b'EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE,VETERINARY WOMAN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGEACHIEVE & LEAD TOGETHERS U M M A R Y From an early age, my fascination with various animal speciesnot only benefits animals by providing educated advocates led me to witness diverse careers in animal care. This curiositybut also broadens the definition of veterinary careers, creatingBackground: Im a veterinariantook me from seal and sea lion rescue at the Marine Mammalmore opportunities for professionals to thrive, live out their nutritionist, entrepreneur, and hostCare Centre in California to working with baby elephantsvalues, and sustain long-term careers.of the Vet Life Reimagined podcast,at The Elephant Orphanage Project in Zambia. As I gained where I share stories from veterinaryBy sharing personal stories on the Vet Life Reimagined professionals to encourage exploration ofexperience across different fields, I recognised a crucial themepodcast of veterinary professionals who have taken their skills diverse career paths in the field. I aim toin animal care: nutrition. into unique settings, I aim to encourage others to explore inspire veterinary professionals to exploreThis interest prompted me to shift my focus from zoopaths that allow them to flourish. Career pathing is an often non-traditional roles and broaden their career paths to reduce burnout andmedicine to nutrition, pursuing a rotating internship and aoverlooked aspect of burnout in veterinary medicine. With create a more sustainable and fulfillingclinical nutrition residency. Desiring to maximise impact andthe myriad ways animals are impacted by various industries, profession. learn from diverse backgrounds, I entered industry, whereits not only acceptable but necessary to explore beyondChallenges: The biggest challenges IveIve been working for over seven years. In these industry roles,traditional roles. This also enhances the sustainability of faced have been balancing podcastI bridge the gap between clinical veterinary practice and thethe profession. When we see our colleagues thriving in production with my full-time job,vast pet care community. diverse roles, it provides a sense of connection and renewed family responsibilities, and professionalinspiration in the value of our profession.development, along with maintainingMy journey has reinforced the importance of varied consistency despite slow growth. perspectives and skill sets in animal care, aligning withHow do you feel this is making a difference?I mpact: By sharing diverse career stories,creating a podcast about the possibilities in veterinary careers.The world is evolving rapidly, with advancements in I hope to inspire others to see theToday, I strive to apply my broad experience and nutritionaltechnology and medicine, and shifts in business and wide range of opportunities within theexpertise to make a meaningful difference in animal health veterinary profession, leading to a morefrom the animals to those who care for them.resilient and innovative community. Advice: The best advice Ive received is to surround myself with a diverse network of mentors and peers who offer differentMost who enter the veterinary profession perspectives and support. Change isdo so with a desire to make a difference in rarely achieved alone, and collaboration is key. animal health. To maximise impact, the worldNext Steps: My next step is to embraceneeds veterinary professionals to apply their motherhood while continuing thepassion and transferable skills to every aspect podcast and exploring new formats or initiatives to expand its impact andof animal welfare.further support the veterinary profession.Please summarise how you are working towards change in the veterinary professions and why do you feel thisis important?Most who enter the veterinary profession do so with a desire to make a difference in animal health. To maximise impact, the world needs veterinary professionals to apply their passion and transferable skills to every aspect of animal welfare. This www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 28'