Vet Times Podcast

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we're delving into the pivotal role that research plays in building our understanding of the human-animal bond. Dr Tammie King, senior research manager, and Dr Vanessa Ashall, human-animal interaction technical leader, are both experts from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. SPONSORED The Waltham Petcare Science Institute is Mars Petcare's science centre, where their mission is to improve the lives of pets through science, in support of their purpose of creating a better world for pets. Researchers at Waltham have recently launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study programme, known as PAWS. Working in collaboration with leading global academic institutions and experts, the multi-study PAWS programme will explore the relationships between pets and people and the role pets play in well-being across multiple geographies and demographics. Engaging more than 35,000 pet owners across more than 20 countries, this ambitious research programme aims to deepen our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond through robust scientific data. Dr Tammie King is a member of the research leadership team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. Her passion lies in improving dog and cat health through evidence-based knowledge. In fact, Dr King holds a PhD in anthrozoology – the study of human-animal interactions – and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in animal behaviour. Vanessa Ashall is technical lead for the PAWS research programme and is central to defining the research strategy. It's Vanessa who holds responsibility for ensuring the portfolio of projects truly demonstrate Waltham's commitment to robust, innovative and impactful research into the human-animal bond. Vanessa is a European veterinary specialist in animal welfare science, ethics and law, a bioethicist, a social scientist and a cross disciplinary HAI researcher.

In this podcast Phil Elkins discusses respiratory diseases in cattle, essentially preventive versus reactive care, and ensuring farm vets and farmers engage on countering the threats. Phil Elkins qualified in 2005 from The University of Edinburgh and, following stints in Cheshire and New Zealand, spent the majority of his career in clinical practice in Cornwall, during which time he gained a certificate in advanced veterinary practice in cattle. Following 15 years in clinical practice and a stint working for an agri-tech company, Phil now works as an independent consultant to both farms and industry bodies. He is a former council member of the BVA. He wrote “Respiratory disease in cattle: preventive versus reactive care” for Vet Times Livestock (2025), Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 9-10 (which went out with Vet Times Volume 55, Issue 12). The article is available online at vettimes.com [https://www.vettimes.com/clinical/livestock/respiratory-disease-in-cattle-preventive-versus-reactive-care] SPONSORED This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, which has recently launched Protivity, the UK's first authorised Mycoplasma bovis vaccine for cattle. What if you could be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to Mycoplasma bovis? Protivity, the first modified-live vaccine for Mycoplasma bovis in cattle, is now available in the UK. The days of relying on antibiotics alone to help control Mycoplasma bovis are over. It's time to change the game for your herds with Protivity. To learn more, UK veterinary professionals can visit the website. [https://bit.ly/4jRJxv3]

Vet Times was recently invited to the biggest vet show on earth – VMX in Florida, where we had the pleasure of catching up with the man behind it all, NAVC CEO Gene O'Neill…

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Stephanie Armstrong, regional president at Zoetis, explores the mental health landscape in today's veterinary profession, including the challenges and possible counteractions. Sponsored: As the world's leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company's leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in more than 100 countries. About the interviewee: Stephanie Armstrong is regional president at Zoetis, part of the Zoetis senior leadership team, where she oversees operations and growth across her team. A trained veterinarian and successful business leader, Stephanie encompasses a rare combination of frontline veterinary experience and strategic acumen in the animal pharmaceutical industry, making her uniquely positioned to drive innovation and impact across the animal health sector. An advocate for positive change with a one health approach, Stephanie is also deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterinarians, recognising the unique challenges they face. Stephanie is headstrong in her commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the industry, as it is a topic she is particularly passionate about, often talking about this global issue from a thought leadership perspective. Stephanie is dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession by elevating the voices of industry talent, advocating for vets, and shining a light on the critical challenges faced by both vets and livestock farmers today. As a member of the council at the RVC, Stephanie plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of veterinary education and advancing initiatives that bridge the academic and practical applications of animal care.

Speaking to editor James Westgate, Wellvet co-founder Liz Barton delves into the often tricky topic of menopause and discusses what can be done to support veterinary professionals impacted by perimenopausal symptoms. Liz also introduces Wellvet's free expert menopause resources for veterinary teams, designed to help reduce the impact of physical and psychological symptoms in the clinic and beyond.... For access to these resources, visit https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we discuss innovations in testing and diagnostics with Mars Science and Diagnostics' chief medical officer Jimmy Barr – including what Antech has planned in the future.

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, George Giles and Becca Cavill join us to discuss innovations, AI and how technology and management tools are helping vets and farmers work together for livestock health, welfare and productivity. ––––––––––

One of the main items on the agenda at BCVA Congress 2024 in Newport was the bluetongue outbreak that many vets and farmers have faced up to over the past couple of months. Joining Vet Times' chief reporter Allister Webb to discuss the situation and what we may be able to learn from it is Fiona Lovatt, who is a member of the Ruminant Health and Welfare bluetongue working group.

Osteoarthritis (OA) impacts cats and dogs, but considerations need to be tailored for each animal at every stage. To discuss the different approaches, Sophie Platt and Sarah Cooper join this episode of the Vet Times Podcast. They have jointly authored the article “OA: the impact on pets' lives” for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 32, Pages 5-10), which can be found online at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/oa-the-impact-on-pets-lives/ •••

Recorded live at BEVA Congress 2024 in Liverpool, Vet Times' chief reporter Allister Webb talked to incoming president Bruce Bladon about his forthcoming year in office and the future of equine sport.

Recorded live at BEVA Congress 2024 in Liverpool, Vet Times' chief reporter Allister Webb talks to one of the most successful British sportswomen of all time. As an athlete, Sally Gunnell won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles. She opened the 2024 congress, spoke in the sessions looking at the social license of sporting competition, but still found the time to speak to Vet Times about former glories and where her ambition, hard work and tenacity have led her in the proceeding years.

A rapidly evolving discipline, oncology medicine has made significant strides in the past decade, and will continue that development in the coming years. To share some of the latest knowledge on diagnosis, staging and treatment, Nick Bacon joins this Vet Times Podcast. His article, “Oncology: update on diagnosis, staging and treatment options”, was in Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 30, Pages 6-9) and is available at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/oncology-update-on-diagnosis-staging-and-treatment-options/

With more than a third of cats now largely living their lives indoors, ensuring preventive health needs are met for the whole feline population has grown in significance. Vet Ellen Marcinkiewicz, of International Cat Care (iCatCare), covers more on this subject in this Vet Times Podcast. She has written an article to accompany this podcast for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 23, Pages 5-10) with Laura Watson, RVN at iCatCare, called “Preventive health care advice for indoor cats”. It is online at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/preventive-health-care-advice-for-indoor-cats/ •••

When it comes to ongoing, sustained management of OA, collaboration between the veterinary team and owners is vitally important. To talk more about this fascinating area, Ross Allan joins the Vet Times Podcast. •••

In this sponsored Vet Times Extra podcast, Ginny Sherwin and Kath Aplin join us to discuss NSAID use and pain relief in calves. For more than 20 years Metacam has been at the forefront of cattle well-being. The proven and trusted anti-inflammatory pain relief provided by Metacam supports farmers and veterinarians in their efforts to maintain well-being across many indications. Contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim ruminant specialist or vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com for further advice and resources. •••

In this VN Times podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses the broad opportunities of a vet nurse passport with Donna Wills, an RVN and animal physiotherapist. Donna shares her career pivots and the decisions that have led her to now support from the other side of the consult table to provide more holistic care for animals and their people. •••

In this Vet Times Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Eric Morgan, professor of veterinary parasitology at Queen's University Belfast, discusses the prevalence of Toxocara in the environment and why vets should care. Toxocara is a zoonotic parasite endemic throughout the UK and Ireland and has been associated with multiple human health conditions including asthma and reduced cognitive function. Eric, a recognised specialist in parasitology, brings insights from his research into parasites, especially helminths, to advise what can be done, such as the importance of monthly worming, to reduce the risk of Toxocara spread and infection. The podcast is part of Boehringer Ingelheim's support for vets to improve health and well-being of pets and pet owners through their range of medicines. •••

Refractory, or pharmacoresistant epilepsy affects one in three dogs with epilepsy, and defines them as having frequent and severe seizures, despite appropriate drug therapy. Specialist vet Mark Lowrie joins the Vet Times Podcast to explain some of the challenges for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of the condition Dr Lowrie has written an article on this topic for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 18, Pages 6-12), called “Canine refractory epilepsy – management considerations”, which is available at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/canine-refractory-epilepsy-management-considerations/ •••

Worms are evolving and sheep farming methods are changing – but how are vets to keep pace? In this Vet Times Extra podcast, sponsored by Zolvix from Elanco, we speak to Davinia Hinde of Bainbridge Vets and sheep consultant Dr Nerys Wright, who address the question. We cover everything from the business challenges of encouraging best practice worm management, and what that looks like. The pair also share their ideas and experiences on how to encourage better engagement from sheep farmers. •••

Otitis externa is a common condition in dogs and cats and one requiring much veterinary input to treat and manage. To share some of her thoughts on the disorder, European veterinary dermatology specialist Irina Matricoti joins the Vet Times Podcast.

Hypertension is serious condition in cats, and likely under-diagnosed in practice. Feline specialist Sam Taylor joins the Vet Times Podcast to run through some of the diagnostic and treatment considerations.

VN Happy Hour made a triumphant return for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2024, tackling the topic of parenting in the profession and asking, are we progressing? VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher was joined by a brilliant panel who shared their wisdom and candour to bring the community together and answer some tricky questions. Guests included @mortagefreeleigh – a content creator passionate about tax-free childcare and making things less overwhelming – who provided our audience with some great advice and signposting. Lianne then joined our panel of Emma Townson and Miles Asteri, both experienced RVNs who have worked in a range of roles to unpack key themes such as flexible working. Happy Hour returned with a bang and we hope you enjoy the conversation. Useful links: https://mortgagefreeleigh.com/ https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/tax-free-childcare/ https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/find-information/?information_filter_search=1&tags%5B%5D=g_0_4230&tags%5B%5D=g_0_4219&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNbsbBheL94I_eHwPc3pNKHHT6d8l5Za2UbXP3ZEv2u9d77DWQu__qRoCFf8QAvD_BwE https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/flexible-working-factsheet/ Sponsor https://www.lintbellsvet.com/pages/mobility-library https://vetactivelife.com/

In this episode of the VN Times podcast editor Lacey discusses leaving clinical work with Sophie Giddens, a former Equine RVN who has forged a career supporting veterinary clinics while utilising many of her skills acquired in practice. Sophie reflects candidly on not necessarily having a plan which leaving a role and the power of community and networks while making career connections.

Chronic enteropathies in dogs and cats are characterised by gastrointestinal problems that manifest over a period of three weeks or longer. Dietary strategies are key, so specialist vet Cecilia Villaverde, board-certified in veterinary nutrition, runs us through some of these considerations and more in this Vet Times Podcast. Her article to accompany this podcast, “Gastrointestinal problems and latest thinking in pets”, was in Vet Times Volume 54, Issue 11, Pages 6-10 and is online now at https://bit.ly/4b9N82k •••••••••••••••••

In this VN Times Podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses careers with Kirsty Cavill. Kirsty has a passion for veterinary nursing that has allowed her to develop and utilise her skills in a variety of ways to not only help improve animal welfare but also provide accessible care in a variety of ways. Kirsty, an award-winning vet nurse, shares her advice and insight to help other consider how they can support and nurture the human-animal bond.

In the first of this two-part series (https://soundcloud.com/vettimesuk/vet-times-extra-test-for-success-part-1?si=a44aeb8025e747ee83d1d74885978e9e&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) we discussed the “when” and the “why” of embedding diagnostic testing into wellness plans. This week, we welcome back Carole MacColl from IDEXX and VidiVet founder Ben Sweeney to discover “how” to make that happen. In this part, Vet Times editor James Westgate has his guests explain how practices can get started with wellness testing, and how to maintain momentum once things are up and running. He also asks how practices can convince clients that wellness testing is a worthwhile outlay, particularly in the current economic climate, and how to present a “completely normal” result to an owner in a way they do not feel the screening was a waste of money. •••••••••••••••••

This Vet Times Extra Podcast, sponsored by IDEXX, sees editor James Westgate discuss the benefits of wellness plans and the important part played by diagnostic testing in wellness clinics. To offer their expert insights, James is joined by Carole MacColl, professional services vet at IDEXX, and Ben Sweeney, vet and founder of telehealth platform VidiVet, which works increasingly with veterinary practices as part of health and wellness planning. In the first of this two-part series, topics discussed include: • What are the main benefits of wellness clinics? • Which pets benefit most? • How can wellness clinics benefit younger animals? • What should vets be looking for in wellness clinics? • What diagnostic tests should be included?  • What do we do if we find something? •••••••••••••••••

A problem in dogs and cats, as well as horses, corneal ulcers can be a common and potentially serious condition to face in general practice. Chris Dixon, clinical director at referral practice Veterinary Vision, runs through some of the considerations for the Vet Times Podcast. He wrote the article “Corneal ulcers update in canine and feline pets” in Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 09, Pages 8-12), which is online now at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/corneal-ulcers-update-in-canine-and-feline-pets/ *************

On 12 March 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its main concerns following an initial review into the veterinary sector, which prompted more than 56,000 responses from the UK public and veterinary industry. The body announced it had provisionally decided that it should launch a formal Market Investigation focused on its analysis of the issues in the sector, and has begun to consult on this proposal. On 19 March, Vet Times, in partnership with the BVA and CloserStill Media, gathered together a hand-picked panel of experts to dissect the CMA's investigation and discuss its implications for the professions. Vet Times editor James Westgate was joined by RCVS president Susan Paterson, BVA senior vice president Malcolm Morley, BVNA president Lyndsay Hughes and independent practice owner Kate Higgins (Village Vets Formby) to answer questions submitted by an invited audience, gain clarity and guidance on the review's implications, explore what it all means for the UK veterinary professions and consider what the next steps are. *********** Details of the consultation on whether to launch a market investigation into the veterinary services market for household pets can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposal-to-make-a-market-investigation-reference-into-veterinary-services-for-household-pets-in-the-uk This consultation closes at 5pm on 11 April 2024 .

In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher welcomes experienced RVN Sara Ho-Le to discuss training, leadership and peer mentoring. Sara's career has been varied and her passion for emergency and critical care has seen her travel to the other side of the world. Sara discusses utilising her career passport to nurse down under and how mentor nurses have shaped her career. •••••••••••••••

In the past two decades, veterinary professionals have become excellent at recognising and assessing pain in animals. Karen Walsh joins the Vet Times Podcast once more to discuss current and future analgesia developments. ••••••••••••••••

The first in a series of short webinars on recruitment topics sees Vet Times' head of veterinary connections, Fiona Stephens, help to unravel the mysteries of writing a powerful job ad. Throughout the episode, Fiona discusses what attracts candidates, what to include and (just as importantly) what NOT to include in your job advert.​ Fiona supports her talk with some examples of successful ads, which she has made available in a PDF version of her original webinar presentation, downloadable from https://bit.ly/3IhXgtg •••••••••••••••••••••• This series, designed to help veterinary practices looking to expand their teams, continues at 8pm on 6 March 2024 with a look at whether recruiting from abroad is the right move for your practice. Register for “Is recruiting a vet from overseas right for you?” at https://bit.ly/3uSh97g

While a fundamental of dentistry, intra-oral radiography is often not a part of standard practice set up. Making a case for what that can, and should, perhaps change, Hannah van Velzen joins the Vet Times Podcast once more. Hannah's article accompanying this podcast, “Dental radiography made easy”, is in Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 07, Pages 6-9) and will be available soon at vettimes.co.uk Hannah graduated from the Utrecht University in the Netherlands in 2016. She worked in general practice in the UK for six years, developing a strong interest and passion for veterinary dentistry, and completing the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies Certificate of Small Animal Veterinary Practice/Dentistry. Hannah works at Eastcott Referrals in Swindon as a resident in dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and is secretary of the British Veterinary Dental Association.

Following the success of the inaugural Vet Times Big 6 Live during the 2023 SPVS Congress, Allister Webb returns with a specially selected panel of six experts to discuss how AI will impact the veterinary world. The session considered how we can implement AI in practice, whether we can effectively regulate it, and saw panellists discuss the biggest opportunities and challenges that AI could present. Allister also opened up to the floor to delegate's questions on this ubiquitous and evolving topic.

In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher welcomes experienced RVN Helen Harris to discuss squiggly careers and falling back in love with veterinary nursing. Helen's career has been varied including GP, charity and shelter medicine and now, zoo nursing. Helen discusses starting out as a veterinary nurse and how her various workplaces have shaped not only her career, but her outlook on animal welfare and veterinary medicine.

Intestinal helminths are an issue in horses, and anthelmintic resistance is an increasingly common concern for vets and equine clients to be aware of. In this Vet Times Podcast, Jacqui Matthews updates us on the latest situation. ___

In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher welcomes experienced RVNs Jackie Hay and Michelle Barley, two of the nurses behind UK Vet Nurses Worldwide, an initiative dedicated to advancing animal care worldwide by helping facilitate skilled vet nurses sharing their knowledge and education with others to help improve animal welfare. Despite experiencing technical issues, Jackie and Michelle rallied in true vet nurse fashion to make things work – even resorting to recording the second half of our interview in a car using mobile internet (pictured) – because the conversation was too valuable not to be had. Follow UK Vet Nurses Worldwide on social media at: www.instagram.com/ukvn.ww www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554955708249 You can also support the initiative at www.gofundme.com/f/uk-vet-nurses-worldwide __

London Vet Show 2023 saw Vet Times and the Big 6 panel discuss the thorny topic of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review of the veterinary profession, specifically focusing on the opportunities it could provide the sector. Led by Vet Times editor James Westgate, the session looked at how the professions could change for the better, with industry experts including VMG president Miles Russell, BVNA president Lyndsay Hughes, XLVets chief executive Andrew Curwen, British Veterinary Union chair Suzanna Hudson-Cooke, SPVS board chair Peter Orpin and BVA senior vice president Malcolm Morley.

In the past 30 years, veterinary understanding of ageing and age-related diseases in pets has grown considerably. To discuss some of the conditions, treatments and management strategies, Mike Davies joins the Vet Times Podcast once more. ––––––––––––––––––

In this episode, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher talks to RVN Laura Jones, founder of www.veterinaryinternalmedicinenursing.com and veterinary technician specialist in small animal medicine. Laura is a regular speaker at many big conferences around the UK and further afield, but in this podcast we learn about the person behind the accolades and how she is sharing her passion for medicine with other nurses. ______________

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we're discussing pain in dogs caused by osteoarthritis. It's a slightly different approach to podcasts you may have heard on our channel, and features a number of speakers. Charlie Richards BVetMed, PgCert, MRCVS graduated from the RVC in 2009 and subsequently worked in small animal practice in the south-east, before moving into a commercial role managing an online veterinary pharmacy in 2011. Charlie joined Boehringer Ingelheim as a brand technical advisor in 2016 and works within the pet pain and inflammation franchise. Chris Elliott BSc(Hons), (playing Alfie) trained as an optometrist, but after a career change has worked in human and veterinary pharma for the past 20+ years. He has been Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager in Northern Ireland for the past 15 years, with a focus on the company's small animal portfolio. Tash Whitehouse BSc, (playing Willow) graduated from the University of Reading in 2020 with a BSc in Animal Science, after completing a year in industry working at Chester Zoo. Following graduation during the pandemic, Tash found a regulatory affairs role at Boehringer Ingelheim, and has since found excitement in all things marketing, and now works in the pain and inflammation franchise. Michael Sullivan BVSc, MRCVS, (playing Axel) graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2016 and went on to work in small animal practice in Wigan, before moving down south to Lewes for his second practice job. He joined Boehringer Ingelheim in 2021 as a brand technical advisor before moving into technical services as a technical services vet. He enjoys being able to chat to and support vets and vet nurses with product enquiries and challenging clinical cases. Angela McNellan DipAVN(surg), (playing Roxy) was awarded the Diploma in Advanced Surgical Veterinary Nursing in 2002. She has a vast range of nursing experience having worked at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School and for PDSA. She then settled as a head veterinary nurse in a busy small animal practice, going on to become the practice manager. Angela joined Boehringer Ingelheim in 2022 as a territory manager providing support to practices in the north and west of Scotland. Jack Johnson BVSc, MRCVS, (playing Eddie) graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2013 and subsequently worked in mixed practice before focusing on small animal practice in the north-west, before joining Boehringer Ingelheim as a technical services vet in 2021, supporting customers and colleagues with technical product enquiries.

With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, the need for additional treatment options is growing. In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we're joined by independent veterinary dermatology consultant Carly Mason and vet Sally Schroeder to discuss an alternative treatment in skin conditions.

Disease of canine synovial joints is common, and radiographs can provide a major route to successful diagnosis. Renowned small animal orthopaedics specialist John Innes joins this Vet Times Podcast to enlighten us on the x-ray considerations in thoracic limbs. Read “X-ray tips for joint disease in canine thoracic limbs” at www.vettimes.co.uk/?p=266614 _____________ John Innes BVSc, PhD, CertVR, DSAS(Orth), FRCVS, a director of Movement Referrals: Independent Veterinary Specialists near Runcorn in Cheshire. He is an RCVS specialist in small animal orthopaedics and spent 22 years in clinical academia, latterly as professor of small animal surgery, where his research focused on osteoarthritis and comparative orthopaedics. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and 15 textbook chapters. While at the University of Liverpool, John developed the “Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs” client-reported outcomes measure. He also founded the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association Canine Hip Registry and co-developed the Humeral Intracondylar Repair System implant for humeral intracondylar fissure. _____________

Welcome to a very special Vet Times podcast - our 100th episode. The episode's host, Vet Times editor James Westgate, said: “I'd like to take this chance to thank you guys for listening over the years and helping us to reach this magnificent milestone . “To mark the occasion, we decided to do something a little bit different and a little bit special, so we're delving into the world of contextualised veterinary care – and to help us do that, we have assembled a panel of some of the leading vets in the charity sector.” Joining us in this episode are Alison Thomas, head of veterinary services at Blue Cross; RSPCA chief veterinary office Caroline Allen; Steve Howard, head of clinical services at PDSA; Dogs Trust deputy director Runa Hanaghan; and Maggie Roberts, director of feline welfare at Cats Protection. Image © pixstocker / Depositphotos.com

In the next offering of our short podcasts in regards to referral nursing, VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher talk with RVN Danielle Seymour, surgery team leader at Vets Now Manchester. If you haven't already listened to the other episodes, we would urge you to, to get some real insight into referral nurses working across our profession.

When it comes to your career journey, you're the one in the driving seat. But what's the destination, how do you get there – and how do you even know when you've arrived? In this People Match Podcast, coach and change facilitator Steve Bailey offers advice on plotting your future, setting goals and the value of good mentors for the journey. ––––––––––––––

In an exclusive series of short podcasts VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher explored how referral nurses have found their way into the referral sector and asked their advice for nurses considering exploring such opportunities. This special podcast episode pulls together the four interviews in which Georgia Vinall from Bristol Vet Specialists, Tawny Kershaw from Swift Referrals, Andy Bell from the Dermatology Referral Service and Emma Vince from Optivet Referrals all sat down with Lacey to discuss their journey to referral practice.

In this People Match Podcast, we speak to European specialist in small animal internal medicine Katherine Clarke, at Davies Veterinary Referrals. We find out all about her journey to passing her European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine diploma exams and hear her advice to any vets out there looking at taking their next career steps.

In this VN Times podcast editor Lacey Pitcher speaks to Laura Hughes about the importance of conversations surrounding nutrition. Laura is a veterinary nurse development manager at Purina PetCare who firmly believes that supporting nurses has a direct impact on animal welfare. This conversation includes: • what the Purina Institute offers nurses • CentreSquare resources and tools • a teaser of what Purina will be offering at BVNA congress ___________________

Andrew Wallace had originally planned on farming rather than being a vet, but entered vet school and has never looked back. From a mixed-practice start, through a spell as a locum here and in New Zealand, he later switched to equine practice and is now director and a vet at Buckingham Equine Vets, which he co-founded in 2011. In this inspirational podcast, exclusive to People Match, Andrew runs us through his career and outlines 10 key points to help vets young and old find joy of their own in first opinion practice life. ____________________

Emergency and critical care is a relatively young specialism, but one that will only continue to grow – and that has benefited from its own dedicated congress for two decades. Racheal Marshall, head of clinical nursing at Vets Now, ECC specialist Simon Hagley and Arlene Connor, national referral nursing lead for IVC Evidensia's UK referrals division, discuss their ECC experiences and what's in store for the congress' 20th anniversary. *