About VTX
we offer a personalised CPD experience
vtx provides online veterinary CPD learning in a variety of easy to use formats. Our online content includes veterinary webinars and discussion forums and our live Q&A veterinary CPD days bring us together in person in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. What makes us special? We are providing CPD that is clinically relevant, but we are also providing continuing professional development that will help you look after yourself and those working in your practice. Our veterinary CPD memberships come with personalised consultations about real cases of your choice… making your learning as relevant as possible. We will look after your clinical CPD requirements as well as your wellbeing.
about our team
about our speakers
Scott Kilpatrick
Director, Internal Medicine
BSc (Hons) BVM&S MSc DipECVIM-CA FRCVS
Scott graduated from Edinburgh Vet School in 2007. Initially, he worked for the PDSA, before taking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon position with Vets Now in Edinburgh in 2010. Scott started his residency in internal medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 2012 after completing a year as a Teaching Fellow in Anatomy and Physiology. He completed his residency in 2016 after finishing his Masters in the pathogenesis of canine liver disease and has since been working in referral practice. Interventional radiology is something that really interests Scott, and he spent some time in 2018, working in this area at UC Davis in California. Scott has created and delivered a Post-graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency Medicine in association with the University of Chester. In 2023 he was awarded Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) for his meritorious contribution to clinical practice.
“As well as my clinical interests, I love teaching and delivering CPD. I have been lucky enough to lecture worldwide (China, South Korea and Japan). I am excited to continue to grow and learn with all of you. I have sometimes struggled to balance my academic and health/ well-being, I want that to be the sole focus of our journey together with vtx.”
Liz Bode
Director, Cardiology
BVSc PhD DipECVIM-CA(cardio) FHEA FRCVS
Liz graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2006. After spending some time carrying out voluntary work with SPANA, Liz took up a job in mixed practice in East Yorkshire. Shortly after this, Liz completed an internship at the University of Cambridge and solidified her love for all things cardio. She subsequently embarked on a PhD at the University of Manchester looking at cellular calcium handling in heart failure and ageing and was awarded her doctorate in 2013. After another spell in small animal practice Liz completed her residency in cardiology at the University of Edinburgh in 2017. Following this, she worked at the University of Liverpool as a senior lecturer. More recently, she was awarded Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and has taken on the role of Module Co-ordinator for the CertAVP cardiology modules at the University of Liverpool. Liz currently works as a Cardiology Specialist at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists where she is also Clinical Director. In 2022 she was awarded Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) for her meritorious contribution to clinical practice.
“I am passionate about postgraduate training and development. I am very excited about how vtx can help you in practice in more ways than your standard CPD provider can.”
Andy Bell
Director, Operations
RVN Cert VNECC MSc BSc(Hons)
Andy graduated with a BSc(Hons) in equine science in 2006 and went on to complete an MSc in equine science at the University of Edinburgh in 2007. During this time studying at Edinburgh Vet School R(D)SVS he realised that he really wanted to pursue a career in the veterinary sector and started his Veterinary Nurse training with the University of Edinburgh in 2012. Andy is interested in emergency and critical care and completed his Cert VNECC in 2019. Andy is currently the Head Nurse and Practice Director of a busy referral practice in Glasgow. Prior to his time working in the veterinary sector, Andy gained experience working in a variety of roles within the banking sector (HR, Strategy, change optimisation and project management).
“I am excited about what vtx can bring to the veterinary profession. I feel that we have a great mix of veterinary and non-veterinary experience to be able to cater for all levels of colleagues that work in veterinary practice. vtx are really coming at CPD for the veterinary profession from a wholly holistic viewpoint.”
Kerry Doolin
ECC Specialist
BSc BVSc MVetMed DACVECC
Kerry has been an emergency vet for 15 years after graduating from the University of Sydney in 2005. Kerry furthered her training via a speciality emergency and critical care internship at the University of California in Davis, followed by a three year residency in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College, London. In 2019 she passed her specialty exams to become a diplomat of the American College of Emergency and Critical Care. For the last year she has been working in Sydney as Head of ECC at North Shore Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre.
"I am thrilled to part of the vtx team for the next 2 years because I love their approach to learning and education. I have already been involved in writing and delivering a couple of ECC courses for them. I am also really excited to be able to provide clinical advice to members of the profession through vtx's clinical advice service."
Felipe Grados
Anaesthesia Specialist
MSc DipECVAA MRCVS
I discovered my passion for anaesthesia already as a veterinary student. I got the chance to learn and be involved with it while doing placement in a first opinion clinic at the same time as I study for my degree. I then qualified from the University of Leon (Spain) in 2011, which I followed with a Master’s Degree in Research. I then moved to UK to pursue the exciting path of specialisation. I completed an internship in Small Animal Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool in 2015, which I followed by a ECVAA residency in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Edinburgh. After completing my residency in 2018, I worked for two years at Dick White Referrals as a clinical fellow. In 2020 I moved to Wear Referrals, where I currently work as Head of Service in Anaesthesia. I was awarded my ECVAA diploma in 2021.
“I am very excited that I am getting to work with the vtx team and their community over the next 2 years. I have worked with Scott at Wear Referrals and I love how they are trying to bring something different to the world of veterinary CPD. I am looking forward to teaching on the anaesthesia courses and providing advice through vtx’s clinical advice service.”
Aaron Harper
Oncology Specialist
Aaron began his career in general practice in Northwest England back in 2008 after graduating from the University of Cambridge.
In 2016, he completed a residency in small animal oncology at the University of Liverpool and during that time he completed the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Small Animal Medicine). Aaron achieved the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2017 and became a European and RCVS recognised Specialist in Oncology.
He moved into private practice in 2018, working at Southfields Veterinary Specialists before moving to Wear Referrals in 2021. He established the Oncology service which has quickly grown over the last two years. His most recent accomplishment is completing a post-graduate certificate in medical education with the University of Dundee in 2023.
Aaron’s main areas of interest are in haematological cancers and the medical management of these conditions. He is also interested in novel therapies for dogs and cats with cancer, along with the management of side-effects in these cases and his research to date has been on this subject. Aaron is particularly passionate about the management of lymphoma and has spoken extensively on a variety of medical oncology topics at local and national CPD events. He has sat on the BSAVA Congress Programme Committee and the ECVIM Oncology Exam Committee, and is currently the Subject Matter Expert for the Linnaeus Clinical Board.
Outside of work, Aaron’s spare time is taken up walking the beaches of North East England with his mini-Dachshund, Penfold.
MA VetMB CertAVP (SAM) PGCME(Onc) DipECVIM-CA (Onc), MRCVS
RCVS and EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Oncology
Ariane Neuber
Dermatology Specialist
Ariane completed her veterinary medicine degree at the University of Munich and after a spell in small animal practice returned to university to achieve her doctorate. Following an Internship at the Animal Health Trust she moved to Scotland to take up the Senior Clinical Scholarship in Veterinary Dermatology at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. During her residency she achieved her dermatology certificate in 2002, and after finishing her studies in Edinburgh, she passed the European Diploma of Veterinary Dermatology in summer 2005. She ran a peripatetic dermatology referral service for various multidisciplinary referral centres in the south east (including Davies Veterinary Specialist, Great Western Referrals, Lumbry Park Referrals, Chiltern Referral Services) for over 15 years before returning to her native Germany in 2018. She worked in a dermatology referral practice near Frankfurt before opening her own dermatology practice, Hund Katze Haut, near Bonn in 2020.
DrMedVet CertVD DECVD MRCVS EBVS & RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology
Ashley Wemple
RVN CertVNECC
Ashley grew up in a small town in rural North Carolina. From there she moved to a slightly bigger part of the state to go to university at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where I studied animal science and obtained a bachelors degree in that field in 2003. While studying, I started working nights at an ECC veterinary hospital and I developed a passion for ECC nursing and teaching. I moved to the UK in 2008 to take a job as an ECC nurse at Vets Now Gateshead and have been there ever since (currently as Principal Nurse Manager). I earned my CertVNECC in 2010 and continue to tutor for that program, as well as other teaching and mentoring for IVC, Vets Now and the veterinary thought exchange.
Ben Walton
Surgery Specialist (Orthopaedics)
Ben is an experienced RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics). He is a director and orthopaedic and spinal surgeon at Movement Referrals, in Cheshire, and a director of Fusion Implants, an orthopaedic implants and surgical-guides manufacturer. His career has spanned mixed-practice, first-opinion practice, private referral practice and academia.
Carl Bradbrook
Anaesthesia Specialist
Carl graduated from the University of Liverpool and after a few fun years in mixed practice undertook a residency in anaesthesia and intensive care at The Royal Veterinary College and Davies Veterinary Specialists. He has worked in several private and university referral centres, as well as an independent anaesthesia consultant. He co-founded Zero Pain Philosophy, aiming to ensure pain is identified and treated appropriately in our companion animal patients. He moved to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in October 2018 to join the anaesthesia team and is an RCVS and an EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
Chloe Fay
RVN & VTS (ECC)
Chloe Fay BSc(Hons) RVN Cert VNECC VTS (ECC) RECOVER BLS & ALS Instructor
Chloe qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2012, gained her ECC certificate in 2016, and her VTS (ECC) in 2018. She has a strong background in ECC, having spent 90% of her veterinary career in emergency and critical care positions. She also has experience in referral nursing and is currently the head of the Priory Emergency Treatment Service (OOH) and referral lead of New Priory Vets in Brighton, who also provide cardio-respiratory and imaging referral services.
Her main focus over the years has been her continual learning and progression as an ECC nurse; as well as focusing on the level of care we give to our patients and clients. Chloe is impassioned about sharing this knowledge through teaching and developing both vets and technicians within her position at her current 24/7 hospital to provide gold standard care.
Chloe is on the review board for the RCVS ‘inFOCUS’ veterinary journal and has provided lectures internationally. Chloe is highly experienced and passionate about all aspects of emergency and critical care nursing, but her specific interests include critical care patients including renal and septic patients, and cardio-respiratory patients. When she’s not studying for her Certificate in Anaesthesia or working, Chloe likes to go for long walks on the South Downs with her husband, children and 2kg chihuahua.
Chloe Hannigan
Veterinary Surgeon
Chloe understands first-hand the challenges of trying to find time to balance self-care alongside practicing as a vet. Since qualifying from the RVC in 2012, she has worked in mixed and small animal practice, and as a locum across the UK, Australia, and NZ.
Yoga, her once-hobby, gradually became a serious habit and then a lifestyle. Together with meditation it gave her ways to better manage the mental stresses, emotional drains, and the physical aches and pains that come with being a vet. She qualified as a yoga teacher in 2017 and founded VetYogi the same year. She completed her 500 hours yoga teacher training in India at the start of 2020 and teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga. Though looking forward to when we can all come together in-person again, Chloe has been teaching/speaking in virtual classes/events throughout the pandemic.
Claire Grigson
Veterinary Surgeon
Claire is an experienced charity veterinary surgeon, certified life coach and meditation teacher. After going through her own personal challenges, she experienced a transformation in her mindset through coaching, and is now finding her purpose though supporting others to do the same. She is passionate about empowering others to believe in themselves and make positive sustainable change in their lives. A key part of this on her own journey was connecting with her authentic self and improving her self-relationship. Meditation was one of the key techniques that she used, and now she uses her experience and knowledge in this, to support others to be able to bring more peace, focus and clarity into their lives.
Claire Harrison
RVN VTS(Dentistry)
Claire is the Dentistry Nurse at the Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh and joined the hospital in 2018. Prior to this, she has worked in general practice and veterinary dental referral practice. Claire qualified as an RVN in 2005 from Napier University’s veterinary nursing programme. She gained her Veterinary Technician Specialty (Dentistry) in 2013 and is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT). Claire is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and with her interest in small animal dentistry, enjoys teaching vets, nurses and students.
Claire Harrison BSc (Hons) RVN VTS (Dentistry) AFHEA
Dan Tipney
Head of Evidence & Insights, VetLed
Dan provides an array of insights into human performance gained from his perspective across numerous disciplines. Formally as an international athlete, sports coach, pilot instructor, and airline pilot, he now delivers training and support for veterinary teams.
Dan led the Human Factors training programme at a major UK airline and has since developed and delivered non-clinical training to both veterinary and healthcare professionals. He represented Great Britain both as an athlete and a coach and has a great passion for supporting teams so that they can consistently achieve their goals. Across all fields Dan has consistently identified that understanding ourselves as humans, both individually and collectively is the basis delivering positive change.
At VetLed, Dan collaborates with experts from veterinary medicine, aviation, psychology and healthcare training when developing training material, campaigns, patient safety tools and cultural initiatives. VetLed's mission is to enhance performance in practice through the reliable delivery of clinical skills.
Danielle Gunn-Moore
Feline Medicine Specialist
Danielle Gunn-Moore graduated from the R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, with the Dick Vet Gold Medal in 1991. After a year in small animal practice she joined The Feline Centre, University of Bristol, initially as the Feline Advisory Bureau Scholar, then the Duphar Feline Fellow, and completed a PhD study into Feline Infectious Peritonitis in 1997. After a short period as Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology, University of Bristol, she returned to Edinburgh to establish the Feline Clinic and became Professor of Feline Medicine in 2006. She is interested in all aspects of feline medicine; she is an internationally recognised expert in her area, has lectured extensively and published over a 130 peer-reviewed research papers, plus many reviews and book chapters. In 2009 she was awarded the BSAVA Woodrow Award for outstanding contribution in the field of small animal veterinary medicine, in 2011 she was awarded the International Society for Feline Medicine/Hill’s award for Outstanding Contributions to Feline Medicine, in 2012 the Royal Dick students voted her “The clinician I would most like to be”, and FECAVA awarded her “Increased Vocalisation in Elderly Cats” the most original paper in the European Journal of Companion Animal Practice award in 2016.
Daria Starybrat
ECC Specialist
Daria graduated from Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in 2011. After working in small animal practices in Poland, Ireland and Wales she completed a rotating internship at a busy private referral practice in Cambridgeshire and a specialty internship at the University of Edinburgh. Daria then completed a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the Royal Veterinary College and became a Diplomate of the American College of Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC). Daria is now a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. She is interested in all aspects of emergency medicine and intensive care, although is keen to focus on sepsis and care of patients with severe and life-threatening conditions. Outside of work, Daria enjoys exploring the beauty of Scottish nature and culture.
DVM PGCertVMS MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS
Duana McBride
ECC Specialist
Duana is a veterinary specialist in emergency and critical care medicine and Trainer and Development Lead at VetLed. She has extensive first-hand experience working in busy emergency teams within multidisciplinary veterinary hospitals. During this time, she came to recognise the huge importance of Human Factors in patient outcomes.
Duana has a passion for teaching and training, achieving a Post Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Education, a Masters in Healthcare Simulation Training and Patient Safety, and has been a lecturer in veterinary medicine. She has vast experience in training veterinarians and students and is a regular speaker at international congresses.
Alongside her role as Training and Development Lead at VetLed, Duana continues to work in clinical practice as an ECC specialist.
Elle Payne
RVN
Elle Payne is an locum RVN working in England, UK. Elle qualified in 2018 from Nottingham Trent University and has experience working across both referral and first opinion practice. Elle's interests are focused mainly in neurology, consulting and emergency & critical care nursing.
Emily Thomas
ECC Specialist
Emily graduated from Cambridge veterinary school in 2005; and after spending time in first opinion practice she undertook a rotating internship at the RVC, followed by a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania in the USA. Since gaining her diploma in ECC she has worked at the RVC and at the University of Edinburgh, and is now joint Head of the Emergency and Critical Care department at Dick White Referrals in Newmarket.
Emma Murphy
RVN & VTS (Cardiology)
Emma retrained as a veterinary nurse following a career with competition horses. Emma trained in a multidisciplinary referral hospital and developed an interest in cardiology during this time. After qualifying in 2013 she went on to work full time in cardiology and pursued as much training in the area as possible; in order to further her knowledge and improve her skills.
Emma attained the Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in cardiology in 2021
Emma Currently works at Sarah Smith Cardiology Referrals in Derbyshire as senior cardiology nurse. Emma is passionate about providing the best possible level of care for patients whilst in practice and providing support and advice to clients for homecare.
Emma Onyejekwe
RVN
Emma Onyejekwe qualified as a veterinary nurse in February 2019 and works part-time in a small animal charity hospital. Her main passions include animal welfare, wildlife health, and conservation, and this has led her to volunteer for numerous projects around the world, such as working with monkeys, rhinos, and pangolins. To expand her knowledge, Emma completed the Girling and Fraser Advanced Programme Vet Nursing in Wildlife and aspires to help British Wildlife coming through the doors of veterinary practices through her content on her social media platform, The Wildlife Vet Nurse, and work with the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC). In recognition of her work promoting wildlife care, Emma was awarded a 30 under Thirty Award at the London Vet Show in 2023.
Fabio Sarcinella
Cardiology Specialist
Fabio graduated from Bologna University (Italy) in 2012. After graduation, he undertook a small animal Cardiology externship at the University of Liverpool. Fabio then went on to complete a 12-month rotating internship in small animal medicine at Rutland House Referrals. Following this, he worked in general practice for almost two years, further developing his interest in Cardiology. In 2016 he was appointed a Resident in Small Animal Cardiology at the University of Liverpool. Fabio then went on to work as a Cardiology Clinician in a private referral practice before becoming a European Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology. Fabio joined Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in 2021.
Fabio enjoys all aspects of medical and interventional Cardiology. His main interest is in congenital heart disease and performing minimally invasive procedures to treat these defects, feline cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias.
DVM, MRCVS DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Felipe Grados
Anaesthesia Specialist
I discovered my passion for anaesthesia already as a veterinary student. I got the chance to learn and be involved with it while doing placement in a first opinion clinic at the same time as I study for my degree. I then qualified from the University of Leon (Spain) in 2011, which I followed with a Master’s Degree in Research. I then moved to UK to pursue the exciting path of specialisation. I completed an internship in Small Animal Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool in 2015, which I followed by a ECVAA residency in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Edinburgh. After completing my residency in 2018, I worked for two years at Dick White Referrals as a clinical fellow. In 2020 I moved to Wear Referrals, where I currently work as a clinician in Veterinary Anaesthesia. I was awarded my ECVAA diploma in 2021.
Ferran Valls Sanchez
Internal Medicine Specialist
Ferran graduated from UAB (Spain) in 2011 which was followed by 2 rotating internships (Anicura Ars veterinaria, Spain, and Animal Health Trust, UK. He completed his internal medicine residency at DWR; followed by 4 years of clinical work and was the Head of the service until July 2023.
Ferran is a European veterinary internal medicine specialist (ECVIM college) and RCVS small animal internal medicine specialist since 2019, and has a particular interest in gastroenterology, nasal disease and haematology. Ferran also really enjoys all types of endoscopy and teaching. He is also the Associate professor master in small animal medicine by Universistat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB).
His new adventure is FVSmedicine which he founded in October with the goal to bring internal medicine specialist care to first opinion practices.
Fiona Marjoram
VN & Nurse Programme Coordinator with Hills
Fi Marjoram began nursing in 1987 and qualified as a VN in 1989. She worked in veterinary practice for 13 years, during the last year of which she also worked as a veterinary nursing and animal care lecturer at the West Sussex College of Agriculture. Having achieved her first qualification in small animal nutrition in 1991, Fi moved into her first nutritional sales role in 2000 and joined Hill’s in 2005. Her current role as Nurse Programme Coordinator focuses primarily upon the support and development of veterinary nurses within practice.
Francesco Cian
Clinical pathology Specialist
Francesco qualified from University of Padua (Italy) with a DVM in 2006. He spent the next 4 years in small animal practice. In 2010, he started a residency program in Clinical Pathology at the University of Cambridge, which he finished in 2013 attaining both an ECVCP and FRCPath diploma. Francesco joined the Animal Health Trust in 2013 as Head of Clinical Pathology, and from September 2015 works for Battlab. Francesco has a special interest in lymphoproliferative disorders of dogs and cats and flow cytometry. He is member of the cytology exam committee of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) and webmaster of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ESVCP) website. He is author of several publications on peer-reviewed journals and of the cytology chapter of the BSAVA Manual of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (3ed). He is also Editor of the second edition of the book “Veterinary Cytology: Dog, Cat, Horse and Cow: Self-Assessment Color Review”.
Frederic Gaschen
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Frederic Gaschen is a University of Bern, Switzerland graduate and a Diplomate of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVM and ECVIM-CA). After teaching at the Veterinary Faculty of Bern, Switzerland, he moved to the USA years ago. He is now a professor of small animal medicine and service chief at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in the USA.
Frederic is passionate about canine and feline gastroenterology. He was recently awarded the title of Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association. He has directed and published numerous studies on chronic enteropathies, digestive motility, and the impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. He loves sharing his passion with his students, interns, residents, and colleagues at LSU and fellow veterinarians at congresses worldwide.
Frederic has contributed to numerous books and recently co-edited and co-authored the 4th edition of “Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat” with his colleagues Michael Schaer and Stuart Walton. He has served on committees of various professional associations for many years.
Georgia Woods-Lee
RVN CertCFVHNutrition VTS (Nutrition)
Georgia Woods-Lee qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2004. In 2015, Georgia joined the ROYAL CANIN® Weight Management Clinic at the University of Liverpool, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where she is now dealing exclusively with pet obesity care and nutrition.
Georgia was awarded her Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition in 2017, the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in nutrition certificate in 2019 , and her BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (Top-up) degree in 2022.
In 2023, Georgia was appointed as clinical lead for the Weight Management Clinic and currently works as an academic researcher whilst working towards a PhD in pet obesity.
Georgina Fricker
Ophthalmology Specialist
Georgie graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2005. She worked for 3 years in general practice before joining a referral centre in 2008 with the aim of specialising in ophthalmology. In 2011 she was awarded the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology and she commenced an ECVO Residency Programme in 2012, becoming a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2016. She was admitted to the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Panel in 2018 and was appointed to the ECVO Communications Committee in the same year. Georgie joined the Ophthalmology Team at DWR in 2020; her particular interests include corneal and intraocular surgery which she enjoys teaching to Residents.
Hannah Oliff-Lee
RVN
Hannah Olliff-Lee had a traditional farming background, which cemented her love of animals early in life. She began her career at David Cuffe and Associates in Clapham and became a qualified veterinary nurse in 2014. She became fascinated with the human/animal bond and supporting owners in the home environment.
This led to an interest in rehabilitation and physiotherapy, supported by the enjoyment of caring for geriatric patients.Hannah qualified from The College of Animal Physiotherapy in 2020 and she launched her own company @The Physiotherapy Vet Nurse in 2021. As she continues to pursue her passion for animal care and advocacy, Hannah remains steadfast in her mission to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who cherish them.
Harry Swales
Internal Medicine Specialist
Harry graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2014, following which he undertook a rotating internship in the North West of England. Harry undertook a residency in veterinary internal medicine at the University of Liverpool and was awarded European specialist status in 2021. Harry has published research in internationally recognised scientific journals and spoken at international conferences. His interest areas include nephrology/urology (kidneys/urinary problems) and emergency and critical care.
Hayley Walters
RVN MBE
Hayley qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1999. She spent 7 years in mixed animal practice in Derbyshire before relocating to China in 2006 to work for ‘Animals Asia’ with bears rescued from the bile farming industry and dogs rescued from the illegal dog meat trade. In 2012 she moved to Edinburgh to be the Welfare and Anaesthesia VN for The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education at the University of Edinburgh. Hayley was part of The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies teaching hospital’s anaesthesia team but also taught nursing and clinical skills to veterinary students in developing countries.
In 2019 Hayley moved to Nottingham to work in small animal first opinion, and emergency care. She still works remotely for the University of Edinburgh creating a veterinary nurse online skills resource to help student veterinary nurses training in developing countries.
Hayley received an MBE from the Queen in 2018 for Services to Veterinary Education and Animal Welfare.
Helen Silver-MacMahon
MSc PSCHF, Cert VNECC, DipAVN (surg), Cert SAN, RVN
Helen qualified as an RVN in 2000 and has worked in both first opinion and referral hospitals. Since qualifying, she has gained certificates in ECC and Small Animal Nutrition and the Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (surgical). In 2021, Helen completed a MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors at the University of Edinburgh and is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Lincoln exploring the non-technical skills that veterinary nurses require when monitoring and maintaining anaesthesia. She is also working towards chartered ergonomist status.
Helen is an RCVS Knowledge Champion for her role in the sustained training and use of a surgical safety checklist within the small animal theatre at the former Animal Health Trust.
Helen is passionate about developing the veterinary profession's understanding of Human Factors as a powerful aid in improving patient safety, enhancing performance, and supporting the wellbeing of the veterinary team. She enjoys lecturing internationally and has written articles and co-authored several book chapters on both clinical and non-clinical aspects practice. Helen is also collaborating with the University of Aberdeen to research Incivility in veterinary practice.
Hilary Jackson
Dermatology Specialist
Hilary graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh and spent 7 years in general practice before pursuing specialization. She was on the faculty at North Carolina State University, before returning to Scotland where she works as a clinical director at the Dermatology Referral Service in Glasgow. She has clinical and research interests in canine atopic dermatitis and immune mediated skin disease and has published and lectured widely on these subjects and other aspects of veterinary dermatology. She is a member of the International Task Force on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA) and Co-editor of the journal Veterinary Dermatology.
Hilary Noyes
Veterinary Surgeon
Hillary currently serves as Associate Professional and Veterinary Affairs Manager for the Hill's in the UK and Ireland. She has been with Hill's for over 9 years, previously managing the veterinary student, recent graduate and nursing programmes for the US division and serving as a Professional Consulting Veterinarian prior to that. She loves educating about the power of nutrition and being an advocate for the wellbeing of current and future colleagues in the profession. Hillary is currently a resident with the American College of Animal Welfare and outside of work and study, loves to travel, hike and explore with her fiance and their dog Lupita.
Hulda Hardardottir
Anaesthesia Specialist
Hulda completed her undergraduate studies at Edinburgh University in 2011, and from there she joined Cambridge University for one year completing a internship. She returned to Edinburgh University as a clinical anaesthetist for three years, and start her residency training in 2015 specialising in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (ECVAA). After finishing her residency training, Hulda stayed at Edinburgh University as a lecturer whiles also having two children and completed her European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2021.
Hulda joined Vets Now 24/7 Emergency and Speciality Hospital, Glasgow in the end of 2021 to start up our new anaesthesia and analgesia service. Hulda enjoys all aspects of anaesthesia, in particular intra- and postoperative analgesia, and management of chronic pain
Inge Breatnach
RVN, VTS (Oncology)
Inge qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2007 in Dublin, Ireland. She spent 11 years in general practice before finding her niche in oncology nursing, moving to a large oncology and soft tissue referral hospital in Surrey in 2015. There, she worked as a surgical oncology nurse for 5 years, before moving to The Ralph veterinary referrals in Buckinghamshire in 2020, helping to set up their medical oncology service. Having completed her DipAVn in 2020, and her PgCert AVN (oncology) in 2022, she now has her sights firmly set on the oncology VTS qualification. She is passionate about ensuring quality of life for cancer patients and their carers.
DipAVn (Small animal) PgCert AVN (oncology) RVN
Ingrid Tundo
Dentistry Specialist
Ingrid Tundo is a Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry. Currently, Ingrid is the Head of Maxillofacial Surgery at DentalVets in Scotland. Ingrid has been a senior lecturer in Small Animal Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Edinburgh until recently. She graduated from the University of Milan in 2014. Ingrid moved to the UK in 2017 and started a full-time residency program under Peter Southerden. Ingrid became a diplomat at the European Veterinary Dental College in 2021. Ingrid is the only EVDC diplomate in Scotland. Ingrid has a cat called Miso and a whippet called Bagel, they are adorable and very cuddly.
Dipl EVDC MRCVS EBVS® DVM European Veterinary Specialist in Dentistry
Jack Pye
RVN
Jack began his career in a ‘first opinion’ practice where he quickly developed a passion for progression. He successfully qualified in 2018 and then went on to pursue a career in emergency & critical care, working out of hours at a busy small animal hospital. He completed his certificate in ECC in 2022. He is also a Tutor on the Improve International Nursing certificate in diagnostic imaging teaching the ultrasound modules. Jack is currently an account manager for IMV Imaging and can support practices on all of their diagnostic imaging needs and how they can get the most out of their imaging equipment and help practice growth. He also still carries out locum work to keep up to date with clinical practice. Jack’s specialist interests are ultrasonography. He regularly shares his experiences and ultrasonography content on his social media platforms (@Pye_rvn) with the hope of encouraging and supporting other veterinary professionals’ development. He also provides inhouse ultrasound CPD to practices around the country to empower veterinary nurses to carry out this useful imaging tool.
James Adams
Large Animal Internal Medicine Specialist.
James Adams qualified from Liverpool in 2006 and, after spending 6 months confirming to himself that small animals were not his forte, he worked in farm animal practice in both the UK and New Zealand before joining the RVC in 2012 as a Staff Clinician in Farm Animal Medicine. His role there was to run the Farm Animal Hospital as well as to oversee one of the final year farm animal rotations. Whilst at the RVC James completed a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine and his PG Certificate in Veterinary Education. He moved to Langford in 2018 where he took up the position of Lead Clinician at the Farm Animal Practice, and in 2019 completed his final ACVIM exams making him a Diplomate of in Large Animal Internal Medicine. James currently divides his time between locuming and chasing the sun.
Janette Bailey-Woods
RVN, NCert (Anaesthesia & ECC), VTS (Anaesthesia & Analgesia)
Janette qualified as an RVN in 2001 and worked in a mixed animal practice in Cumbria for 15 years. In 2013, Janette moved to work in an orthopaedic referral hospital before moving to Wear Referrals, a multi-discipline referral hospital in 2015, where she now works within the anaesthesia team as lead anaesthesia nurse. Janette has gained the NCert ECC and NCert Anaesthesia qualification, and in 2021 achieved the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anaesthesia and Analgesia, a prestigious credential awarded by the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anaesthesia and Analgesia and held by only a handful of veterinary nurses in the UK.
Out of work, Janette has two dogs, Hector and Goose, she is an outdoor enthusiast, spending time in the forest where she lives, walking up mountains or being on 'Precilla' her much loved mountain bike!
Jennifer Cartwright
Internal Medicine Specialist
Jennifer Cartwright is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She graduated from Bristol Veterinary School in 2010, after completing an intercalated BSc in Veterinary Pathogenesis at the University of Bristol and elected student committee positions in the British Veterinary Association, Association of Veterinary Students (UK & Ireland) and International Veterinary Students Association (global executive committee). She then worked in a small animal practice before starting advanced clinical training with a Junior Clinical Training Scholarship at the University of Nottingham, which was followed by further clinical training at the University of Edinburgh. Her Senior Clinical Training Scholarship was completed alongside a Masters in Research at the Roslin Institute and she successfully gained her Diploma from the European College of Veterinary Medicine- Companion Animals (Internal Medicine) in 2017. Jennifer completed her PhD focussed on inflammation in acute liver injury and repair at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside this she continued clinical provision across various referral centres in the UK. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, and continues her research in the Centre for Inflammation Research and Centre for Regenerative Medicine.
Jenny Guyat
Veterinary Surgeon
Jenny is a former ECC vet and an ICF-accredited professional coach. She is a Trainer and Culture Lead at VetLed and a multi-passionate entrepreneur, speaker, and also Director of Vet Harmony; a career and life alignment service for veterinary professionals.
After 7 years in clinical practice, Jenny began her diversification journey. She helped establish Pet Blood Bank UK before project managing the opening of 17 new Vets Now clinics in her role as Business Development Manager. After a year as Head of Customer Development at Vets Now, she joined Vet Dynamics and spent 4 years coaching and mentoring independent practice owners.
Jenny is a Certified HBDI psychometric profiling practitioner and specialises in guiding people through career and life crossroads, helping them connect deeply to who they are and what they want, working on mindset changes, and establishing good life balance. She weaves into her work a wide range of tools from her varied background in veterinary practice management, high-level communication skills, and her intuitive coaching skills whether working with individuals or with practices.
She lives in Devon with her husband, daughter, and 2 cheeky cats, and loves being by the sea!
Jon Hall
Surgery Specialist (Soft Tissue)
Jon was born into primary care practice and spent several years working as a small animal GP after graduating in 2004. He became an ECVS specialist in small animal surgery in 2015 and has worked at the RVC, the University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh. He is a Professor in small animal surgery at the University of Nottingham, a Fellow of the Royal College and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He loves a good bit of surgery and being in a lucky position to help out colleagues with their surgical conundrums and through teaching. Jon has worked on call for his whole career and spent a few months working in a dedicated emergency clinic. He has been a lecturer and examiner on the BSAVA CertECC and helps train Vets Now graduates on practical approaches to emergency surgeries. These experiences mean that he can empathise with colleagues working sole charge OOH and those having to fit in emergencies either in their busy daily routine or through the night with work the following morning! Experiences that encourage a certain pragmatism.
Josep Brocal
Neurology Specialist
Josep graduated from University CEU Cardinal Herrera (Valencia) in 2011. After a rotating rotating internship at Ars Veterinaria (Barcelona) followed by a neurology internship at the Animal Health Trust (Newmarket), Josep spent four years at the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine for residency training in in neurology and neurosurgery.
In 2018 Josep passed the European College of Veterinary Neurology examinations and was awarded the European Diploma becoming a European Specialist. The following year Josep was awarded a Masters of Veterinary Medicine for his thesis on Congenital vertebral malformations in dogs.
Josep is passionate about teaching and is interested in all areas of veterinary neurology, but has a special interest reflex seizures and brain tumours.
Juan Carlos Serra
Radiation & Oncology Specialist
Juan Carlos graduated Cum Laude from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 2012. Soon afterwards he completed a rotating small animal internship in Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
He then moved to the UK to complete an Oncology internship and an ECVIM Medical Oncology residency at the Hospital for Small Animals of the University of Edinburgh, followed by an ECVIM add on Radiation Oncology residency. He was awarded with the ECVIM-CA (Onc) diploma in 2018, becoming a European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Oncology, and with the add on Rad Oncol diploma in 2020, becoming a European Veterinary Specialist in Oncology and Radiation Oncology.
Kath Howie
RVN VTS(ECC)
After qualifying in 2000, Kath continued to work in primary care practice before moving to referral practice and finally emergency and critical care. Kath achieved the VTS(ECC) qualification in 2009 and has then recertified in 2014 and in 2019. Kath is a tutor for the Vets Now certificate in emergency and critical care nursing and spends a lot of time mentoring and developing RVNs both in and outside of the workplace. Veterinary nurses are key to improving outcomes in critically ill patients.
Katie Ford
Veterinary Surgeon
Katie graduated with distinction from the University of Liverpool in 2012. Since then she has continued to work in small animal first opinion practice, gaining her RCVS Certificate in Internal Medicine in 2017. Realising the power of preventative mindset strategies through her career and journey, she trained as a coach and in CBT, and now teaches other professionals how to use these techniques to thrive in the veterinary world. She regularly helps individuals and companies on topics such as gratitude, self-worth and dealing with imposter syndrome. She was the keynote speaker at BVNA 2020, and has spoken on stages across the world. Aside from being a personal development and human potential enthusiast, she co-runs a virtual event company and can be seen behind the scenes masterminding tech on many events in the veterinary space.
Katie McNaught
Oncology Specialist
Katie graduated from Glasgow University in 2008. She spent the 6 years working in mixed practice before returning to Glasgow for a rotating/oncology internship. In 2019 Katie completed a combined residency/masters program in oncology and became a European specialist in small animal oncology in 2021. Katie currently works in as a clinician in the oncology service at Glasgow Small Animal Veterinary Hospital.
Kelly Eyre
RVN
Kelly qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2015, and began to delve deeper into feline medicine and welfare. Kelly has completed the ISFM Diploma in Feline Nursing, the ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour and has recently achieved a Masters of Research in Anthrozoology where she looked at the owner’s ability to recognise chronic dental pain in cats.
Kelly is currently the Clinical Lead for the Royal Canin Feline Healthy Ageing Clinic at the University of Liverpool, which is a project aiming to extend the quality of life in aging cats through research and education. In addition to the day to day running of the clinic, Kelly provides education to vets, nurses, and the general public on the topics of feline behavior, feline welfare, and supporting the aging cat.
Kerry Doolin
ECC Specialist
Kerry has been an emergency vet for 15 years after graduating from the University of Sydney in 2005. Kerry furthered her training via a speciality emergency and critical care internship at the University of California in Davis, followed by a three year residency in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College in London. In 2019 she passed her specialty exams to become a diplomat of the American College of Emergency and Critical Care. For the last year she has been working in Sydney as Head of ECC at North Shore Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre.
Lacey Pitcher
RVN
Lacey took the long way round and trained to be an RVN via 3 different veterinary colleges each shaping her career and exploring her learning styles via the diploma route. She now works in various referral centres around the country alongside a permanent role as an OOH RVN in Central London. Lacey is passionate about nurses exploring their potential and breaking the mould.
Laura Jones
RVN & VTS (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
Laura Jones qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2010, gained the DipAVN in 2014 and completed a degree in advanced veterinary nursing in 2017. Laura joined a newly-opened referral centre in Hampshire in 2015, to support and develop the Internal Medicine service. Here, her passion for medical nursing grew, leading to Veterinary Technician Specialist certification in small animal internal medicine in 2019. That same year, Laura developed a social media page and website, "Veterinary Internal Medicine Nursing', to educate and inspire nurses wanting to learn about medical patients, and speaks nationally on a variety of medical nursing topics.
Laura currently works at The Ralph Referral Centre, where she nurses both high-dependency and medical patients, whilst leading the team of internal medicine nurses.
Lindsey Ashburner
RVN VTS(ECC)
Lindsey is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse at the Edinburgh University Hospital for Small Animals.
She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2012 and started her career at a mixed practice. It was here that she found her passion for ECC nursing and achieved the VetsNow certificate in emergency and critical care. In 2015 she started working at the Edinburgh University as a dedicated ECC nurse in the busy ICU department.
In 2017 Lindsey was awarded a scholarship from Edinburgh University which enabled her to complete the Vet Tech Specialist(ECC) qualification which she obtained in 2019. Included in the scholarship was the opportunity to undertake several externships to gain experience of other ERs/ICUs in both the USA and UK.
In Lindsey’s spare time she enjoys running and hill walking with her husband and very energetic German Wirehaired Pointer cross Duma.
RVN VTS(ECC) CertVNECC AFHEA
Liz Bode
Director, Cardiology Specialist
Liz graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2006. After spending some time carrying out voluntary work with SPANA, Liz took up a job in mixed practice in East Yorkshire. Shortly after this, Liz completed an internship at the University of Cambridge and solidified her love for all things cardio. She subsequently embarked on a PhD at the University of Manchester looking at cellular calcium handling in heart failure and ageing and was awarded her doctorate in 2013. After another spell in small animal practice Liz completed her residency in cardiology at the University of Edinburgh in 2017. Following her residency she worked at the University of Liverpool as a senior lecturer in small animal cardiology. More recently, she was awarded Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and has taken on the role of Module Co-ordinator for the CertAVP cardiology modules at the University of Liverpool. She currently works at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists in the UK. In 2022 she was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) for her meritorious contribution to clinical practice.
Louise Grieve
RVN
Louise graduated from Glasgow University in 2003 with a degree in Zoology. After a few years, she started her veterinary nursing training whilst working in a small general practice in Glasgow. She qualified in 2009 and joined Vets Now Referral Hospital in Glasgow in 2011, where she spent 9 years as Senior Surgery Nurse. In 2016, she gained a distinction in her Advanced Veterinary Nursing Diploma. For the last 3 years, Louise has held the position of Learning and Development Team Leader at Veterinary Specialists Scotland. Having recently gained her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing in Teaching and Coaching, she enjoys supporting the nursing team with their professional development journeys, as well as helping them to identify and address training needs.
Luís Filipe Louro
Anaesthesia Specialist
After graduating in 2011 in Portugal, Luís undertook a one-year rotating internship at the Veterinair Centrum Someren in Holland. He then completed a 3-year residency programme in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia at the University of Liverpool. He was recognised as a specialist of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in December 2021 and as RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in April 2022. Currently, Luís works at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, part of the CVS Group PLC. His clinical interests include physiology related to anaesthesia, pain management, pre-anaesthesia examination and cardiac anaesthesia.
DVM MSc PGCertVPS CertAVP(EL) CertAVP(VA) DipECVAA FHEA MRCVS
MacLennan Norman
Mediation & strategy coach
Jo is the Managing Director of MacLennan Norman and leads the business on a day to day basis with clients across the private, public and third sector. She has spent her career working pre-dominantly across the health and social care sector and has led high profile national improvement and re-design programmes. She is an accredited mediator and executive coach and also a non-executive director in the private and public sectors.
Jayne spent her career working in the UK, North America and Europe and is a former FTSE 300 Executive Director. She is an accredited mediator and executive coach and is also a non-executive director on a number of public, private and third sector boards. Jayne is the founding director of MacLennan Norman and now combines this with non-executive and strategic advisory positions.
Mairi Frame
Diagnostic Imaging Specialist
Mairi is an RCVS and ECVDI Diplomate who came to imaging literally by accident, having taken a year out from general practice to study for an RCVS Certificate in radiology after a back injury and in doing so found her passion. After her residency, she worked in all aspects of veterinary diagnostic imaging at specialist centres in Switzerland, Austria, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, returning to the UK in 2001 to develop a multimodality imaging service, undergraduate course and residency program in Diagnostic Imaging at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School in Edinburgh, where she continued to work for 15 years. Mairi gained postgraduate Certificates in University Teaching and Digital Education with a view to developing new approaches for teaching diagnostic imaging online. She is currently working in specialist referral centres in Glasgow and Switzerland.
Mark Coia
Diagnostic Imaging Specialist
Mark is an alumnus of the University of Glasgow Veterinary School (2003-2008). Following graduation, he embarked on a diverse professional journey, beginning with three years in Small Animal practice within Central Scotland. This was followed by an enriching four and a half years working across various regions of Australia (2011-2015), where Mark developed a profound interest in diagnostic imaging, and its pivotal role in investigating and diagnosing pathology.
In 2015, Mark made the decision to return to Glasgow Veterinary School to pursue a one-year Clinical Training Scholarship (Internship) in Small Animal Clinical Sciences. In 2017, Mark embarked on an ECVDI Residency training program at the University of Glasgow, which he successfully completed in 2021, culminating in passing his ECVDI board certifying examination in July 2021.
Mark now stands as a recognized Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, accredited by both the RCVS and European authorities. He operates as a freelance veterinary specialist in the field, offering services such as teleradiology consultancy, educational resources through continued education (CE/CPD) providers, and remote teaching for veterinary undergraduates. Previously, Mark served as a Veterinary Diagnostic Imager (Veterinary Radiologist) at North Downs Specialist Referrals in Southeast England, where he worked on clinics interpreting all imaging modalities (CT, MR, US, XR, Fluoroscopy/XA) and mentored an ECVDI resident.
Mark finds fulfilment in all facets of diagnostic imaging, revelling in the diversity of caseloads it presents. He particularly enjoys the dynamic nature of advancing ultrasound and MRI technology within the field, as well as engaging in interventional procedures.
Matt Gurney
Anaesthesia Specialist
Matt an internationally respected British anaesthetist. A specialist in anaesthesia and analgesia, Matt trained at the University of Liverpool and now works at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in the UK. Matt is passionate about pain management, lectures on the subject globally and is the author of many international anaesthesia publications. Matt is President of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia.
Matteo Rossanese
Surgery Specialist
Dr. Rossanese graduated from the University of Bologna (Italy) in 2009. After one year in general practice, in 2011 he started a postgraduate research project and internship in surgery and neurosurgery at North Downs Specialist Referrals and shortly afterwards joined the Animal Health Trust for a general internship. In 2013 Matteo gained the certificate of Specialist in Animal Health from the University of Padua and in 2015 he completed the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. In September 2015 Matteo joined the Small Animal Teaching Hospital of the University of Liverpool where he completed a three-year ECVS approved residency in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Liverpool. In 2018 Matteo successfully gained a Master in Veterinary Professional Studies. He is currently working as lecturer in Small Animal Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive surgery including interventional radiology and video-assisted surgery. He is also interested in the therapeutic options for vascular anomalies, non-resectable cancers, and respiratory and urinary obstructions.
Michelle Evason
Internal Medicine Specialist
Michelle Evason, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), has worked in general practice, academia, specialty clinical practice, and in the animal health industry. She serves as a small animal internal medicine and nutrition consultant in N. America and consults for IDEXX UK. Michelle has published on numerous infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, nutrition, and pet-owner education-related topics. She enjoys ferrying her children to various activities and fulfilling most ‘Canuck’ stereotypes.
Neus Elias
ECC Specialist
Neus graduated from The Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona in 2009, and then completed a rotating internship at the same university before working in a referral hospital as an out of hours veterinary surgeon for a year in Barcelona. Neus completed her residency in January 2020 and passed her board exams becoming a European Diplomate of Emergency and Critical Care in September 2020. Neus currently works for VetsNow in their 24/7 hospital in Glasgow.
Nikki McLeod
RVN, BSc(Hons), NCert(Behav)
A crazy cat lady and self-confessed study geek, Nikki has been a RVN since 2000. With her fingers in many pies, she splits what little time she has between working as the Cat Advocate and consulting nurse for a small animal practice in Fife Scotland, and also studying for multiple certificates. Not satisfied with gaining her first undergraduate degree at 50, she is now studying Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh, with a view to becoming a practice-based Clinical Animal Behaviourist. She has also keeping a BVNA Council seat warm for three years, and is a Trustee with the ABTC.
Nina Gasparik-Küls
Anaesthesia Specialist
Nina is a specialist in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia, currently based in Vienna, Austria. After graduation from the Veterinary University of Gießen, Germany, Nina worked in mixed animal practice in Canada and Germany before pursuing a residency in anaesthesia at the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. After a few years of working as a senior lecturer at the Veterinary University in Vienna she is now heading the anaesthesia service at the Vetklinikum, Vienna, Austra.
Olivia Oginska
Veterinary Surgeon
Liv graduated in 2016 from the university Poland and shortly after graduation moved to the United Kingdom to undergo surgical training. During her career development, Liv was exposed to various workplace environments and worked with veterinary professionals of diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. Along the years of her professional training, Liv has been mentoring and providing mental health support to her colleagues. The passion for veterinary wellbeing led her to undertaking the Masters degree programme in Applied Positive Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, UK, where Liv received the life-coaching and appreciative inquiry training credentials.
Based on several years of veterinary and peer-support experience, combined with Positive Psychology training, Liv created the Vet Gone Real platform, through which multiple individuals and veterinary teams receive coaching and mental support. Liv is deeply passionate about the veterinary workplace wellbeing, emotional intelligence, psychological safety and creating tools that help veterinary practitioners to thrive in their career and personal life.
Liv presented her innovative approach to building human-friendly veterinary workplaces on the international congresses and she puts her teachings into practice through serving veterinary teams as their Clinical Wellbeing Coach. She is also a certified workplace conflict mediator.
Pablo Amengual-Batle
Neurology Specialist
Pablo graduated from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 2012, followed by a rotating small animal internship in the same institution. He worked in general practice for 6 months before moving to the UK. Pablo completed a 6-month externship in Neurology and a second rotating small animal internship, both at the Hospital for Small Animals of the University of Edinburgh. In 2016, he began a residency in Neurology/Neurosurgery at the Small Animal Hospital of the University of Glasgow. In 2019, Pablo re-joined the Hospital for Small Animals as Lecturer in Neurology. He was awarded the diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2020.
Rachel Hattersley
Surgery Specialist (Soft Tissue)
Rachel graduated from the RVC in 2003 and spent six years in general practice before completing an ECVS residency at the University of Liverpool. Rachel became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2012 and has been working in private referral practice since 2012. Rachel is a consultant in soft tissue surgery and Head of Theatre at DWR Veterinary Specialists where she has worked since 2018. Rachel is interested in all areas of soft tissue surgery with a particular love of surgical oncology, minimally invasive techniques, maxillofacial surgery, and feline nephrolithiasis.
Rodolfo Oliveira Leal
Internal Medicine Specialist
Rodolfo obtained his DVM degree in 2008 and completed a PhD in 2014 at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon. Achieving Diplomate status from the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Companion-Animals) in 2017, he now serves as an Invited Auxiliary Professor and Supervisor for the ECVIM-CA Residency program at the same faculty. Rodolfo also works as a consultant in internal medicine at VIN (Veterinary Information Network) and holds the position of vice-president of the European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology (ESVE). His clinical research is dedicated to the fields of endocrinology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, and leishmaniosis.
Rosie Allister
Veterinary Surgeon
Dr Rosie Allister has received the BVA Chiron Award and RCVS Impact Award for work on veterinary mental health. Her PhD researched mental health, support, and identity and how they affect veterinary wellbeing and mental health. She has substantial experience in applied suicide prevention, support, and evidence-based solutions. Combining technical and academic knowledge with a practical background in veterinary practice and in supporting veterinary professionals, her focus is on listening and support to identify and deliver evidence-based solutions. Rosie manages Vetlife Helpline and volunteers with All4Paws veterinary clinic and Samaritans.
Roz Gehring
Veterinary Surgeon
Roz graduated from the RVC in 2007 and went on to spend some years in mixed practice followed by a few years in small animal practice. She made the move into the nutrition industry in 2012 and has never looked back. Within Hill’s Roz really enjoys the variation her role brings, from helping with nutrition cases via the Hill’s Veterinary Consultation Service, to training and supporting the sales team, to helping organise webinars and CPD events - no two days are the same. Roz loves to share her passion for veterinary nutrition with anyone who will listen and enjoys finding ways to make that message resonate with a variety of audiences.
Samantha Taylor
Internal Medicine Specialist
Sam graduated from the Royal Vet College in 2002 and completed internships in private referral practice before starting a Feline Advisory Bureau Residency at Bristol University. She was awarded the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. In 2011 she became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for outstanding contributions to the profession. She is also a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Feline Medicine). Sam is the International Society of Feline Medicine Veterinary Specialist Lead and works as a Medicine Specialist at Lumbry Park in Hampshire. Sam is an Honorary Lecturer in Internal Medicine at Surrey University Veterinary School, is an editorial board member for JFMS and Frontiers in Veterinary Science, a tutor on the Sydney CVE feline medicine course and coordinates the ISFM International Guidelines. Sam co-authored guidelines on hypertension, diabetes mellitus, NSAIDs, acute pain, inappetence and blood transfusion and others. She has written books, book chapters and papers on internal medicine topics and enjoys a mix of clinical work, writing and lecturing. She has a particular interest in clinical research to answer those important clinical questions to practically improve feline health and wellbeing.
Samantha Thompson
(RECOVER Instructor) RVN CertVN ECC GradDip VN DET TAQA
Sam has spent over 10 years working in referral hospitals. In her last role at North Downs Specialist Referrals, she was clinical services manager. In this role Sam oversaw the induction of all new joiners and undertook quality improvement projects. She also delivered CPR training and has a passion for teaching and training.
Currently she works for Linnaeus as a Medical Quality Manager, sitting on the MARS patient safety council and as a PSS Assessor for the RCVS.
Alongside this she runs the platform The VetMed CPR coach and provides in-house practical CPR training for the whole and hosts CPR retreats. The retreats offer attendees to become certified RECOVER rescuers. She is a qualified teacher and is a RECOVER instructor.
Sarah Conley
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Following graduation from Manchester Metropolitan University with an MSc in Physiotherapy in 2012 Sarah worked as a Chartered Physiotherapist in both acute and primary care settings within the NHS working with predominantly neurological and musculoskeletal patients. Since 2016 after completion of a Post Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool, Sarah has worked as a Veterinary Physiotherapist at Davies Veterinary Specialists seeing a diverse range of small animal case presentations both within the hospital inpatient setting and outpatient referrals.
Sarah has a specialist interest in vestibular and acute neurological rehabilitation.
Sarah Keegan
Internal Medicine Specialist
Sarah is a graduate of University College Dublin. She has worked in small animal general practice, academia and private referral clinics in the UK. A diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Sarah currently works as a small animal internal medicine consultant at Idexx Laboratories (UK).
MVB BSAVA PG CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
Scott Kilpatrick
Director, Internal Medicine Specialist
Scott graduated from Edinburgh Vet School in 2007. Initially, he worked for the PDSA, before taking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon position with Vets Now in Edinburgh in 2010. Scott started his residency in internal medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 2012 after completing a year as a Teaching Fellow in Anatomy and Physiology. He completed his residency in 2016 after finishing his Masters in the pathogenesis of canine liver disease and has since been working in referral practice. Interventional radiology is something that really interests Scott, and he spent some time in 2018, working in this area at UC Davis in California. Scott has created and delivered a Post-graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency Medicine in association with the University of Chester. In 2023 he was awarded Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) for his meritorious contribution to clinical practice.
Silke Salavati
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Salavati graduated from the Justus-Liebig University (JLU) in Giessen (Germany) in 2003. She has completed her German doctoral thesis (Dr.med.vet) in Giessen, validating a breath test to assess canine gastric emptying against scintigraphy. She has completed a rotating internship and a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the same university, whilst continuing to be interested in research topics concerning small animal gastroenterology. Apart from holding the DipECVIM-CA title, she also completed a PhD at the Royal Veterinary College, London (UK), investigating the clinical and immunological effects of a single-strain probiotic in canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). From 2013 to 2016 she was a Junior lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the JLU, before she took her current position as a Senior lecturer for Small Animal Internal Medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences in Edinburgh (Scotland).
She continues to have a great interest in canine and feline gastroenterology, investigating novel aspects to evaluate visceral pain and inflammation, connections to other organ systems and establishing novel treatment approaches in canine chronic enteropathies. So far, she has >30 publications in various journals around these topics, and has written several book chapters in small animal internal medicine textbooks.
Dr.med.vet., PhD, DipECVIM-CA, FHEA, MRCVS
Simon Cook
ECC Specialist
Simon graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011 with degrees in veterinary science and veterinary pathogenesis. After a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College and two years in a busy 24 hour small animal hospital, he completed a residency in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College. He is currently a lecturer in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Clinical and research interests combined include immunomodulation, cardiovascular monitoring, point of care ultrasonography and aspiration pneumonia.
BSc (Hons) BVSc MVetMed DACVECC MRCVS
Simon Hagley
ECC Specialist
Simon joined Vets Now in April 2020 as an ECC specialist in our 24/7 Emergency & Specialty hospital in Manchester.
After obtaining his degree from the University of Bristol, Simon completed a speciality internship in Australia in 2013, before moving back to the UK and beginning work as an emergency staff clinician at PetMedics in Manchester. Simon was then offered a 4-year ECC training and teaching position between 2015 and 2019 in the world-renowned Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, where he achieved Diplomat status.
Before joining Vets Now, Simon worked to develop the emergency and intensive care services at ChesterGates Veterinary surgery. He also contributed chapters for core veterinary critical care textbooks and has been involved in a number of publications. Simon is committed to enhancing the level of veterinary training in the UK, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and promoting staff well-being.
His interests include fluid therapy, sepsis, electrolyte and glucose derangements and shock.
Spela Bavcar
Oncology Specialist
Spela graduated from the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2010. Spela then completed two oncology externships in the USA before an internship in a Dutch private practice. In 2017, she became a Diplomate in Oncology, after completing her oncology residency at the University of Edinburgh; where she remained at the university to become the Head of the Oncology department and a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Oncology, before relocating to Sydney in 2021 o join the SASH Cancer Centre.
Stephanie Sorrell
Feline Medicine Specialist
Stephanie graduated from the RVC and undertook her residency in Internal Medicine at Edinburgh University. She is a European Internal Medicine Specialist and RCVS Feline Specialist. She is the director of Canine and Feline Medicine Consultancy Ltd through which she provides locum internal medicine and feline medicine cover to private and university-based referral practices and is director of The Mindful Vet through which she provides bespoke CPD to practitioners. She is also a senior consultant at Virtual Veterinary Specialists. She has a passion for teaching and has lectured internationally as well as publishing original research papers in journals.
Stephanie Timmons
Veterinary Surgeon
Steph graduated from The University of Edinburgh in 2013, and initially did a mix of work at the PDSA and small animal private practice for 18 months. In 2015, she joined VetsNow, and has worked in Emergency and Critical Care ever since. In 2020, she gained her Postgraduate certificate in ECC and Advanced Practitioner status, and is currently an Area Clinical Manager for Kent, Essex and the South Coast. She has had an active in role in undergraduate teaching at various universities and as part of the VetsNow student elective scheme, and has lectured at various ECC conferences and congresses.
Susana Silva
Internal Medicine Specialist
Susana graduated from the University of Porto, Portugal and worked in first opinion practice for four years before starting a small animal internship. She did her residency in Small Animal Medicine at Langford, University of Bristol and obtained her European Diploma in Small Animal Medicine in 2010.
Afterwards, Susana worked in different referral hospitals in the South West for a number of years while at the same time following her passion for teaching, nationally and internationally.
Currently, Susana continues to teach post-graduate students, is part of the ISVPS exam committee for the Small Animal Medicine certificate and provides support to veterinary surgeons via online consultancy for IDEXX UK and Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).
Veronika Smart
Veterinary Surgeon
Veronika graduated from the University of Cambridge and worked in Madagascar for the first five years of her career as an ambulatory equine veterinary surgeon and lecturer at the University of Antananarivo. Since returning to the UK, Veronika made the transition to small animal practice and continues to work as a GP vet. She is a Mental Health First Aider and holds a Level 5 Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness and is the founder of Mentavet, an Instagram page and enterprise devoted to improving satisfaction and wellbeing in the veterinary profession. Veronika is a mother to two girls and is passionate about improving accessibility to flexible and family-friendly working in our increasingly feminised profession.
MRCVS, Mentavet founder and content creator
Victoria Robinson
Dermatology Specialist
Victoria Robinson (Tori) qualified from the Royal (Dick) School
of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, in 2008. After several years in general practice, she completed a rotating internship at The University of Liverpool. After a year at Rutland House Referrals in St Helens, she started her specialist training at The Dermatology Referral Service in Glasgow in 2017 with Peter Forsythe and Hilary Jackson completing her residency and passing ECVD boards in 2020. She re-joined the Dick Vet in 2022 as senior lecturer. Outside of work, Tori enjoys running, Pilates and paddleboarding when not kept busy with her family and dog, Lucy.
Viki Weigh
RVN, PGCE(HE), CertVNECC
During Viki's professional career, she has undertaken various roles, most of which circulate within a referral setting. Firstly, training in a small animal and equine hospital in 2006 where she gained a BSc(HONS) in Veterinary Nursing. Subsequently she was appointed as head nurse at a branch practice before moving to Chestergates Referral Hospital. Here she was predominantly a medical nurse, but also held a lectureship position in their inhouse Veterinary Nursing School run in conjunction with Myerscough College. Following this, Viki moved to the University of
Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital gaining specialism in oncological and cardiovascular nursing for several years before establishing a new cardiology service at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists alongside Liz Bode. Viki is very keen in Cardiology and her interests lie in interventional procedures, her favourite being pacemakers. Viki now currently works at Harper-Keele Veterinary School as a clinical skills lecturer and EMS placement manager whilst still maintaining her cardiology interests via her VCS membership.
Wendy Irvine
RVN
Wendy started off training and working in a mixed practice in Midhurst, West Sussex and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2000. Wendy then became keen to pursue additional qualifications with an Honours degree in Zoology and a Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare.
She has experience working as a keeper in a number of zoos and returned to vet nursing at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, where she spent 9 years as the dedicated exotics and wildlife vet nurse. During this time Wendy had the opportunity to be involved in vet and nurse student teaching and developed her passion for nursing exotic pets and their welfare needs. She has lectured at various veterinary conferences, contributed towards two BSAVA manuals, and other veterinary publications, and in 2019 organised and ran the nursing stream at the International Conference on Avian Herpetological and Exotic Animal Medicine (iCARE) in London. Wendy started her new role as Marwell Zoo’s RVN in 2015, and enjoys adapting what she has learnt to a wide variety of species, and contributing to the vet teams’ commitment to welfare and conservation.
Yvonne McGrotty
Internal Medicine Specialist
Yvonne graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1997. After 2 years in small animal practice, she returned to Glasgow Vet School where she completed a residency in small animal medicine. Yvonne was awarded the European Diploma in Small Animal Medicine in 2006 and is both a RCVS and European Veterinary Specialist in Internal Medicine. Yvonne has more than 20 years of experience working in private referral practices across the UK and in France. Yvonne joined IDEXX part time in October 2013 as an internal medicine consultant and continues to work in private referral practice in Angers, France. Yvonne has contributed to many veterinary publications and book chapters including the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology. She has a particular passion for critical care medicine, endoscopy and haematology and has recently been lucky enough to be involved with endoscopy of big cats and other zoo animals. In her spare time, she likes exploring the French countryside by bike.