b'PROFILEPlease give a brief summary of your career path so far: My career path has evolved into a dynamic intersection of clinical practice, coaching and training, and governance. With over 20 years of experience as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, I qualified from Onderstepoort, Pretoria, and hold a postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. I am deeply passionate about my clinical work, finding great satisfaction in caring for animals and supporting owners.Beyond clinical practice, I have dedicated significant time to coaching and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals. As a clinical coach and examiner for FSc Veterinary Nursing OSCE exams at Duchy and Bicton College, I enjoyed supporting students and ensuring they were well-prepared for their careers. I am passionate about supporting mental health, burnout prevention, and inclusive cultures, speaking on these topics at major conferences and developingWhat is it about your work that enthuses training programs to championyou and brings you satisfaction?wellbeing in veterinary practices. What truly energizes me is the sense of purpose my work bringsknowing that what I do has a lasting impact I am passionate aboutbeyond myself. Theres nothing quite like supporting mental health,receiving heartfelt thank-yous from clients whose pets Ive helped (even if it burnout prevention, andis crossing over the rainbow bridge); its inclusive cultures, speakinga reminder of why I love this profession. I also find immense satisfaction in on these topics at majorcontinuously developing new skills and conferences and developingexpertise. Being part of initiatives that could create generational change in our training programs to championprofession keeps me motivated, as the wellbeing in veterinary practices. idea of contributing to a lasting legacy for the future of veterinary medicine is both humbling and incredibly exciting. In the realm of governance, I serve as aPlus, who doesnt love a good challenge?Council member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), and in 2024, IWhat is the biggest challenge to staying was re-elected as Treasurer, contributingpassionate in your veterinary career to the oversight of college businessyouve overcome, and how did you and resource management. I chair theapproach it?RCVS Diversity and Inclusion CommitteeThe biggest challenge Ive faced in my and I am actively involved with theveterinary career was undoubtedly IVC Ethnic Diversity Scholarship Board,experiencing severe burnoutDirector of Affinity Futures and amphysically and mentally. I ended up in committed to fostering a more inclusivethe hospital, needed surgery, and was veterinary profession. Additionally, Isigned off work for several months due to serve as a Trustee of Vets in Mind Charity,mental health challenges. Looking back, advocating for mental health andits no surprise. I was working ridiculous wellbeing in the industry. hours, believing this was just what was www.inspiredvet.co.uk27'