veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcast

Episode 36 - First friends, a perfect storm and the hunger games

This week we chat about everything from the hunger games to the investigation of anaemia! Ashley is a real veterinary nurse inspiration and a true friend. We chat to Ashley about her amazing career in veterinary nursing and some of the challenges that have faced the profession recently, particularly in out of hours practice. Ashley grew up in a small town in rural North Carolina. From there she moved to a slightly bigger part of the state to go to university at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where she studied animal science and obtained a bachelor’s degree in that field in 2003. While studying, she started working nights at an ECC veterinary hospital and I developed a passion for ECC nursing and teaching. Ashley moved to the UK in 2008 to take a job as an ECC nurse at Vets Now Gateshead and has been there ever since (currently as Clinical Nursing Lead).  Ashley earned her CertVNECC in 2010 and continue to tutor for that program, as well as other teaching and mentoring for IVC, Vets Now and the veterinary thought exchange.

 

In our clinical segment we start a series of discussions about the investigation of anaemia with our very own Scott. We want to say a massive thank you to IDEXX for their support of this podcast. For more information about IDEXX haematology:

 

https://www.idexx.co.uk/en-gb/veterinary/analyzers/hematology/procyte-dx-analyzer/

https://www.idexx.co.uk/en-gb/veterinary/analyzers/hematology/

 

Remember that their team of specialists are always on hand to chat about cases and particularly those challenging culture results. IDEXX are also kindly sponsoring our anaemia course:

 

https://vtx-cpd.com/courses/anaemia-in-dogs-and-cats-where-did-all-the-red-cells-go/

Episode 35 - How resistant are you?

We are talking all things antibiotic resistance with Doris-Ann and Marta this week. We are excited to bring together the best from the human and veterinary medical fields to talk about how we call all work together to tackle this important issue.  

 

Doris-Ann Williams has been Chief Executive of BIVDA (British in Vitro Diagnostics Association) since October 2001. She has more than 30 years’ experience working in the in vitro diagnostics sector and has had a variety of experience. Doris-Ann works closely with MedTech Europe and other global IVD industry associations. She was awarded an MBE in January 2011 and was recognised as a Friend of the Royal College of Pathologists in November 2012.

 

Marta graduated in Portugal in 2001. She obtained a Masters in Medical Microbiology in 2007 and became a lecturer in clinical pathology and infectious diseases. In 2009 she moved to the UK to undertake a clinical pathology residency at the University of Bristol. During that time she obtained her FRCpath and ECVCP diploma. In November 2020 she started working at Idexx as a clinical pathologist and deputy head of microbiology. Marta's special interests lie in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, biomarker use and development, and all that pertains to a microscope, where she finds beauty every day.

 

We want to say a massive thank you to IDEXX for their support of this podcast. For more information about IDEXX Microbiology go to www.idexx.co.uk/DMMicro and to discover more about local rates of antibiotic resistance go to www.petresist.com. Remember that their team of specialists are always on hand to chat about cases and particularly those challenging culture results. IDEXX are also kindly sponsoring our anaemia course:

 

https://vtx-cpd.com/courses/anaemia-in-dogs-and-cats-where-did-all-the-red-cells-go/

Episode 34 - Being a Beterinarian

This week we are so excited to be speaking with Ashley and Kat. Dr. Ashley Bourgeois is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist passionate about providing practical knowledge to general practitioners to help itchy pets! She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2014. She has a strong interest in autoimmune skin diseases, allergies, cytology, and otology. She and her husband stay busy with their daughter, son, and rescue Lab/Boxer/Pit mix. Dr. Bourgeois is passionate about educating veterinarians in dermatology and work/life integration through her podcast, lecturing, and social media presence (www.thedermvet.com  / https://www.facebook.com/thedermvet / https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet)

 

We chat to Kat about the evolution of imaging - from film, to CR and then to DR. What does that all mean you ask… listen to find out! We talk about how can you best optimize radiography in your practice. After graduating from Portsmouth University with a Radiography degree in 1995, Kat originally worked in the NHS before moving into cross sectional imaging, travelling to various hospitals performing CT and MRI scans for humans. She then became the lead radiographer working for Vet MRI, the original mobile veterinary MRI service. Kat then worked at Fitzpatrick referrals for 2 years setting up the CT and MRI service there, before moving to BCF Technology (now IMV imaging) in 2010. We would like to say a massive thank you to IMV imaging for supporting our chat today.

 

https://www.imv-imaging.co.uk/products/veterinary-x-ray/

 

https://blog.imv-imaging.co.uk/blog/cranddrx-raytechnology

 

https://blog.imv-imaging.co.uk/blog/how-does-dr-x-ray-technology-work

Episode 33 - Paving your way and finding your space

This week we are joined by the amazing Hazell and Michelle from Vet Space Ireland and the brilliant Rob White. Vet Space Ireland (@vetspaceireland) was created by Michelle Maguire (@michellelouisem) and Hazell Mullins (@hazellmullins) to promote learning and positivity within the veterinary world. Both share a passion for all things veterinary, wellbeing and keeping up to date with veterinary current affairs in Ireland. Michelle and Hazell chat about their veterinary careers, their inspirations and those who paved the way. Hazell is a Nottingham graduate large animal vet based in Abbeyville Vet Hospital in Cork.  Michelle is a vet nurse turned practice manager based in Arra Vets in Tipperary.

 

In our clinical segment we finish off our discussion about the investigation and management of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats. Rob is well-recognised as one of the UK’s leading experts in soft tissue surgery and has extensive experience in all aspects of small animal surgery. In 2002, was awarded the BSAVA Simon Award for outstanding contributions to both veterinary surgery and CPD. He was appointed as Professor of Small Animal Veterinary Surgery within the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in July 2015. To learn more about the investigation and management of liver disease check out our liver course (Veterinary Thought Exchange - Love your liver: Liver disease in dogs and cats (vtx-cpd.com))

 

Vet Space Ireland – Entertain. Inform. Engage. Inspire.

‎The Vet Space Ireland Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Veterinary Thought Exchange - Homepage (vtx-cpd.com)

 

 

Episode 32 - Imperfectly Perfect

This week we are joined by the amazing Jenny Guyat and Rob White. Jenny is a vet, growth coach, entrepreneur, mindfulness advocate and the imperfect, messy mum behind Vet Harmony. In short she is a all round amazing human who spoke to us about everything from career diversification to being perfectly imperfect (https://www.vetharmony.co.uk/work-with-me/)

 

In our clinical segment we chat about the investigation and management of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats. This is part one of this discussion, so make sure to join us in the next episode for the next instalment. Rob is well-recognised as one of the UK’s leading experts in soft tissue surgery and has extensive experience in all aspects of small animal surgery. In 2002, was awarded the BSAVA Simon Award for outstanding contributions to both veterinary surgery and CPD. He was appointed as Professor of Small Animal Veterinary Surgery within the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in July 2015.

Today’s podcast is kindly sponsored by Veterinary Instrumentation (https://veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk/) a global Animal Health care organisation, which has proudly served the industry for over three decades. As part of our partnership with Vi, visit veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk and receive a 10% discount off your next order for new and existing customers, using discount code ‘VTX10’ (https://landing.veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk/Vi-VTE-Sign-Up-Page/vi%20and%20vtx%20landing%20page.html)

Episode 31 - Finding Your Voice

There was something special about the podcast this week. That special thing is Emily. Emily is the founder and creator of The EmPowering RVN (Instagram @theempoweringrvn) and graduated from Coventry University with a BSc(Hons) Veterinary Nursing in 2017. She is passionate about giving people the opportunity to have their voice heard. We chat about everything from being less ‘Karen’ to being more you. Check out the amazing things Emily is doing (www.theempoweringrvn.co.uk  - Confidential and Free Facebook Group the Unity Community).

 

We were so excited to be joined by the amazing Gareth Arthurs in our clinical segment this week (https://arthursorthopaedics.co.uk/). Gareth is a RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics) and graduated from Cambridge University in 1996. He has worked at a number of large referral practice in the UK and Ireland. Gareth divides his time between his own practice, as Professor of small animal orthopaedic surgery at the University of Nottingham, consultancy work for Veterinary Instrumentation, delivering orthopaedic CPD including for AOVET. This week is part two of our discussion regarding the diagnosis and management of cruciate disease in dogs and what the most up to date evidence says!

 

Today’s podcast is kindly sponsored by Veterinary Instrumentation (https://veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk/) a global Animal Health care organisation, which has proudly served the industry for over three decades. As part of our partnership with Vi, visit veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk and receive a 10% discount off your next order for new and existing customers, using discount code ‘VTX10’ (https://landing.veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk/Vi-VTE-Sign-Up-Page/vi%20and%20vtx%20landing%20page.html)”

Episode 30 - Falling in love with veterinary medicine... Down Under

We had such a laugh this week chatting to the wonderful Magda Upton. Magda is a small animal vet working a mixture of general practice, locum and emergency work and is our very first Australian guest. She keeps a balance in her life by also being a busy mother, lifeguard and cello player! Magda is passionate about being a good vet, performing good work ups on often limited budgets, building good relationships with clients and sharing knowledge with the next generation. Check out her amazing Instagram page @dr.magda.vet

 

We were so excited to be joined by the amazing Gareth Arthurs in our clinical segment this week (https://arthursorthopaedics.co.uk/). Gareth is a RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics) and graduated from Cambridge University in 1996. He has worked at a number of large referral practice in the UK and Ireland. Gareth divides his time between his own practice, as Professor of small animal orthopaedic surgery at the University of Nottingham, consultancy work for Veterinary Instrumentation, delivering orthopaedic CPD including for AOVET. This week is part one of our discussion regarding the diagnosis and management of cruciate disease in dogs and what the most up to date evidence says!

 

Today’s podcast is kindly sponsored by Veterinary Instrumentation (https://veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk/) a global Animal Health care organisation, which has proudly served the industry for over three decades. As part of our partnership with Vi, visit veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk and receive a 10% discount off your next order for new and existing customers, using discount code ‘VTX10’ (https://landing.veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk/Vi-VTE-Sign-Up-Page/vi%20and%20vtx%20landing%20page.html)

Episode 29 - The Human Factors

This week we are so excited to be chatting to the amazing Lou Northway (Lou The Vet Nurse). Lou qualified as an RVN in 2009 and has worked in various first opinion practices and a referral hospital. She is now the Quality Improvement Clinical Lead (RVN) with RCVS Knowledge. Since qualifying, she has undertaken two further certificates in anaesthesia and ECC. She is currently Clinical Nurse Lead at a busy first opinion practice in Buckinghamshire. In 2019, she was awarded the RCVS Inspiration Award for her ability to inspire and enthuse others and was also awarded as an RCVS Knowledge Champion for two consecutive years for her clinical audits undertaken in practice. We talk to Lou about everything from being a mother to leaving your ego at the door! (www.louthevetnurse.com, Instagram @Louthevetnurse, www.facebook.com/Louthevetnurse).

 

For our clinical segment today Jon Hall is back for our chat about the medical and surgical management of haemoabdomen. Jon is a Professor in small animal surgery at the University of Nottingham and Head of Soft Tissue Surgery at Wear Referrals. Today’s podcast is kindly sponsored by Veterinary Instrumentation, a global Animal Health care organisation, which has proudly served the industry for over three decades. As part of our partnership with Vi, visit veterinary-instrumentation.co.uk and receive a 10% discount off your next order for new and existing customers, using discount code ‘VTX10’.

 

Episode 28 - Breaking the Silence

This week we have been chatting to Nat Scroggie and Liz Bode. Nat and Liz share their experiences of baby loss, as well as pregnancy after loss and live birth. Nat and Liz are truly some of the most inspiring, honest people and it was a true honour to share this conversation with them.  Nat graduated from Nottingham Vet School in 2016 and has already led a varied career, combining small animal clinical work with a passion for supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues. She has always sought to share honestly the highs and lows of life in practice, in the hope that we can start to break the silence on difficult subjects, from mental health to baby loss. Her blog This Vet Runs has inspired veterinary professionals across the country to get more active. Nat co-founded the Vet MINDS group in 2018 to support fellow veterinary professionals facing baby loss and infertility.

 

This Vet Runs – Marathon running veterinary surgeon breaking the silence around pregnancy loss

 

For anyone that needs further support on any of the topics covered in this podcast please visit:

Together, for every baby | Tommy's (tommys.org)

https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk”

Episode 27 - Family, Friendship and Fish & Chips

This week we had the privilege of chatting to Jon about not only being a vet, but growing up in the profession. We chat about love, life and loss. Jon is the son of a Wigan vet and spent several years working in small animal general practice after graduating in 2004. He became an ECVS  specialist in small animal surgery in 2015 and has worked at the RVC, the University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh. He is a Professor in small animal surgery at the University of Nottingham, a Fellow of the Royal College and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He loves a good bit of surgery and being in a lucky position to help out colleagues with their surgical conundrums and through teaching.

 

In our clinical segment we round off our dermatology month with a chat with Jonny from Zoetis. This week we are chatting about some of the drug options that are available for treating atopic dermatitis… so much more than just steroids!

 

For a range of Dermatology CPD, visit the Learning Academy https://learn-uk.zoetis.com

For any questions around Zoetis products, contact customersupportUK@zoetis.com

We are thrilled that Jon will be joining us for our surgery takeover in June. To find out more please visit our website:

Veterinary CPD - Training and Continuing Personal Development for Vets (vtx-cpd.com)