Inspired Vet Profile - Bridget Adcock

Bridget Adcock is a vet and director of the newly opened Highgate Vets, a small animal practice in Cambridgeshire. After travelling widely in her career, she returned home to launch her own independent practice, based on her own passion and values. Bridget shares her enthusiasm for forming relationships with her clients and patients with the aim of making a real difference in their lives.

Brief Summary of Career Path So Far…

After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2008 I embarked on a journey that was as fulfilling as it was adventurous, both from a professional and personal standpoint. The first stop on my travels was a community clinic in Samoa where I volunteered as a new graduate vet. It was an eye-opening experience. An opportunity to help those less fortunate than myself, whilst also exploring an amazing part of the world.

Following my time in the Pacific I returned to the UK and joined a busy small animal practice in the Midlands. The three years I spent here were invaluable in honing my technical skills and deepening my understanding of the veterinary field but did not dampen by desire for further travel and adventure. And so in 2012, I again found myself packing up my backpack, headed for the Australian Gold Coast. This move was transformative, offering me the chance to learn from my Australian colleagues, work with exotic species, and embrace a new perspective on work-life balance – one that deeply resonated with me.

In 2014 I returned to my family in Cambridge. Back home, I undertook a variety of different positions to further develop my technical and managerial experience, eventually stepping up to the senior position of lead vet and clinical director at a number of corporately owned veterinary clinics. I gained invaluable business skills working in these roles, but also grew increasingly frustrated with central management directives and the resulting lack of clinic autonomy which prevented me introducing measures to greater improve client care and reduce employee stress levels.

Finally, in 2023, after years of feeling increasingly dissatisfied and undervalued working for corporately owned clinics, I decided to start my own independent practice, a venture driven by my passion and values. Since then, I haven’t looked back.

What is it About Your Work That Enthuses You and Brings You Satisfaction?

I gain immense satisfaction knowing that I am making a real difference to the lives of my patients. Advocating for their well-being, particularly in managing chronic pain and anxiety, is very important to me. Improving an animal’s quality of life is incredibly rewarding, and it is this that keeps me going when I’m tired or facing the daily challenges that come with starting a new venture.

Building close, trusting relationships with my patients and their owners is another source of job satisfaction. At my new clinic we prioritise ‘fear-free care’, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see animals who once feared the vet now coming in with wagging tails and contentment. I’m really proud of our commitment to providing exceptional care to all our patients, regardless of the client’s financial situation.

What is the Biggest Challenge to Staying Passionate in Your Veterinary Career You’ve Overcome, and How Did You Approach It?

General fatigue, high stress levels, and sometimes even burnout induced by the typical veterinary working environment have been significant challenges in my journey. There have been numerous times in my career that I felt deflated and undervalued, particularly working in corporately owned clinics where success was often measured by targets and financial metrics. To overcome this I had to refocus on my strengths and what I uniquely bring to the profession, and ultimately these challenges drove me to start my own business, with the aim of creating a caring, less stressful clinical environment for clients, patients and staff. Surrounding myself with colleagues who share my passion and commitment has been critical to my achievement.

Perfectionism and imposter syndrome have been personal hurdles as well. For years I set myself unrealistic goals, but at the same time held myself back from taking the risk of branching out on my own, doubting my skills and business acumen to run my own practice. Thankfully I have managed to overcome that self-doubt and I am now confident in my professional ability, proud of the vet and business owner I’ve become. I’ve learned that being a well-rounded small animal vet who is eager to learn and dedicated to each patient is more than enough. I’m driven by my love for companion animals and the responsibility I feel to give them the best possible care. Starting my own successful practice on my terms has been a powerful validation of the journey I’ve undertaken in my career to date.

What Advice Can You Share with Others Embarking on Similar Paths About Finding Fulfilment in Their Veterinary Career?

My advice is to try to identify the areas within veterinary medicine that you enjoy most, hone your skills in those areas, and if you feel frustrated or demoralised at any point, remind yourself of the reasons you entered the field in the first place. Don’t be too hard on yourself, no one can excel at everything, and that’s perfectly okay. Focus on your strengths, and don’t shy away from exploring the many different paths within the profession. Self-belief is crucial—concentrate on what you’re good at and build from there.

Achieving a good work-life balance is also essential. Surround yourself with supportive friends and colleagues and make time for life outside of work. Ten years ago, I don’t think I could have imagined running my own practice, but here I am. If something isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to change course or take a risk. I spent years trying to meet others’ expectations at the cost of my own well-being. It’s not been an easy journey, but all of my experiences have led me to create a welcoming inclusive working environment that I’m really proud of.

What Best Sums Up Your Approach to Keeping Yourself and Your Team Motivated and Engaged Within Veterinary Careers?

I believe in the importance of encouraging continuous growth and nurturing individual skills and interests. I support my team with funded continuing professional development (CPD) and ensure we have regular practice meetings and one-on-one sessions, allowing all team members to contribute ideas, voice concerns, and work together to help identify and solve problems. I try to organise regular social events, helping the team to bond and unwind.

My team is united by a shared goal – to create something special within our community, and we’re working towards gaining fear-free accreditation for our practice. Their passion and dedication is essential to the business continuing to grow and thrive.

What Do You Feel Would Most Benefit Job Satisfaction in the Veterinary Profession, and How Could We Work Towards Implementing This?

I believe that more flexible working hours and a standard four-day working week would go a long way toward addressing the work-life imbalance that many veterinary professionals face. Structured support from line managers, regular check-ins, and clear opportunities for progression are also essential, as is appropriate remuneration – salary and benefits that better reflect the skills and demands we ask of both clinical and non-clinical staff.

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Inspired Vet Profile – Bridget Adcock