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 I am a licensed veterinary technologist (vet tech) and Certified2. Advocating for responsible pet ownership: I enjoy Veterinary Business Leader (CVBL). My journey began in theconducting workshops for children and communities toBackground: I am the founder and CEOVeterinary-Histopathology teaching laboratory at Sultaneducate about pet ownership and address stigma around of Muscat Veterinary Centre and MuscatQaboos University, Oman (SQU), where I worked as a vet techpets, especially dogs. I have appeared on multiple radio shows Grooming Centre in Seeb, Oman. Startingbefore pursuing my dream of founding my own veterinarydiscussing this issue, and while it has stirred some controversy, as a vet tech, I founded my own veterinary clinic in 2016. I am also a certifiedclinic. I am proud to say that my voice was heard, and at least one veterinary business leader (CVBL) and aIn December 2016, I established the Muscat Veterinary Centre,or two people were interested in learning how to be kind to passionate advocate for responsible petin Seeb, Oman, transitioning from a vet tech role to practiceanimals. I am happy to have changed some minds on animal ownership. manager despite having no prior business experience. In 2023, Iwelfare.Mission: Im dedicated to empoweringearned a PgCert in Veterinary Business Management (VBM) from3. Supporting veterinary professionals: Through mental health women in veterinary fields, advocating for responsible pet ownership, supportingthe University of Liverpool and co-founded the Muscat Groomingworkshops, I realised that many veterinarians themselves mental health awareness, and advancingCentre. I also earned a CVBL certificate from the NAVC.didnt understand how the industry had impacted their mental veterinary education. I strive to inspireI actively advocate for responsible pet ownership throughhealth, and that its okay to feel tired and want a break. Ive others to break barriers and makereached out to many colleagues, offering guidance on leading a positive change in the veterinarymy Pawsitively Responsible workshops and address mentalveterinary teams in a healthy way.community. health awareness for veterinarians. I enjoy training veterinary Challenges: Starting a business instudents and speak at seminars on managing veterinary4. Advancing veterinary education: By training veterinary a country with low animal welfarebusinesses. I serve on the advisory board of the Veterinarystudents locally and internationally and serving on the standards was tough. I had to overcomeTechnology Program at SQU, volunteer as an advisor for strayadvisory board of the Veterinary Technology Program at my own introversion and convince myanimal control, and am currently pursuing an MBA. Sultan Qaboos University, I help shape the next generation of family that this career path was right forveterinary professionals. I try my best to support any student me. Managing the demands of running aMy work has been recognised locally and internationally,who wants to learn more.business while addressing cultural stigmaincluding features in magazines, newspapers, and radio shows. around pets and navigating gender biasesI received the CEO of the Year award in the Middle East Health presented ongoing obstacles. category at the Fortuna Global Excellence Awards in DubaiImpact: Im proud that my work isand was nominated as Future Female Leader of the Year in making a real difference - whetherVienna, Austria.through my leadership in veterinary education, advocacy for mental health, orPlease summarise how you are working towards change community outreach. My goal is to createin the veterinary professions and why do you feel this is lasting change by supporting the nextimportant?generation of veterinary professionals. Advice: Stand firm in what you believeI am implementing positive change in the veterinary in. Its not always easy, but perseverancecommunity by:and surrounding yourself with the right1. Empowering women in the veterinary field: I enjoy talking people make a world of difference.to undergraduate vet students about my journey and howNext Steps: To support groups for mentalI achieved what I have today. I involve them in my projects, health, promote better animal welfareevents and networking opportunities. I ensure that I have a standards in Oman, and continue workingteam of women beside me to break barriers and empower with international organisations to drive change. Omani women (both vets and non-vets) to participate and ensure they are heard and seen in all the right ways.www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 38'