Nurturing care and dedication in veterinary practice with deputy clinical director Antonio

Motivated by a deep commitment to helping pets and their owners, Antonio Betancor thrives in his role as deputy clinical director at Lockwood Vets in the West Midlands. He describes the practice’s supportive environment and team camaraderie. Offering insights into the cases they handle, Antonio emphasises the practice's commitment to continuous learning and development as well.
 

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Can you tell us about yourself and how you came to work at the practice?

I graduated from the vet school in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 17 years ago and practised there for 2 years before moving to the UK in 2010. My journey in veterinary medicine has been quite diverse, ranging from solo practices to out-of-hours and even exotics. I spent 8 months working for the Lockwood Vet Group as a locum in 2017, and last year I came back as a deputy clinical director.

What motivates you to work in the veterinary industry?

Helping pets and their owners is at the core of what drives me. Additionally, I thrive on the challenges that come with the variety of cases we encounter.

Can you tell us more about the practice and the team, and what it’s like to work there?

We’re a great team. Everyone genuinely cares for each other, creating a supportive environment. We're given the freedom to approach our cases as we see fit, and there's always assistance available from other team members if needed.

Our clients are very straightforward and genuine, which we appreciate.

What kinds of cases do you see at the practice?

We see a diverse range of cases, from endocrine disorders to foreign body surgeries. Lately, we've had quite a few ultrasound cases, especially with the support of our visiting imaging specialist, as well as oncology cases.

What are your favourite things about working at the practice?

The camaraderie among the team members is exceptional. Our ability to adapt and meet new challenges as a cohesive unit is very rewarding, and we’re proud of the work we do.

What do you feel the practice has to offer that someone thinking of joining might not know about?

The level of care and support we extend to each other is truly remarkable. It's a bond I haven't witnessed in other practices I've worked at.

What advice would you give to aspiring veterinarians or vet nurses?

Understand that this profession is a marathon, not a sprint. It can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Persistence and dedication are key.

What is a common misconception people have about working in the veterinary field?

Many people don't realise the extent to which we need to stay updated with the latest developments in veterinary medicine! It’s a continuous commitment to learning and developing.

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my 10-year-old daughter, exploring places like Iceland, Paris, and Belgium. I also love visiting museums and galleries, and enjoy cycling, and relaxing with movies and video games.

What are you proudest of in your veterinary career so far?

I take immense pride in having helped many pets over the year, and having supported their owners as they navigate through the difficult experience of having an unwell animal. It’s very rewarding.