b'EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, VETERINARY WOMAN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGEACHIEVE & LEAD TOGETHERWhat is the best advice youve been given, or thatyou would give to someone else, about drivingIts evident to me that if we want change, wepositive change?cant be passive observers. We have to take anThe most impactful advice Ive received and would wholeheartedly share, is the importance of active involvement. active role in pushing for the changes we want. In such a female-dominated profession, its easy to succumb to imposter syndrome and believe that change is beyond your capabilities. I felt the same before launching our Ethnic Diversity Scholarship, or embarking on our nurse-led project. What are the biggest challenges you have encounteredHowever, the only way to truly know is by trying. Taking the in this journey and how have you overcome them?opportunities to engage and make a difference is crucial. Even Undoubtedly, one of the most persistent challenges has beenif initial steps seem daunting, each and every one of our efforts the naysayers who resist change. Its all too easy to get boggedcontributes to the more progressive profession that we all down in the loudest voices, even if they arent the mostwant to work in.constructive, so I do work hard to deal with scepticism What are your next steps to continue creating changehead-on.for the better?Managing time has been another hurdleand I know this is aLooking ahead, my upcoming role as part of the UKs leading Racheal with Basil, the family dog very female-bias problem. I think the wonderful people whoECC Congress is really exciting. Im proud of the learning make up our nursing profession by their very nature immerseopportunities that the format is offering our professions.themselves deeply in their work and this can often lead toWe have carefully tailored our programme again this year a sense of all-consuming dedication. Its essential to be ableto provide an inclusive learning experience for vets and vet to step back, reevaluate, and gain perspective to preventnurses no matter what stage theyre at in their career, from burnout. Personally, my perspective shifted when I had a babystudents through to specialists and everything in between. (shes nearly two) and took a years maternity leave. This pauseThe biggest change this year, in our 20th year of running the allowed me to gather my thoughts better, and of course IveECC Congress, is an entire day dedicated to advanced referral been forced to balance my time better now for the benefit ofnursing, and a very hands-on approach during all the CPD and my family. practical workshops.What has most helped and motivated you along Congress isnt only about learning however. Congress helpfully the way?reminds us (through a wellness and entertainment programme The remarkable individuals Ive had the privilege to workwith things like mindfulness and a morning running club) that alongside, in particular, the strong women who have beenwe as professionals need to look after ourselves first. such a big part of my professional life. The majority of myAnd on a wider perspective, the nursing profession is colleagues have been women, and their encouragement,modernising, and its doing so at rapid pace - a pace I havent https://uk.linkedin.com/in/racheal- support and challenge have been fundamental in propellingseen in my career before now. Im excited to stay part of the marshall-5a06aaa0me forward. Inspirational figures like Amanda Boag whochange and helping navigate the challenges and opportunities @racheal_RVN encouraged me and was a source of such guidance. Moreover,in our field. the unwavering support of my family has been an essential pillar in keeping me balanced and focused.16www.veterinarywoman.co.uk'