What made you want to get into the veterinary industry?
“The positive impact our pets have on us inspired me to work in veterinary to improve animal welfare. It’s an honour to treat sick and injured pets and subsequently improve the lives of their owners.”
What is a typical day in the life of PDSA Graduate Vet?
“Your days can be spent consulting - examining poorly pets and supporting their owners. through getting them better and reassuring their concerns. Or you can be operating and having more of a surgical day in the back of the hospital - getting involved in both emergency and routine procedures.
“More complicated cases are always supported by your mentor so you quickly gain confidence.”
What advice do you have for others looking to do the PDSA Graduate Programme?
“Get involved. It’s a lovely environment where everyone wants you to do well and learn. And just because PDSA may not have a full range of diagnostics available, it shouldn’t limit you on giving advice to owners.”
What was the application process like?
“The application process was simple and aims to assess your understanding of the role the charity plays. It begins with an online portfolio where you essentially upload a CV, answer a few basic questions and declare hospital location preference. This is followed by an interview with senior members from the Pet Hospital, where all aspects are assessed to form a holistic view, which is not limited to clinical experience. You are made to feel appreciated.”
What have you learnt from your patients and clients over the last year?
“Our clients don’t necessarily care how much you know; they care about much you for their pets and that you remain invested in getting them better.”
How has the PDSA Graduate Programme and your mentor supported you?
“It’s nice having someone in the hospital that’s dedicated to supporting you and mentoring you through the different cases and challenges we see.
“There are so many opportunities to develop, especially if there’s anything specific you want to work on or do more of, they encourage this.”
What’s your most notable case since working at PDSA?
“A young cat presented with symptoms that were consistent with renal failure, which often means bad news sadly. Interestingly, she was a young cat so we thought the cat would have more chance of pulling through. We put her on a fluid therapy treatment and thankfully her condition improved.
“I spoke to the cat’s owner and it turns out she had lilies at home - so we soon discovered the cat was actually suffering with a case of lily toxicity. It was an interesting case to have and was even better when we were able to reunite the cat with their owner.”
What is your favourite animal and why?
“I love cats. Their personalities are amazing and they’re very independent.”
What skills has the PDSA Graduate Programme allowed you to develop? And how does that make a difference to pets PDSA can treat?
“The Graduate Programme is structured so that you get experience in all aspects of clinical development. The week is split between consulting and surgery, so there is an equal opportunity to gain medical knowledge and surgical skills.
“The emergency cases we see every day mean you quickly gain confidence in treating pets who are critically unwell, getting to grips with the resources we have available, and delegating responsibilities throughout the team in order to achieve the best outcome possible for the pet.
“The skills gained on the Graduate Programme ensure I’m equipped to make a difference to the pets we treat.”
Why did you choose to do your training at PDSA?
“Having first-hand experience of the services veterinary charities provided for my pets, I felt connected to their importance and wanted to understand how they operate.
“In my final year of university, as part of my training, I began to work as a student at New Cross PDSA Pet Hospital in South-East London. Everyone was so welcoming, and I was introduced to the charity's values; how combining knowledge, togetherness and passion can achieve better care for our pets.”
What was your biggest surprise about working at PDSA? How did and didn’t your role meet preconceived expectations?
“My biggest surprise is how much can be achieved at a veterinary charity with a realistic approach. I am impressed daily by what the more experienced senior vets can do to help pets. Everybody who works at PDSA is committed to same mission of treating pets. And whilst our roles are clearly defined, your role does not limit your helpfulness. Everyone goes above and beyond, which makes you feel supported. Through togetherness, so much is possible.
What are your next career goals at PDSA?
“My goal is to improve my surgical skills, more specifically orthopaedic surgery, which would enable me to treat more complicated cases. Fractures make up a large proportion of the cases we see which can be repaired at a charity level if private care is not an option.
“It's a privilege to work at PDSA and I cherish everyday spent being a part of the veterinary team.. It's a pleasure collaborating with my peers to deliver the best standard of care possible. With more time spent, I encounter more technical cases so I'd like to pick up the surgical skills that will enable me to treat more complicated cases.”