Laura Doeven shares her journey from the University of Melbourne to joining IVC Evidensia as a surgical intern at Pride Veterinary Referrals. Drawn by the hospital's reputation and exciting learning opportunities, Laura has found a supportive and friendly surgery team there.
I graduated from the University of Melbourne in Australia and spent time working in general practice in both Australia and the UK. I completed a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College prior to the surgery internship at Pride Veterinary Referrals.
I met a past surgery intern from Pride Veterinary Referrals who spoke very highly of the friendly and experienced team, as well as the learning opportunity of a year spent at Pride Veterinary Referrals. I was keen to pursue further surgical training and it seemed like a great opportunity.
The surgery team at Pride Veterinary Referrals see a wide variety of soft tissue and orthopaedic cases, and the case load is very high. The team is very friendly and approachable and are always happy to spend time talking through the work-up and decision-making of cases with the interns and residents. Additionally, there is regular time set aside for journal club and book club, and imaging rounds. We spend a lot of time with the other disciplines when working up cases, or asking for advice when patients present with concurrent problems.
Over the past few months I have been welcomed warmly by the team, and I already feel very much a part of the family. The clinicians are always keen to get the interns involved in case management, which helps develop knowledge and confidence.
I would love to complete a surgical residency in the UK and continue to develop my skills and knowledge.
An internship is a great opportunity to further your knowledge and skills and learn from an experienced team. Especially if you are considering further training like residency, it is an essential first step. It is a big-time commitment so that needs to be a consideration.
An internship requires commitment, both during work hours and outside of work to get the most out of every day. However, it’s all worth it in the end.
I enjoy spending weekend days exploring the Peak District with my dog and partner. It is very close to Derby and a great place for a long refreshing walk.
I am really enjoying my time so far at Pride Veterinary Referrals, and I feel like I have already learned so much in the few short months that I have been here. I look forward to what the rest of the year will bring.