I have been with Cliffe vets since graduation in 2014 as a mixed vet, doing small animal and farm work. I moved into small animal work only, after developing a specific surgical interest, completing a cert AVP and small animal surgery PgC and later becoming an Advanced Practitioner in small animal surgery. I have grown during my time in practice, gradually becoming more senior, then becoming clinical director in 2021.

What does your role as a Clinical Director involve on a day-to-day basis?

Most of my time is clinical, which is my preference. I lead the operating team and work with the senior nurses to manage the day. I set aside time to manage client and staff queries, as well as introducing practice protocols and manage stock and equipment.

Can you tell us a bit about your practice – the team, facilities, and the types of cases you typically see?

We are a busy first opinion mixed practice, of which I am the small animal clinical director. We have a hugely enthusiastic and experienced team. We pride ourselves on being a very friendly, fun and supportive team for all staff. We have fantastic facilities including new ultrasound, digital x-ray and dental x-rays. I will perform referral level surgical procedures such as TPLO, patella luxation surgery, fracture repairs, and a range of soft tissue surgery.

What are some of the most interesting or complex cases your practice has been involved in recently?

The most interesting case we have had recently was a baby alpaca with a fractured leg that involved every member of the mixed practice team. I performed a very challenging fracture repair using bone plates in the equine theatre, with small animal nurses and farm vets performing anaesthesia. We also had a cat with both an abdominal rupture and a tricky humeral fracture after an RTA, who made a full recovery.

How do you support clinical standards and development within your team?

We hold regular clinical team meetings. The vets have a “clinical club” where we will take it in turn to present a topic of interest, then have a discussion around this. We will also hold training for both vets and nurses on medications, anaesthesia, surgery and dentistry, to keep the team engaged and enthused.

How do you approach continuing professional development for yourself and your team, and are there any areas you're particularly focused on right now?

I am currently about to start my 3rd certificate. This one is an advanced orthopaedic certificate, so I can provide a complete service for both our clients and surrounding practices.

I have encouraged our team to follow their individual interests, which helps make our team rounded, with a broad skill level. We currently undertaking certificates in cardiology and ophthalmology, whilst others focus on dentistry and soft tissue surgery. This means we can provide better focused care in-house for our clients.

What do you enjoy most about leading a veterinary team?

It is very rewarding to work for such a motivated and supportive team. Everyone deeply cares about the cases we see and strive for the best outcomes. It is nice to have the freedom to manage the clinic in the way I feel benefits the team and our patients.

What advice would you give to vets who are interested in progressing into leadership roles like Clinical Director?

I would advise them that it is possible to have a good balance of clinical work and effective practice management. Be the vet you want to be, and this will permeate through your team!