b'PROFILETheres a thousand ways toI enjoy the work and the people I do it with.use your skills and experience! What advice can you share with others Logical problem solving andembarking on similar paths about finding communication skills are highlyfulfilment in their veterinary career? James:transferrable and could beFor a new graduate, my advice would applied to diverse roles, dontbe to find a practice and a mentor that genuinely suits you. The transition from be afraid to try somethinguniversity into your first role comes wildly different! with a steep learning curve and can be stressful. Being in a supportive environment, ideally with a structured toward medicine than surgery, and I loveapproach to new graduates, makes a the process of solving difficult problemshuge difference. Having a mentor that and seeing them through. Its especiallyyou can communicate with and rely on is rewarding when you can work closelyessential. If that support isnt in place, Id with owners and see their appreciationseriously consider moving to a practice as you help navigate some of the morewhere you can get it.unusual cases. Also, communication is key. Its one thing Whats kept me passionate is the team Ito know your clinical stuff but being able work with. Many of my colleagues haveto explain it clearly to owners of all kinds been together for over 20 years, and thatand help them make the best decisions consistency creates a strong, supportiveis just as important, and that only comes environment. Everyone is focused onwith time and practice.delivering the best patient care, and thatHeather:shared commitment means a lot. TheI would absolutely agree with that. I practice invests in good equipment andwas fortunate to have experienced lab machines, if something benefits ourcolleagues around me early in my career patients, we get it. Corners arent cut,who were generous with their time and and theres a real culture of quality thatguidance. Whether its part of a formal runs through everything we do. graduate programme or simply someone What is the biggest challenge to stayingyou trust and can learn from, having that passionate in your veterinary careerkind of support in your first few years is youve overcome, and how did youcrucial. It helps build confidence and approach it? encourages growth. That foundation James:really shapes how you develop as a vet.Switching career paths several timesJames:was a leap. I threw myself into it with aAnd theres a thousand ways to use your mix of enthusiasm, curiosity and panic.skills and experience! Logical problem Moving away from clinical practice wassolving and communication skills are a big adjustment, but whats kept mehighly transferrable and could be going is the breadth of the veterinaryapplied to diverse roles, dont be afraid community. Even though Im now workingto try something wildly different!in tech and, having no plans to ever return to clinical work, took myself offWhat best sums up your approach the register, I still feel part of it. Just fromto keeping yourself and your team a different angle. motivated and engaged within Heather: veterinary careers? Returning to work after maternityJames:leave felt a little strange at first. I hadIts all about helping animals, I still feel moments of doubt, wondering if I stilllike Im helping animals by improving the remembered everything or if Id betech available to the vets and nurses able to pick up where I left off. But thethat care for them. Keeping work varied support from my team made all theand challenging helps prevent boredom difference and reminded me how muchand keeps motivation high.www.inspiredvet.co.uk11'