Heather Davies BVetMed (Hons) CertAVP MRCVS, and James Price BVetMed are a husband-and-wife team whose careers span both clinical practice and veterinary technology. They met while studying at the Royal Veterinary College in London. While Heather has always been a dog person and James is a self-proclaimed cat-lover, they share passion for the veterinary profession. Today, they’re proud parents to 18-month-old Felix, who’s currently captivated by the world of Winnie the Pooh.
Heather has built her career in a single practice, progressing from graduate vet to clinical director. James began in a busy Tier 3 hospital ultimately transitioning into veterinary technology.
Together, they represent two sides of the veterinary coin: Heather at the heart of clinical care and team leadership, and James at the forefront of innovation and digital transformation.
Please give a brief summary of your career path so far:
James:
Well, I came to it quite late. I originally wanted to do a lot more “hard” science, as in molecular genetics, and then in sixth form I did some work experience with a friend’s dad who happened to be a vet. It sort of completely changed my mind, that’s when I decided I wanted to be a vet. My career started in clinical practice but moved into management and now has landed in tech. After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012, I began in a Tier 3 hospital. Dealing with incredibly busy on-call work, multiple branches, emergencies and complex surgeries. I worked there for six years before I got tired of the out-of-hours, then I was a locum vet and acupuncturist, had my own limited company. After the pandemic, I moved into a management role at a large veterinary corporation, which involved travelling across the UK. Sadly, I was made redundant from there, and that’s when we started talking about little Felix. I’ve always had a bit of a technical edge, and I didn’t want to return to clinical practice or management, so I began exploring more tech-focused roles within the veterinary space. I was lucky to find a position as a Business Analyst at VetIT, where I could apply my clinical experience while developing my technical skills and coding. I guess I’ve just gradually floated further and further away from clinical work as my career has progressed.
Heather:
I wanted to be a vet from when I was much younger, but as I went into my early teens I wanted to do more art and animation. I really loved dogs and always had one in the family. I enjoyed canine sports like flyball and agility and realised that I particularly enjoyed science in school. I did work experience which confirmed that I wanted to pursue a veterinary career. I started at the same practice after graduating and I’ve stayed there ever since. I did a certificate, became head vet, then clinical director in 2020. I’m motivated by learning and achievement. Getting my certificate was tough, but I really enjoyed working towards that goal. It helped me handle more complex cases and work closely with owners. I love working with a great team, and I’m proud of how the practice has grown and how I’ve been a part of that. I’ve stayed because I can do what I enjoy, work with good people, and see the practice develop.
What is it about your work that enthuses you and brings you satisfaction?
James:
It’s the variety every day. Despite the stresses, it’s never boring because there’s always something new or different happening and I’ve had a lot of different roles within the community. Recently, what really fascinates me is how technology is starting to transform the profession. AI is already helping with cytology, interpreting x-rays, and very soon it’ll be speeding up consultations. It’s not about replacing clinicians but about making work more efficient, freeing vets up to actually do the fun stuff. I genuinely think we’re heading towards a future where tablets replace the desktop in the corner or on the bench, and vets might simply ask their device to write up their notes. Whether that excites you or worries you, it’s clear that tech like this will help us do more and focus on what really matters – caring for the animals.
Heather:
Yes, for me it’s the variety and the constant learning. Every day brings something different, which keeps things fresh and engaging. As clinical director, I also take on responsibilities beyond clinical work, like business management and team leadership, which adds another layer of challenge and growth. That mix of clinical and non-clinical work means I’m always learning, and that’s what makes it so satisfying.
I get a lot of enjoyment from working up complex cases. I’ve always leaned more toward medicine than surgery, and I love the process of solving difficult problems and seeing them through. It’s especially rewarding when you can work closely with owners and see their appreciation as you help navigate some of the more unusual cases.
What’s kept me passionate is the team I work with. Many of my colleagues have been together for over 20 years, and that consistency creates a strong, supportive environment. Everyone is focused on delivering the best patient care, and that shared commitment means a lot. The practice invests in good equipment and lab machines, if something benefits our patients, we get it. Corners aren’t cut, and there’s a real culture of quality that runs through everything we do.
What is the biggest challenge to staying passionate in your veterinary career you’ve overcome, and how did you approach it?
James:
Switching career paths several times was a leap. I threw myself into it with a mix of enthusiasm, curiosity and panic. Moving away from clinical practice was a big adjustment, but what’s kept me going is the breadth of the veterinary community. Even though I’m now working in tech and, having no plans to ever return to clinical work, took myself off the register, I still feel part of it. Just from a different angle.
Heather:
Returning to work after maternity leave felt a little strange at first. I had moments of doubt, wondering if I still remembered everything or if I’d be able to pick up where I left off. But the support from my team made all the difference and reminded me how much I enjoy the work and the people I do it with.
What advice can you share with others embarking on similar paths about finding fulfilment in their veterinary career?
James:
For a new graduate, my advice would be to find a practice and a mentor that genuinely suits you. The transition from university into your first role comes with a steep learning curve and can be stressful. Being in a supportive environment, ideally with a structured approach to new graduates, makes a huge difference. Having a mentor that you can communicate with and rely on is essential. If that support isn’t in place, I’d seriously consider moving to a practice where you can get it.
Also, communication is key. It’s one thing to know your clinical stuff but being able to explain it clearly to owners of all kinds and help them make the best decisions is just as important, and that only comes with time and practice.
Heather:
I would absolutely agree with that. I was fortunate to have experienced colleagues around me early in my career who were generous with their time and guidance. Whether it’s part of a formal graduate programme or simply someone you trust and can learn from, having that kind of support in your first few years is crucial. It helps build confidence and encourages growth. That foundation really shapes how you develop as a vet.
James:
And there’s a thousand ways to use your skills and experience! Logical problem solving and communication skills are highly transferrable and could be applied to diverse roles, don’t be afraid to try something wildly different!
What best sums up your approach to keeping yourself and your team motivated and engaged within veterinary careers?
James:
It’s all about helping animals, I still feel like I’m helping animals by improving the tech available to the vets and nurses that care for them. Keeping work varied and challenging helps prevent boredom and keeps motivation high.
Heather:
Creating a positive team culture is central to keeping everyone motivated. We operate a zero-blame policy: if something doesn’t go to plan, we talk it through together, understand what happened, and focus on how to improve. We also build in time for internal conversations and team development, including days when we’re only open for emergencies. That gives us space to reflect, connect, and grow. Everyone’s input matters and we make decisions collectively. That sense of shared responsibility and mutual respect keeps the team engaged and focused on delivering the best care possible.
Empowering nurses has also been a key focus. With ongoing vet shortages, we’ve recognised how much more our skilled nursing team can contribute. Their role has evolved significantly over the past decade, and I believe that progress will continue. It’s made a real difference to how we work and the quality of care we provide.
What do you feel would most benefit job satisfaction in the veterinary professions, and how could we work towards implementing this?
James:
Work-life balance is a big part of job satisfaction for me, and it’s been tough to get right. At this point in my life, having a role that allows me to spend quality time with my family is really important. I’ve had jobs that involved travelling all over the UK, and while they were rewarding in many ways, they didn’t leave much room for life outside of work. Now, I’ve found a role that keeps me connected to the profession and my passions while also giving me the flexibility to work from home, and that balance makes all the difference.
Heather:
Work-life balance has become a major factor in how vets choose their roles, and I’ve seen that shift firsthand. When I first started, the expectation was to work long hours, skip lunches, stay late and just keep going. That mindset was exhausting. Now, every vet in our practice has a slightly different working pattern that suits their lifestyle, and it works really well. For me personally, having the flexibility to balance my clinical responsibilities with family life has been essential. It’s about recognising that we’re people first and foremost, and when that’s respected, job satisfaction naturally follows.
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