f...2025-03-1620 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 69 - Feline FineIn this week’s episode, we are absolutely delighted to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Sam Taylor, one of the leading voices in feline medicine today.
From her early days at the Royal Veterinary College, through her European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine, to becoming an RCVS Recognized Specialist in Feline Medicine, Sam has been at the forefront of advancing veterinary care for cats. As the International Cat Care Veterinary Specialist Lead, she has played a pivotal role in shaping clinical guidelines that have transformed how we diagnose and manage feline diseases.
2025-02-2849 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 68 - Just A Thought... Diagnosing LeptospirosisHello everyone! We’re switching things up in 2025 with a slightly different format. You’ll still get all the great conversations with inspiring people across the veterinary profession, but we’re also introducing shorter, standalone clinical segments to focus on key topics.
This week, we’re taking a closer look at diagnosing leptospirosis in dogs—a zoonotic disease that requires accurate diagnosis for both public health and effective treatment. Due to the challenges of culturing leptospires, veterinarians rely on serologic tests like the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), ELISA, and PCR to confirm infection.
Key T...2025-02-1013 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 67 - Leave your ego on the chopping boardIn this week’s episode, we’re absolutely thrilled to be joined by the legendary Jasmin Paris, MBE - a British ultrarunner, fell running champion, and all-around inspiration. Jasmin’s achievements are the stuff of legend, from smashing records in some of the world’s most grueling races to becoming the first woman ever to complete the Barkley Marathons in 2024.
Jasmin shares her fascinating journey, from growing up in the Peak District and discovering her love of the outdoors to becoming one of the most accomplished ultrarunners of all time.
Jasmin also opens...2025-01-2754 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 66 - "The equal and opposite truth"In this week's episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant Dr. Jess Moore-Jones, a vet with an unconventional career path and a passion for transforming veterinary practice cultures. Jess is the founder of Unleashed Coaching and Consulting, where she helps vet clinics build resilient teams and thriving workplaces. She shares her inspiring journey, from leading teams in animal shelters and zoos to becoming a business owner and consultant. Jess opens up about her mission to keep vets engaged and fulfilled, even in the face of professional challenges.
We dive into important topics with Jess, inc...2024-09-131h 24veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 65 - Painful ParadoxesIn this week's episode, we have an important conversation with the amazing Dr. Sarah Keir, a small animal vet with an impressive clinical career in veterinary medicine. Sarah shares her journey, including the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that shaped her path.
We also chat about how the veterinary field is changing and how you can build a fulfilling career, even if it doesn't go exactly as planned. Sarah talks about the tough and sometimes surprising parts of veterinary medicine, sharing valuable insights. We also talk to Sarah about everything from baking blogs to the...2024-07-081h 07veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 64 - When I Grow Up I Want to Be HappyJoin us for an engaging discussion with Emma, a qualified veterinarian from Bristol University and a familiar face from BBC1's "Vets in Practice." Emma shares her journey and passion for animal welfare, campaigning on various issues from hunting with dogs to pedigree animal health. Her drive to improve animal welfare shines through as she discusses the impact of changes in animal breeding and the importance of veterinary intervention.
In our clinical segment, Jonny Lambert, National Veterinary Manager at Zoetis UK, delves into the topic of therapeutics in canine allergic cases. Jonny covers the importance o...2024-06-061h 24veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 63 - Finding the best solution with the best of intentionsJoin us for an engaging discussion with Edwina Gildea, Veterinary Lead at Zoetis UK, as she illuminates the unique and rewarding career path of a veterinarian in the pharmaceutical industry. Edwina will provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of this field, dispelling common misconceptions along the way. She will explore the diverse roles that veterinarians can pursue within the industry, highlighting how these roles resonate with the aspirations many of us had as young students dreaming of a career in veterinary medicine. Edwina also touches on our shared desire to find the best solutions with the best...2024-05-071h 12veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 62 - Just a Flitty Vet?This week we are joined by the incredible Hannah Capon. Hannah qualified from Cambridge University in 2002. Over the years, she has worked in a large variety of practices and roles, from sole-charge first-opinion to teamwork emergency practice. She won the 2020 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award, the 2019 CEVA Vet of the Year Award and was a finalist for the 2019 Petplan Vet of the Year Award. Hannah has a passion for chronic pain management, geriatrics and musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation and has been recognised for her tireless work on Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an online education and support service for...2024-04-151h 07veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 61 - From CPR to The CircusSam is an RVN qualified teacher and certified RECOVER Instructor who has spent over 10 years working in referral hospitals. In her last role at North Downs Specialist Referrals, she was clinical services manager. Where she overhauled and delivered CPR training for the whole team. She has a passion for teaching and training and currently works for Linnaeus as a Medical Quality Manager and as a PSS Assessor for the RCVS. Alongside this she runs a CPR training provider ‘The PetMed CPR Education company’ which provides in house training to veterinary practices and retreats for those wishing to certify as a RE...2024-03-111h 11veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 60 - This one's for DeanIn this week’s episode we are talking to the incredible Jade Statt. Many of you will know Jade through her connection with StreetVet, an award-winning national charity offering free accessible vet care and services to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness. A chance meeting with a homeless gentleman and his dog inspired co-founder Jade to take vet care out onto the streets to the people and pets that need it most. What started in 2016 as 2 vets, Jade Statt and co-founder Sam Joseph and a backpack full of veterinary supplies, is now a charity fuelled by over 500 vet and ve...2024-01-261h 16veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 59 - Learning from loss and going for goatIn this week’s episode we are talking to Heidi and Liv. Heidi and Liv are both 3rd year vet students at the University Of Liverpool, with unique alternative entry routes. Heidi worked on a dairy farm. Liv qualified as an RVN and worked in a small animal clinic. The shared experience of parent loss has strengthened their friendship, and together with Tobias they founded the Bereaved Vet Students Group (@bereavedvetstudentsgroup) . They are on a mission to improve bereavement support, and to create a safer space within the profession for anyone coping with grief and loss.
Heidi found...2023-11-161h 12veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 58 - My Veterinary Patchwork QuiltIn this week’s episode we are talking to Dr Eve Hanks. Eve is the CEO & Founder of MI:RNA. Eve is a veterinary surgeon, innovator and entrepreneur and she used her clinical and scientific background for conception, development and implementation of a novel diagnostic testing technology. Eve has created this new platform with microRNAs, having studied, researched, and published in this area for over 7 years. We talk about her career path and how all the pieces of the puzzle have come together, bringing her to where she is today. Please check out some of Eve’s amazing work:
2023-09-131h 16veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 57 - Taking a leap of faithThis week we talk to the wonderful Inge Breatnach. Inge qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2007 in Dublin and spent 11 years in general practice. In 2015 she moved to a large oncology and soft tissue referral hospital and worked as a surgical oncology nurse. In 2020 she joined The Ralph veterinary referrals in Buckinghamshire and helped to establish a medical oncology service. Having completed her DipAVN in 2020, and her PgCert AVN (oncology) in 2022, she now has her sights firmly set on the oncology VTS qualification.
https://www.instagram.com/oncologyrvn/
https://twitter.com/OncologyRVN
2023-07-0346 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 56 - ”If you can’t see it you can’t be it”This week we are joined by the incredible Janika Patel. Janika is a small animal veterinary surgeon that qualified from University of Nottingham in 2017. She has worked in various practices across London and Surrey and is currently a locum around Leicestershire. She has a keen interest in internal medicine and a passion for raising awareness of issues such as racism, diversity and equality within the profession. Janika’s Instagram page @janikathevet began as a diary of her experiences as a vet and soon evolved into an inspiring space for other people of colour to join the veterinary profession.
2023-06-0553 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 55 - ”Plant trees you will never see”In this week's episode, we talk to Elly Russell from the Veterinary Defense Society (VDS). After graduating from Cambridge Vet School in 2002, Elly worked in a variety of clinical roles including small animal practice and an emergency critical care setting. In 2017 she completed her CertAVP in small animal surgery and discovered her passion for patient safety. Elly is currently undertaking a PhD researching the role communication plays in the delivery of safe, effective veterinary care. Elly is passionate about supporting vet teams and developing the communication practices they need to achieve high performance and fulfilling, happy careers.
2023-05-191h 02veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 54 - Leading ChangeIn this week's episode we are talking to the incredible Helen Silver-MacMahon and Cat Auden from VetLed. We have recorded this special episode ahead of the VetLed 2023 Veterinary Human Factors Conference. We hear a lot of voices in our profession calling for change of all sorts. Maybe you are too…but how do we really do that? How can we improve things for the long-term, and not just apply ‘sticking plasters’ to problems? Hopefully this episode will help in starting to answer some of these questions! At VetLed the team passionately believe that taking a Human Factors approach to change...2023-02-201h 01veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 53 - Shelters, Surgery and StinkyThis week we talk to Dr. Kelly Gehlhaus who works in shelter medicine in Minnesota. We talk about her international studies, shelter medicine and navigating the challenges this brings for patients and their owners. We dive into finding your niche and what makes each veterinary professional individual.
Dr. Kelly Gehlhaus attended the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, graduating in 2015. Upon graduation, she moved to Utah on a whim to begin her veterinary career in small animal clinical practice at a low-cost, high-volume clinic, where she was first introduced to the spectrum of...2023-01-031h 06veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 52 - From surgery to psychology: leaving expectations behindIn this week's episode, we are talking to the brilliant Liv of @vetgonereal. We talk all about her journey through veterinary medicine, from an aspiring surgeon to a qualified coach teaching veterinary teams about the power of positive psychology.
We discuss the power of divorcing the expectations we put on ourselves, and how emotions are not as simple as good and bad or positive and negative. What does it really mean to live your life with purpose and show up as your authentic self?
Liv graduated in 2016 from a university in Poland and shortly after...2022-11-0448 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 51 - the good, the bad and the social mediaOn this week's show we are talking to Cat Henstridge, also known online at Cat the Vet. We will be talking about her life as a first opinion vet and what it is like to navigate being a vet on social media.
Cat graduated from Bristol University in 2003 and has worked ever since as a small animal vet in first opinion practice. She started her career in a hospital in Wolverhampton and after a few years left to locum in and around the West Midlands. In 2015 she moved with her family back to her home tow...2022-08-0856 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 50 - Microaggressions, mental health and meaningThis week on the podcast we are chatting to Daniella Dos Santos and Rosie Allister about the important topic of microaggressions.
Daniella graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012, having previously obtained a degree in molecular genetics from Kings College London. She is past President of the British Veterinary Association, during which she championed #VetDiversity, and is a vocal advocate of the importance and value of diversity, inclusion and widening participation within the veterinary profession. She led the first BVA Discrimination Survey in 2019, and has presented the work she has undertaken as BVA President to th...2022-06-221h 18veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 49 - Are we really a product of our own success?In this episode we are talking to the insightful Carolyne Crowe. We talk about everything from communication, managing expectations and listening. And what inspired her to run 10 marathons in 10 days! Carolyne is an equine vet, personal performance coach, mentor, international speaker, researcher and lecturer, and has a Masters degree in Workplace Health and Wellbeing. Through her role as Head of Training at the VDS, she has been able to help support professionals through non-clinical training on leadership, resilience and communication, helping workplaces and employees learn and grow in a busy and pressured environment. As a founding member of the C...2022-06-0855 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 48 - From clinic, communication and compassionIn this week's episode we are talking to the incredible Helen Silver-MacMahon. We talk about her expansive career as an RVN and how her intrigue in human-factors and non-technical skills have shaped her career. We discuss the importance of addressing incivility in clinical practice and the impact these behaviours can have not only on us as professionals but also to those around us including our patients!
Helen is a veterinary nurse and Research and Development Director at VetLed. Having worked in general practice, referral hospitals and nursing education over the past 21 years, she has extensive professional experience a...2022-05-051h 06veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 47- From sheep farming to cytologyThis week we are joined by the amazing Francesco Cian. Francesco is a veterinary clinical pathologist. He qualified from University of Padua (Italy) with a DVM in 2006. He spent the next 4 years in small animal practice. In 2010, he started a residency program in Clinical Pathology at the University of Cambridge, which he finished in 2013 attaining both an ECVCP and FRCPath diploma. Francesco is passionate about teaching and has come up with lots of creating and engaging ways to share his knowledge and passion. We chat about his amazing veterinary journey that all started on a sheep farm! Make sure t...2022-04-011h 03veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 46 - Hearts, minds and cytokinesThis week we are so excited to be chatting with the amazing Catherine Oxtoby. We talk about everything from hearts to minds to cytokines! Catherine qualified from Bristol Vet School in 2000 and worked in equine and small animal practice for 13 years. In June 2017 she completed a PhD at the University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, researching Patient Safety in Veterinary Practice. She currently works as a risk manager for the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS), the UK's leading veterinary professional indemnity provider. In this role, she put her research into practice developing safety systems such as VetSafe...2022-02-1859 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 45 - Vet, mum, gardener and floating fishThis week we are so excited to be chatting Dr Louisa Lane, also known as @louisa_the_vet. We talk about Louisa’s love for veterinary medicine as well as balancing life as a new mother and an aspiring gardener! Louisa talks about her love of teaching, mentoring, learning, exotic vets and floating fish. Louisa studied at the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree. In 2013 she worked at a small animal hospital in Lancashire where she found her love for Internal Me...2022-01-3156 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 44 - Doing the right thing?This week we have the pleasure of talking to the amazing Cat about doing the right thing, because it is the right thing to do. Cat is a veterinary surgeon and Head of Collaboration at VetLed. After working in general practice for a number of years, Cat joined the growing team at VetLed. Keen to combine her experience in practice with a passion for optimising clinical performance, Cat now works to develop and deliver specific, industry-relevant Human Factors training for veterinary teams across the country, with a view to improving both clinical performance and patient safety. Cat is keen to...2022-01-1757 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 43 - Putting on your own mask firstThis week we have the pleasure of talking to Dan Tipney, Head of Evidence and Insights and one of the founding partners at VetLed. We discuss everything from evolution, human factors and going backwards in boats. Dan provides an array of insights into human performance gained from his perspective across numerous disciplines. Formally as an international athlete, sports coach, pilot instructor, and airline pilot, he now delivers training and support for veterinary teams. Dan led the Human Factors training programme at a major UK airline and has since developed and delivered non-clinical training to both veterinary and healthcare professionals...2022-01-101h 01veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 42- It‘s never the dog‘s faultThis week we chat to the wonderful Sophie White (@veterinary_behaviour_support). We chat to Sophie about struggling to find her spot at the beginning of her career and how she finally found her place in the world of behaviour. Sophie graduated from the RVC in 2011 going on to work in a variety of small animal roles. In 2019 she completed a masters degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln. She spent the following year gaining hands on experience working as a Training and Behaviour Advisor for Dogs Trust before founding her own company Veterinary Behaviour Support. H...2021-12-1753 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 41 - Minds, bodies, souls and Vet MumsWe have a real treat for you this week. We are joined by the brilliant Liz Barton. Liz is a vet and has worked in mixed practice in the Lake District, completed a small animal internship, worked nights, has been a GP small animal vet and worked in shelter medicine. Liz co-founded WellVet as a not-for-profit initiative to increase access to wellbeing support for vet teams. She also co-founded the Vet Mums Facebook community to open up discussion around the challenges of parenting and working. She's on SPVS board as wellbeing representative, and has been involved with many organisations a...2021-12-0956 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 40 - Just a Vet Nurse?We are really thrilled to be joined by the amazing Fiona Marjoram (RVN & Nurse Programme Coordinator, United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland Hill's Pet Nutrition Ltd). Fiona began nursing in 1987 and qualified as a VN in 1989. She worked in veterinary practice for 13 years, during the last year of which she also worked as a veterinary nursing and animal care lecturer at the West Sussex College of Agriculture. This was a great opportunity to chat about the role pet nutrition plays in practice today - touching on some of the trends and difficulties we come face as vets and nurses on a d...2021-11-1859 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 39 - The Art of Veterinary MedicineWe are so honored this week to be joined by the amazing Dr. Dennis DeNicola. He shares stories of his amazing career in veterinary medicine and reminds us all the that best advice is ‘don’t worry and be happy’. Dr. DeNicola shares his passion for clinical pathology and veterinary education as well as how he has contributed to the development of the blood machines that we have come to rely on in practice. Dr. DeNicola was a Professor of Clinical Pathology at Purdue University as well as Chief Veterinary Educator at IDEXX laboratories.
In our cli...2021-11-041h 07veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 38 - Create your community... in a flamingo onesieIn this weeks episode we chat to the amazing Ebony Escalona. Ebony is passionate about building communities that count and chats about ‘Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify’ being created while wearing a flamingo onesie. In early 2017 Ebony founded a support group on Facebook for veterinary professionals who had become frustrated with their careers. The group was an immediate success, providing inspiration, guidance, mentorship and networking for those looking to remain satisfied in practice, diversify their careers or develop new skills outside the ordinary practice box. Ebony is passionate about building confidence in others and is a huge advocate of the 'portfo...2021-10-141h 11veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 37 - Are you a horse riding, tea drinking, mother of one?This week we chat to the amazing Hannah about horse riding, tea drinking and everything in between. Hannah has some amazing insights regarding practice culture and how to work together better as a team. Hannah is an RVN and has just obtained her physiotherapy diploma with the college of animal physiotherapy. Hannah started her nursing journey in 2012 and is extremely passionate about geriatric care, physiotherapy and veterinary leadership. Join Hannah for some honest advice and the odd Tick Tock on her nursing social media channel called @physio.rvn. Outside of nursing Hannah is a keen horse rider and carriage d...2021-10-071h 03veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 36 - First friends, a perfect storm and the hunger gamesThis week we chat about everything from the hunger games to the investigation of anaemia! Ashley is a real veterinary nurse inspiration and a true friend. We chat to Ashley about her amazing career in veterinary nursing and some of the challenges that have faced the profession recently, particularly in out of hours practice. Ashley grew up in a small town in rural North Carolina. From there she moved to a slightly bigger part of the state to go to university at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where she studied animal science and obtained a bachelor’s de...2021-09-161h 00veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 35 - How resistant are you?We are talking all things antibiotic resistance with Doris-Ann and Marta this week. We are excited to bring together the best from the human and veterinary medical fields to talk about how we call all work together to tackle this important issue.
Doris-Ann Williams has been Chief Executive of BIVDA (British in Vitro Diagnostics Association) since October 2001. She has more than 30 years’ experience working in the in vitro diagnostics sector and has had a variety of experience. Doris-Ann works closely with MedTech Europe and other global IVD industry associations. She was awarded an MBE in Janu...2021-09-0455 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 34 - Being a BeterinarianThis week we are so excited to be speaking with Ashley and Kat. Dr. Ashley Bourgeois is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist passionate about providing practical knowledge to general practitioners to help itchy pets! She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2014. She has a strong interest in autoimmune skin diseases, allergies, cytology, and otology. She and her husband stay busy with their daughter, son, and rescue Lab/Boxer/Pit mix. Dr. Bourgeois is passionate about educating veterinarians in dermatology and work/life integration through her podcast, lecturing, and social media presence (www.thedermvet.com / https://w...2021-07-281h 23veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 33 - Paving your way and finding your spaceThis week we are joined by the amazing Hazell and Michelle from Vet Space Ireland and the brilliant Rob White. Vet Space Ireland (@vetspaceireland) was created by Michelle Maguire (@michellelouisem) and Hazell Mullins (@hazellmullins) to promote learning and positivity within the veterinary world. Both share a passion for all things veterinary, wellbeing and keeping up to date with veterinary current affairs in Ireland. Michelle and Hazell chat about their veterinary careers, their inspirations and those who paved the way. Hazell is a Nottingham graduate large animal vet based in Abbeyville Vet Hospital in Cork. Michelle is a vet nurse tu...2021-07-151h 23veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 32 - Imperfectly PerfectThis week we are joined by the amazing Jenny Guyat and Rob White. Jenny is a vet, growth coach, entrepreneur, mindfulness advocate and the imperfect, messy mum behind Vet Harmony. In short she is a all round amazing human who spoke to us about everything from career diversification to being perfectly imperfect (https://www.vetharmony.co.uk/work-with-me/)
In our clinical segment we chat about the investigation and management of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats. This is part one of this discussion, so make sure to join us in the next episode for t...2021-07-011h 09veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 31 - Finding Your VoiceThere was something special about the podcast this week. That special thing is Emily. Emily is the founder and creator of The EmPowering RVN (Instagram @theempoweringrvn) and graduated from Coventry University with a BSc(Hons) Veterinary Nursing in 2017. She is passionate about giving people the opportunity to have their voice heard. We chat about everything from being less ‘Karen’ to being more you. Check out the amazing things Emily is doing (www.theempoweringrvn.co.uk - Confidential and Free Facebook Group the Unity Community).
We were so excited to be joined by the amazing Gareth Arthur...2021-06-231h 02veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 30 - Falling in love with veterinary medicine... Down UnderWe had such a laugh this week chatting to the wonderful Magda Upton. Magda is a small animal vet working a mixture of general practice, locum and emergency work and is our very first Australian guest. She keeps a balance in her life by also being a busy mother, lifeguard and cello player! Magda is passionate about being a good vet, performing good work ups on often limited budgets, building good relationships with clients and sharing knowledge with the next generation. Check out her amazing Instagram page @dr.magda.vet
We were so excited to b...2021-06-1747 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 29 - The Human FactorsThis week we are so excited to be chatting to the amazing Lou Northway (Lou The Vet Nurse). Lou qualified as an RVN in 2009 and has worked in various first opinion practices and a referral hospital. She is now the Quality Improvement Clinical Lead (RVN) with RCVS Knowledge. Since qualifying, she has undertaken two further certificates in anaesthesia and ECC. She is currently Clinical Nurse Lead at a busy first opinion practice in Buckinghamshire. In 2019, she was awarded the RCVS Inspiration Award for her ability to inspire and enthuse others and was also awarded as an RCVS Knowledge Champion...2021-06-081h 20veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 28 - Breaking the SilenceThis week we have been chatting to Nat Scroggie and Liz Bode. Nat and Liz share their experiences of baby loss, as well as pregnancy after loss and live birth. Nat and Liz are truly some of the most inspiring, honest people and it was a true honour to share this conversation with them. Nat graduated from Nottingham Vet School in 2016 and has already led a varied career, combining small animal clinical work with a passion for supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues. She has always sought to share honestly the highs and lows of life in practice, in t...2021-05-1949 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 27 - Family, Friendship and Fish & ChipsThis week we had the privilege of chatting to Jon about not only being a vet, but growing up in the profession. We chat about love, life and loss. Jon is the son of a Wigan vet and spent several years working in small animal general practice after graduating in 2004. He became an ECVS specialist in small animal surgery in 2015 and has worked at the RVC, the University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh. He is a Professor in small animal surgery at the University of Nottingham, a Fellow of the Royal College and a Senior Fellow of the Hi...2021-05-011h 11veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 26 - ”An Ordinary Vet Doing Extraordinary Things”We are honoured to be joined this week by Niall Connell, RCVS Senior Vice President and previous RCVS President. Niall qualified from Glasgow Vet School in 1982 and started in mixed, mainly small animal practice in Fife before joining PDSA in 1984. Niall took ill health retirement because of MS in December 2009. He now does some work as a Clinical & Professional Skills Instructor at Glasgow Vet School. We chat about his amazing career as well as some of the challenges that life throws in the way. We are so pleased to be joined by Sophie (Zoetis) again in our clinical segment...2021-04-221h 10veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 25 - Taking control... From Boundaries to BartonellaThis week we are joined by Veronica and Louise and talk all things wellness to parasite control! Veronika graduated in 2013, then moved to Madagascar for 5 years where she worked as an ambulatory equine vet, a lecturer at the University of Antananarivo and the Political Counsellor at the British Embassy. She’s been in first opinion small animal practice since returning to the UK in 2017, is two thirds through a masters in Conservation Medicine and has a four year old daughter. Having overcome depression and anxiety herself and as a Mental Health First Aider, she set up the Mentavet instagram pl...2021-04-151h 14veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 24 - Ready, Steady, ScrapeWe are thrilled to bring you the first episode as part of our dermatology takeover month which has been kindly suppported by Zoetis. We are excited to be joined by Tori Robinson and Sophie Duguid. Tori is a recognised specialist in veterinary dermatology and works at the Dermatology Referral Service in Glasgow. Sophie is an experienced small animal vet and one of the Zoetis Veterinary Consultant team.
In this episode we chat about the work up of the pruritic patient. We discuss dusting off that microscope and getting the most out of skin cytology. Dermatology c...2021-04-0849 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 23 - ”A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats”We had a wonderful chat with Naomi Mellor this week. Naomi is an equine vet, podcaster and entrepreneur. Having qualified from Edinburgh University in 2007, she now works part time for the British Horseracing Authority at racecourses throughout the south of England, and is the host and producer of three podcasts - Borborygmi: Noises From The Veterinary World, The Veterinary Woman Podcast, and her own show, Smashing The Ceiling, which showcases the lives of women with unusual, interesting and inspiring careers.
Naomi also recently founded The Skylark Collective, a global community for women in podcasting, and l...2021-03-2945 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 22 - Taking things two weeks at a timeThis week we had the great pleasure of talking to Laura Kidd. We cover everything from teaching during COVID, believing in yourself and carpeting the stairs! Join Scott and Liz in our clinical feature to chat about the emergency management of hypercalcaemia in dogs and cats. Laura graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1988 and worked for five years in a small animal practice in Edinburgh. Laura now spends her time teaching vet and vet nurse students as well as being the Clinical Development Adviser for The Certificate of Veterinary Nursing Emergency and Critical Care (CertVNECC), a postgraduate qualification f...2021-03-0347 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 21 - Dogs on the street, rubbing my feet and skipping a beatThis week we are pleased to be joined by Michael Lazaris. Michael works as a small animal vet, currently locuming in London. He previously worked for the RSPCA, and talks about his experience of the hospital that he worked at closing permanently during the pandemic. Alongside his clinical work, Michael runs a heart-warming vet account on Instagram (@drlazaris_vet), showcasing the perks of being a vet, as well as running The Young Vet Programme for InvestIN, guiding young students through their vet career journey. In our clinical chat this week Liz and Scott discuss some of the most common arrythmias seen i...2021-02-091h 03veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 20 - Childhood Dreams, Comedy Clubs and Cats With ClotsWe are excited to be joined this week by Judy, chatting about everything from childhood dreams to realistic career expectations. Judy Puddifoot has been a first opinion small animal vet for 6 years since graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014 aged 37. She is passionate about raising clinical standards and improving animal welfare. She has also presented TV shows, enjoys writing articles and guesting on podcasts. Judy can be found on Twitter and Instagram as @JudyTheVet. Her Facebook page can be found here https://www.facebook.com/judythevet/
In our clinical segment Scott and Liz chat a...2021-01-111h 03veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 19 - Nutrition... how Paleo are you?We are really pleased to be joined by Michael (Vet Affairs Manager, United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland Hill's Pet Nutrition Ltd). This was a great opportunity to chat about the role pet nutrition plays in practice today - touching on some of the trends and difficulties we come face as vets and nurses on a daily basis. Ultimately as members of the vet healthcare team we face ever increasing time pressures, so where does nutrition fit in the order of priorities? With increasing emphasis being placed on preventative healthcare and an increase in nutrition linked diseases such as obesity, nut...2021-01-0645 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 18 - Katie, Cobalamin and ChristmasWe are so excited to welcome back Katie Ford for our Christmas podcast! We look back on the crazy year we have had and reflect on some of the great podcast chats we have had. Katie also takes some surprise questions from podcast listeners. We were also lucky enough to chat with Gemma about the wonders of cobalamin in small animal practice. It really is the vitamin that keeps on giving! Merry Christmas everyone!
Check out Katie’s amazing book at Shop | Katie Ford Ltd (katiefordvet.com)
You can find out more about the...2020-12-251h 09veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 17 - ”In a world where you can be anything, be kind”This week we are so privileged to be joined by Rosie Allister. Rosie has received the BVA Chiron Award and RCVS Impact Award for work on veterinary mental health. Her PhD researched mental health, support, and identity and how they affect veterinary wellbeing and mental health. She has substantial experience in applied suicide prevention, support, and evidence-based solutions. She combines technical and academic knowledge with a practical background in veterinary practice and in supporting veterinary professionals. Rosie manages Vetlife Helpline and volunteers with All4Paws veterinary clinic and Samaritans.
Vetlife Helpline is available 24 hours a day to p...2020-12-0849 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 16 - Kitchen Floor MomentsThis week we are joined by Lacey. Born in South Wales in a small valleys town she decided to swap paths from law and followed her passion to become a veterinary nurse. Lacey has enjoyed a diverse career and has learnt to embrace the bumps in the road along the way. She currently works as a locum RVN throughout the UK. Lacey is passionate about wellness, nurse training, brachycephalic education and veterinary culture. Lacey founded veterinary pay it forward in 2018. If you only do one thing this week then check out her Facebook page and pay it forward!
2020-11-2338 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 15 - It started with a stickerThis week we chat to Anna about her career as a vet and her amazing campaign ‘Vet Your Breasts’. It was one of those typical Fridays in the lead up to Christmas with a 4pm emergency and a late discharge. Anna just managed to get to the pool for a swim before it closed. That’s when she saw a breast cancer awareness poster in the changing room. She felt a lump in her left boob and 2 months later she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33 and life turned upside-down. If you only do one thing today ‘V...2020-11-1742 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 14 - Pondering Pain and ParacetamolIn this episode of the veterinary thought exchange podcast, we spoke to Matt about his career and how he became one of the co-founders of The Zero Pain Philosophy… we also have a chat about analgesia and all things anaesthesia, looking at the evidence behind the use of paracetamol in dogs.
Matt is an internationally respected British anaesthetist. A specialist in anaesthesia and analgesia, Matt trained at the University of Liverpool and now works at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in the UK. Matt is passionate about pain management, lectures on the subject globally and is the author of...2020-11-0945 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 13 - “What Vetbytes? Bronwen, Brighton and Belize”This week we had the privilege of chatting to Bronwen Eastwood, Co-Founder of VETbytes. We discuss Bronwen’s amazing career that has taken her from Brighton to Belize and back again! Bronwen went on to co-found VETbytes, an EBVM resource for vets working in first opinion practice, after recognising a void for a resource that provides up-to-date, evidence-based, user friendly clinical information. Alongside co-founder Zoe Coker, Bronwen co-wrote the treatment guides for the VETbytes emergency and critical care app, a subscription-based resource designed to support vets who need to keep up to date and provide an excellent service to th...2020-11-0243 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 12 – The Problem With Poo… in a bag!This week we are joined by Lindsay Davies RVN. Lindsay qualified as an RVN in 2017 and shortly after moved to the RVC to specialise in emergency and critical care veterinary nursing. Lindsay loves teaching and wanted to help others learn what she had, so, she created @theeccrvn on Instagram and a little while after, a CPD platform called Veterinary Webinurse. Lindsay is currently in the process of completing the Vets Now ECC Certificate and doing a study/research project on the use of bowel management systems in canine intensive care unit patients. Yes… she really does love poo in a b...2020-10-1948 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 11 - Who’s Coming Out? The story of the tortoise and the bowling ballWe are so excited to be talking to Jack this week about his career as a veterinary nurse. Jack qualified in 2018 and now works in emergency and critical care. Jack has many strings to his bow and chatted about his love for caring for and breeding tortoises as well his international bowling stardom!
We also chat about some of our veterinary inspirations and experiences of coming out in the workplace. Jack is also involved with the British Veterinary Nursing Association Council and is keen to promote vet nursing within the wider community and profession.
Instagram...2020-10-1243 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 10 - Dame Hayley Walters The Animal’s PrincessIn this episode we talk to Hayley Walters RVN, MBE about her exciting career and the amazing adventures that she has had all around the world. Hayley talks about her love for the profession and all things animal welfare. Hayley is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge and she loves loves loves a ‘pain score’. Listen and find out why.
Links to some of the projects and learning materials that Hayley has been involved in creating, can be found below:
Veterinary Nursing Online Skills resource https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/jean...2020-09-1446 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 9 - ”The Story of Corona Virus and the Camper Van”For this episode, we spoke to Simon Patchett about his veterinary career so far. Simon graduated from Nottingham Vet School in 2018 having intercalated a postgraduate certificate in veterinary education. From there he started a rotating internship in a private multidisciplinary referral hospital, upon completion joined the out of hours team there. He has since moved to a sole charge role as an out of hours vet and we chat through each of these challenges. Simon tells us how COVID effected his working pattern and the highs and lows of living in a camper van! Our clinical discussion this week is a...2020-09-0837 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 8 - From Patient Care to Panic Attacks!We are so excited to catch up with Laura for the 8th episode of the podcast. We got together to chat about nursing medical outpatients, massive scary medicine exams, having panic attacks in airports, being creative in the veterinary industry and much more! Laura also produced an amazing guide to nursing the patient with chronic disease that is available on our blog https://bit.ly/33iuF3L.
Please check out her amazing website and social media platforms. So much amazing clinical information and an all-round lovely person!
www.veterinaryinternalmedicinenursing.com
...2020-08-0326 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 7 - The trouble with TramadolIn this episode of the veterinary thought exchange podcast, we spoke to Carl about his career and how he became one of the co-founders of The Zero Pain Philosophy… we also have a chat about analgesia and all things anaesthesia! Looking at the evidence behind the use of tramadol in companion animals.
Carl is an anaesthesia and analgesia specialist, has a passion for teaching and upskilling vets and vet nurses on skills to use to optimise their pain and patient management during anaesthesia and the perioperative period and beyond.
www.zeropainphilosophy.com ...2020-07-2841 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 6 - A Global One Health Vision... From Troon to ThailandFor the sixth episode of the veterinary thought exchange podcast, we spoke to Inga about her amazing career and how she has come to be one of the founders of The One Health Foundation… we also have a chat about blocked cats… obviously!
Inga is a veterinary surgeon and an animal lover at heart and she is passionate about animal welfare and conservation of the world’s habitats and species and believes that we all have a role to play and the ability to make a difference. She believes that education is key to making a long term s...2020-07-1435 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 5 - Are you an imposter?The fifth episode of the veterinary thought exchange podcast is a bit of a special one. Scott and Karen take some time away from the clinic to have a chat with Katie Ford about some of the challenges that the veterinary profession has when it comes to our mental health.
Katie Ford is a veterinary surgeon and mind-set coach that now works with professionals across the country to discover themselves and their potential. She trained in broadband consciousness, and has been coached for three years by Bob Proctor’s number one consultant. She is a gratitude and emp...2020-07-0740 minveterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 4 - ‘From Corona virus to cancer’… what’s new with lymphoma?In the fourth episode of our podcast we will be chatting a bit more about cancer and Corona virus. This week Scott is joined by small animal oncology specialist and good friend Spela Bavcar. Spela started her veterinary career in Slovenia and made it all the way to Edinburgh with a stop off in a few other countries along the way. Scott and Spela will be having a chat about their friendship as well as some of the challenges of treating lymphoma in dogs and cats… particularly during the Corona virus pandemic. We also introduce the next edition of 'De...2020-06-3022 min
veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 3 - ‘What was your first impression?... from boring to best friends’.In the third episode of our podcast we will be chatting a bit more about first impressions. vtx was founded in 2019 by RCVS and EBVS Veterinary Specialists Scott Kilpatrick and Liz Bode. Scott and Liz will be having a good old chat this week covering Liz’s amazing career and talking about how important friendships are within the veterinary profession. Liz started her veterinary career in Liverpool and made it all the way back home after her internship in Cambridge, PhD in Manchester and residency in Edinburgh! We would like to introduce the next edition of 'Desert Island Drugs'! The qu...2020-05-2111 min
veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 2 - ‘What is giving you an ulcer?... from omeprazole to aortic thromboembolism’.In the second episode we are chatting a bit more about veterinary life in lockdown. Scott will be talking more about gastroprotectant medications in dogs and cats. Similar to the situation in human medicine, practice of inappropriate prescription of acid suppressants is also commonplace in veterinary medicine. We challenge the dogma and clinical practice of administering gastroprotectants for the routine management of many conditions and discuss some of the negative effects of giving omeprazole. We will also be bringing you the second edition of ‘Desert Island Drugs’ where Liz and Scott will be discussing drug choices for the management of aor...2020-05-2116 min
veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcastEpisode 1 - What is giving you low blood sugar?... from Coronavirus to feline diabetes.Our first episode!
We introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about what vtx is all about. This week we are chatting about how Coronavirus is effecting us all in the veterinary profession and some of the impact it is having on us both emotionally and physically. Scott will be diving in to some of the details of the management of feline diabetes. We are focusing on insulin choices, particularly if certain insulins are in shortage (PZI, Protamine Zinc). We will also be bringing you the first edition of ‘Desert Island Drugs’ where we will be discus...2020-05-2120 min