I qualified in 1989 and had been working in a small animal practice for more than 20 years when I decided to enrol on the BSAVA Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care.
I work at Mill House Veterinary Surgery and Hospital, a busy first opinion and referral hospital. The practice has a real ethos of continual training; we strive to work up cases thoroughly and critically reflect on case management. My main aim has always been to be a really good general practitioner.
I thoroughly enjoy the case continuity, client communication and variety general practice offers. Being in the same practice for so long has allowed me to build strong client bonds – I have known several generations of dogs and cats, and have been looking after many of my elderly patients since they were kittens or puppies, and watched the clients’ families grow up.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is dealing with emergency and critical care cases, especially out-of-hours. This can be a real opportunity to challenge diagnostic skills, hone prioritisation skills, develop surgical skills and ensure good communication exists with owners during stressful times.
When the BSAVA launched its emergency and critical care certificate programme, it seemed the perfect course for me. I signed up straight away. The course allowed me to approach cases with a greater understanding of the physiological changes that occur in disease situations, and to develop a rational plan from first principles.
Three colleagues were studying for BSAVA certificates in other disciplines, and this stimulated an atmosphere of positive critical appraisal of our cases during our ward rounds, for example, which positively influenced the whole clinical team. The course was intellectually stimulating and refreshed my enthusiasm.
I became clinical director of the practice the week I took my written exams, and had a very busy year juggling clinical work, writing my case book and learning how to manage a large practice. Nonetheless, I was delighted to be awarded a distinction in the certificate, which gave me a welcome confidence boost in my new leadership role. I went ahead and gained my advanced practitioner status.
I have now enrolled on the BSAVA small animal surgery course. I enjoy surgery and wanted a structured course that would help ensure I am up to date, push me to address aspects I am less confident in, and promote and lead this aspect of our practice.
I am proud our practice provides an OOH service. I see this as a great benefit to our clients, ensuring continuity of care to the same high standards we provide during normal working hours.
I also see the OOH service as an ideal opportunity to experience exciting cases and excellent training for our less experienced vets. Having my advanced practitioner status has given me the skills and external validation to lead emergency and critical care within our practice, and, hopefully, enthuse our next generation of vets to find the same job satisfaction I have enjoyed.