Examination Room: Richard Artingstall

Richard Artingstall stepped away from clinical practice after more than 20 years when he took on the role of director of teleconsulting at VetCT. It’s a big job, but Richard managed to find the time to step into the Examination Room to share details of his career and insights into the profession…

Q
Could you summarise your path to VetCT?

A

I graduated in 2001 from the University of Cambridge and went to work for a mixed practice in Bath. I loved the job – especially the variety and how much practical problem solving it involved. I still have great admiration for mixed practitioners and am a huge advocate of their vital role in the profession.

However, I realised I couldn’t do it all, and so I made the move into small animal practice. My interest in surgery grew and I had just passed my surgery certificate when one of life’s opportune moments opened up to work with a new referral centre local to me, Vale Referrals, where I remained until my recent move to VetCT.

I was part of the growth of Vale Referrals that saw the clinical team and practice double in size. As our practice was growing, the industry was changing and we were acquired by a start-up corporate, ProVets, that was later acquired by IVC Evidensia. I wanted to understand more to be able to navigate the commercial aspects of veterinary business and, ultimately, be a positive influence on how the industry developed.

This led me on to completing my MBA, with a dissertation focusing on the impact of corporate acquisition on systems, processes and people. Alongside leading the surgical team and my clinical director role at Vale Referrals, I took on the role of leading the strategic referrals arm of IVC Evidensia, developing services and using data to explore the benefits to people and patients of specialist services within the UK and Europe.

Q
What spurred you on to study your MBA?

A I was curious about the changes happening in the veterinary industry and had questions about how I could help to influence this progression positively for people and patients. This profession is fundamentally all about people, and the coaching and mentoring qualification was a natural extension for me following on from the MBA. These additional qualifications are similar to the veterinary degree; they didn’t give me all the knowledge I’d ever need, but they enable me to ask the right questions and look in the right places to find the answers.

Q
What has motivated you to move away from clinical practice?

A

This was a big decision for me and not one I’ve taken lightly. I identify with my role as a surgeon, but I was doing less clinical work with my expanding non-clinical roles, and my interest in people and problem solving has continued to grow.

The motivation was really the potential for VetCT’s teleconsulting service to have a real positive impact for primary care vets, not just in the UK, but around the world.

I can really see the potential, and it’s a perfect fit for the skillset I have been developing over the years.

Q
How did you find out about VetCT?
A

At my previous practice, we partnered with VetCT’s teleradiology service for interpretation of our CT scans for many years. The quality of the reports always shone through, and the strong values of the company fit with how I like to work: emphasising teamwork, empathy, responsibility and curiosity to ask questions and create solutions for veterinary teams.

It was a natural progression for me to move to a role where I can utilise all my skills with a company that aligns with my values. There is huge potential for me to help make a positive impact on veterinary teams and the delivery of care to patients in my new role as director of teleconsulting.

Q
What is the teleconsulting service and what are your plans for the service?

A

Essentially, the teleconsulting service is like having a specialist team within your practice to work with you and collaborate with you to get the best outcome for the patient and owner.

The service connects primary care vets with specialists to collaborate on case management through an intuitive digital platform, which is amazing to see in action. I would seriously advise everyone to give it a try.

We’ve already seen strong evidence the service improves confidence and helps to build the skillsets through providing a helping hand, improving job satisfaction, as well as clinical outcomes.

I’m hoping to work with primary care teams to discover what they want from the service and with our specialist team to build the offering, expanding access to specialist care for more pets and helping build the successful and sustainable practices of the future.

Q
What are you most excited about with your career change and what will you miss the most?

A

I’m most excited about the potential for VetCT’s services to integrate into existing practice workflows and facilitate interconnected veterinary care and boost learning opportunities.

As veterinary medicine advances, there is huge potential to integrate with technologies such as practice management systems, remote monitoring devices, artificial intelligence systems and the internet to help veterinary teams make the most of tech’s potential, to improve working life and delivery of care.

Of course, I will miss the fantastic teams at Vale and IVC Evidensia, but I’m excited to be joining my new team at VetCT. I will also miss the surgery, but there’s so much potential for me to help more animals in my new role, albeit indirectly.

Q
What are you hoping to achieve through your new role?

A

My goal is to make the biggest positive impact I can to primary care vets at their point of need.

As a naturally curious person, I am looking forward to taking the time to understand what they need and then using this knowledge to craft the service into something they’re excited to use, and can really appreciate all the benefits.

Q
What do you do outside work to relax?

A

I love nature and sport – especially rugby, both to play and watch. These days, it’s just touch rugby, but my daughter has just been selected for England’s under-15s team, so it’s great to play with her.

I also love running through the Cotswolds countryside near my home.

Q

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

A

I would tell myself not to worry and just go with it. There are so many unknowns that we can’t map out our journey, so just go with where you are and take the opportunities as they arise.

The most important thing is to find enjoyment in what you do, despite the stress.

There will always be pressures on our time and resources, but when we find joy in our work, it gives us energy and motivation, and ultimately, life is all about enjoying our journey through it.