Vet Voices On Air
The team at Veterinary Voices discuss topical and controversial issues with key opinion leaders from the veterinary profession.
01 Dealing With Imposter Syndrome
with Katie Ford
Despite passing all their exams and being fully qualified, many veterinary professionals feel as though they are somehow a fraud, not capable of doing their job to a high enough standard, and going to be found out.
"Imposter syndrome is often the curse of high achievers."
In this humourous and personal discussion, Danny Chambers and Katie Ford discuss how vets can identify and deal with Imposter Syndrome.
Katie Ford is a vet, a coach, and an expert in dealing with Imposter Syndrome. More info at www.katiefordvet.com and here on Vet Voices.
02 Tackling Misinformation and Pseudoscience in Veterinary Medicine
with Michael Marshall
We know many animal owners use alternative medicines on their animals, including homeopathy and reiki. There is also a growing anti-vaxxer movement among some pet owners. Sometimes these non-scientific beliefs can have devastating effects.
In this enlightening episode, Danny Chambers engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Marshall.
Marsh, as he is known, is a renowned campaigner on pseudoscience and advocate for evidence-based healthcare. He is Editor of the Skeptic Magazine, which has the tagline 'Reason with compassion', and he also serves as the Project Director of the Good Thinking Society.
Together, Danny and Marsh delve into the challenges of combating misinformation and pseudoscience within veterinary care. Listeners are invited to explore the detrimental effects psudeoscientific practices like homeopathy, chiropractic treatments can have on animal welfare, and how best to engage with owners who wish to use these alternative medicines.
Through candid discussions and evidence-based perspectives, we highlight the importance of upholding scientific rigor and ethical standards to ensure the veterinary profession are safeguarding the well-being of animals everywhere.
03 Dog Bites - Is It All A Big Misunderstanding?
with Sophie White
Dog bites and attacks have been in the news more frequently over the last few months. The majority of dog bites occur in the home with dogs biting their owners or family members.
How do we protect ourselves from dog bites?
According to Sophie White, a vet from Veterinary Behaviour Support, many dog bites occur because we fail to understand the warning signs.
Sophie explains to Danny that by improving our understanding of dog body language our ability to read how dogs are feeling in various situations, the majority of dog bites can be prevented altogether.
They also discuss how some common training techniques which have been popularised by social media and TV shows can actually increase dog aggression.
04 Compassion Under Pressure - Mental Health Support for the Veterinary Profession
with James Russell
It's a shocking statistic that veterinary surgeons are four times more likely to take their own life than the national average. Fortunately there is support available.
"There's nothing selfish about prioritising your mental health because others will suffer, not just you."
Join us as we discuss the work of the charity Vetlife, who are dedicated to providing crucial mental health support to over 4000 members of the veterinary profession every year.
Through heartfelt conversation, James Russell (President of Vetlife) and Danny Chambers (trustee of Vetlife) open up about their personal motivations and stories that led them to champion mental health support within the veterinary community, and how you can get involved.
05 To Err Is Human - Unpacking Human Factors in Veterinary Care
with Dan Tipney
"Around 75- 80% of adverse outcomes in aviation are due to human factors - not due to a lack of skill or knowledge, but due to problems with communication, leadership, or decision making. This figure seems to be the same in veterinary medicine."
Dan Tipney, a former flying instructor, speaks to Danny Chambers as we unravel the benefits of integrating checklists and fostering a just culture within veterinary practices to improve patient safety and improve mental health of the veterinary team.
It's very rare that a lack of clinical knowledge or technical skill leads to complications or deaths of animals in a veterinary practice. Dan and Danny explore real-world scenarios, such as the case of a dog being discharged from surgery without antibiotics because of the a change in a team member on that particular day, and how these situations can be avoided.
Dan Tipney is one of the team at VetLed, who believe passionately that a Human Factors approach is a significant part of a long-term and sustainable solution to the challenges that the veterinary profession faces today.
06 The Brachycephalic Crisis - How Should the Veterinary Profession Respond?
with Dan O'Neill
The popularity of brachycephalic dogs has soared over the past decade, and the pet owning public seem to be largely unaware of the suffering these dogs endure due to their extreme conformation.
"All I do is fight fires."
The Veterinary Voices team Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers chat to Dan O'Neill from the RVC and Vet Compass about his new paper in the Veterinary Record 'All I do is fight fires' which explores why the veterinary profession is struggling to deal with the 'brachycephalic crisis.'
Why do people want to breed and own dogs born into a lifetime of suffering? What is the effect on vets and vet nurses who have to regularly deal with the severe health problems associated with this breed?
07 Catalyst for Change - A Conversation
with Malcolm Morley
There have been a lot of changes and challenges in the veterinary profession over the last few years - how do we best adapt to the change?
Malcolm Morley, senior BVA President, chats to Danny Chambers about the various challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary profession right now - a younger workforce requiring more flexible working patterns, Brexit, Covid, workforce shortages, the CMA review, legislation reform, and supporting women through menopause.
08 Are Vets Money-Grabbers?
The Reasons Behind the CMA Investigation
with Paul Horwood
Why is the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigating the veterinary industry, and what exactly do they aim to uncover?
Why are prices for veterinary treatment so emotive compared to other professions and services?
In this 20 minute chat, Paul Horwood and Danny Chambers discuss all you need to know to understand the CMA's investigation and how there may well be long-term benefits for the veterinary profession.
09 Kibble, Raw or Vegan Diets - Which Is Best For Our Pets?
with Mike Davies
Did you know that a staggering 40-60% of dogs are overweight?
In this eye-opening episode, we confront the startling statistic when we analyse 'complete' diets, only 35% of dry food and a mere 6% of wet food meet FEDIAF guidelines.
Join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complex world of pet nutrition with Mike Davies, RCVS Specialist in Clinical Nutrition.
But what about alternative diets like raw meat? Are they any better, or are they just too big a risk to human health? And are vegan diets actually better for sustainability?
10 Crufts - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
with Alison Slipper and Sean McCormack
Is a pedigree synonymous with good health?
In the bustling halls of Crufts 2024, where over 24,000 dogs proudly strutted their stuff, breeders, owners, the international media and dog lovers met to celebrate over 200 dog breeds.
But amidst the glitz and glamour, there's a sobering reality. Some animal welfare advocates and veterinary professionals voiced concerns over the slow progress in breed health, questioning the decisions to crown dogs with extreme conformation as best of breed.
Our guests are Alison Skipper, who has a PhD in the history of dog breeding and who is also a member of the veterinary team at Crufts, and Sean McCormack, a media vet who is also a passionate welfare advocate.
Join Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers in this thought-provoking debate as we navigate the complexities and nuances of pedigree, health, and ethics in the world of competitive dog breeding.
11 Thriving Under Pressure: Decision Making During Emergencies
with Duana McBride
In moments of crisis, split-second decisions can make all the difference between life and death. But how do we equip ourselves to navigate emergencies with clarity and confidence?
Join Danny Chambers, an emergency out-of-hours equine vet, as he delves into the art of thriving under pressure with Duana McBride, an specialist in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care from Vetled.
Together, they explore proactive strategies for preparation, maintaining a composed mindset amidst chaos, and the implementation of effective protocols to alleviate the weight of emergencies.
Discover invaluable insights that not only enable you to manage high-stakes situations but to find fulfillment in the process.
12 Better Pred Than Dead? Debunking Myths in Veterinary Cancer Care
with Aaron Harper
Facing a cancer diagnosis in a beloved pet can be overwhelming, with owners and vets often harbouring misconceptions about the treatment journey ahead.
"Will my dog lose his hair?"
"Should we just put him on steroids?"
In this insightful episode, vet Danny Chambers engages in a candid conversation with Aaron Harper, a specialist in veterinary oncology at Wear Veterinary Referrals. Together, they delve into the ethical considerations surrounding cancer treatment in companion animals, debunking prevalent myths that often cloud judgment.
Owners often ask questions like, "Will my dog lose their hair?" and "Is chemotherapy appropriate for older pets?" and we discuss these with clarity and compassion.
Join us as we navigate the ethics and practical considerations of animal cancer care, shedding light on the reality behind common misconceptions, empowering owners and veterinarians alike with accurate information and compassionate guidance.
13 Dog Training - Should We Be The Dominant Wolf?
with Rose Bescoby
Is it necessary to assert dominance over our dogs like a wolf pack leader? Should we allow a new puppy to sleep in our bedroom during their initial nights?
"We're concerned about the rise in self-proclaimed dog trainers on social media sharing downright dangerous misinformation."
Tune in as Rosie Bescoby, clinical animal behaviorist and dog trainer from Pet Sense, debunks some behaviour and training myths with Danny Chambers. Rosie shares her expertise, providing invaluable insights into responsible and effective training, and discusses the link between pain and behavioural problems.
14 "I’m not sure I want to be a vet anymore" - Rediscovering Your Passion
with Jenny Guyat
For many of us, being a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse is more than just a job - it's our whole identity!
But what happens when doubts creep in, and the passion fades?
In this episode, join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complexities of veterinary identity with Jenny Guyat from Vet Harmony. Whether it's questioning your career path, navigating the impact of parenthood's, or just feeling stuck in a rut, you're not alone.
Jenny shares insights on how personal development is just as crucial as clinical CPD. Together, they explore strategies for self-reflection, career pivots, and achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Tune in as we redefine success and uncover the keys to thriving, not just surviving, in the world of veterinary medicine.
15 Is Gold Standard Always Best?
with Hannah Capon
Offering gold standard treatments but not getting the outcomes you would expect?
We discuss the importance of contextualised care: a holistic consideration of both patient and client needs and capability. A contextualised care approach can help us provide individuals with the right treatment for their situation, maximising client compliance and ultimately getting the best patient outcomes possible.
Old friends, Dr Hannah Capon, founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and Veterinary Voices very own Robyn Lowe RVN, use their experiences of multimodal management of osteoarthritis (OA) cases in practice to explore this fascinating topic.
Their infectious mutual passion to improve client communications to enable the best patient care is hard to resist!
16 Guinea Pigs: The Stress, The Squeaks
and The Cystitis
with John Chitty
Small animal and exotics vet John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS and Veterinary Voices' very own Robyn Lowe BSc (Hons), Dip AVN (Small Animal), Dip HE CVN, RVN tackle the common misconceptions around guinea pigs and delve into the wonderful world of cystitis.
Listen to John Chitty and Robyn Lowe chatting about their mutual love of all things guinea pig.
Could a holistic approach be more successful? Could reducing stress with changes in husbandry trump antimicrobials? And are they just really cats in disguise?! Catch up on the latest tips and tricks with us.
If you are as enthusiastic about small furries as these guys this is a podcast you won’t want to miss it. Robyn and John share their wealth of experience, discussing everything from the colourful descriptions of bedding to the sludgey joys of urine!
17 Shhh let’s talk menopause… LOUDLY
with Liz Barton
Do you think this podcast won’t apply to you? Think again! Every single one of us will be impacted by menopause, whether it be ourselves or our partners, colleagues and clients. So, let’s get these menopause facts on the table. Normalise it to break the taboo surrounding it. Did you know there are 34 listed symptoms? This makes the menopause a unique experience for all. 75% of people will experience perimenopausal symptoms that will negatively impact them, lasting on average a whole decade.
In frank conversation, Liz Barton and Ami Sawran discuss the “hot” topic of the menopause.
Liz Barton MA VetMB MRCVS, co-founder of Wellvet and Vetmums and Head of Communications for VetCT describes how for her the menopause was a crouching tiger, hidden dragon, affecting her veterinary career when she wasn’t expecting it. With Veterinary Voices’ very own Ami Sawran BVSc CertAVP PGCert VPS PhD MRCVS, this podcast discusses the experiences of menopause for women in the profession and the impact it has on the profession through mental health and retention issues.
We talk about the positive adjustments that can be made in the veterinary workplace and Liz provides details about the first veterinary-specific menopause resources that are now freely available online through Wellvet. Let’s feed this tiger and let it sit quietly in the corner!
Please see free Veterinary-specific resources on: https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/
18 “Old Macdonald, AI, AI, A,” the futuristic world of farm animal medicine.
with Paul Horwood & Matt Dobbs
Join farm vets Paul Horwood BVetMed DBR MRCVS and Matt Dobbs BVM&S CertCHP MRCVS in lively conversation about how the farm animal sector has changed dramatically over the last 25 years, embracing futuristic technology to provide comprehensive herd health advice, increasing animal welfare, productivity efficiency, profitability and sustainability.
Matt, both farm vet and CEO of the agritech company Agsenze, has particular insight into the agritech world. In this podcast we consider how advancements in agritech relate to us as veterinarians: could AI take over our role? Or could in fact AI support vets to process diverse and large volumes of data to provide faster, more accurate decision-making?
We debate how well we are harnessing available technology in the UK, is there room for improvement to make UK farming become more efficient?
We describe the fascinating new developments in technology that allow analysis of all aspects of herd health and discuss how prediction of production disease may become possible. Could this allow us to initiate on farm changes before output is affected?
19 What’s The Latest On Neurodiversity Within Our Profession?
with Kirstie Pickles
Listen to Robyn Lowe in conversation with Kirstie Pickles as they explore both evidence-based and personal perspectives on neurodiversity within the veterinary profession. In this candid discussion, Kirstie Pickles BVMS MSc PgCert(CounsSkills) PhD CertEM(IntMed) DipECEIM MRCVS shares her later-in-life autism diagnosis and her mental health journey before and after recognising her neurodivergence.
With an estimated 1 in 6 veterinary professionals thought to be neurodivergent, increasing awareness and understanding is essential to creating supportive, thriving workplaces. Kirstie’s research highlights that a lack of neurodiversity awareness among colleagues is one of the most common stressors reported by neurodivergent staff.
To help address this, Kirstie and the Vetlife team have developed free, veterinary-specific neurodiversity guidance, offering clear information on different neurodivergent conditions, how individuals may excel or face challenges in practice, and practical examples of reasonable workplace adjustments.
Vetlife Neurodiversity Guidance: https://www.vetlife.org.uk/neurodiversity/
The podcast explores this new guidance in depth, including:
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The communication mismatch between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals
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How openness and non-judgmental understanding can improve workplace culture
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The impact of stigma at management level and why it prevents many from seeking support
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Practical, actionable advice for colleagues and leaders
For further support, Kirstie is also the founder of Unedited Minds, offering neurodiversity awareness training for organisations and coaching for neurodivergent individuals:
https://uneditedminds.co.uk
Additional useful resources:
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National Autism Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/
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The Brain Charity: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/
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British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
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ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk/
Listen here on What’s The Latest On Neurodiversity Within Our Profession?
20 Bereavement: How The Loss Of A Animal Companion Can Impact Us
with Carrie Kearns
Grief, Loss and Bereavement: Understanding the Impact of Losing an Animal Companion
In this podcast episode, Carrie Kearns ACC Dip PBC, MHS, a Pet Bereavement Counsellor, joins Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers MP to discuss the emotional impact of pet loss and how veterinary teams can better support grieving owners. Carrie brings both expertise and compassion, highlighting how many people experience disenfranchised grief—a type of grief that society often minimises or dismisses, particularly when it involves the loss of an animal.
Carrie, Robyn and Danny explore the unique, codependent relationships we form with our pets, the caregiving role that deepens this bond, and why the grief that follows can be profound.
They discuss practical ways veterinary professionals can support owners before, during, and after euthanasia—from navigating the decision-making process to the small details (such as catheter presentation) that significantly affect owner experience.
Listen to the full conversation: 'Bereavement: How The Loss of An Animal Companion Can Impact Us'
The episode also highlights Carrie’s work as a Pet Bereavement Counsellor and introduces the newly launched Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors (APBC)—a self-regulating body recognising qualified professionals providing specialised support. Clients can use the APBC directory to find counsellors by location and credentials:
https://apbcounsellors.co.uk/find-a-counsellor
To further explore owner experiences, we also share real stories from our community in this blog, showing how grief after pet loss is rarely linear and why compassionate support is essential: Grief In Companion Animals – Is It The Same As Losing A Human?
🔗 https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/.../grief-in-companion...
21 Main Character Syndrome
with Gwen Rees
In this insightful episode of Vet Voices On Air, Danny Chambers MP speaks with Gwen Cooper about her PhD research exploring what unfolds on farms once the vet has driven away. Together, they delve into the complex, human side of veterinary compliance—where even the best treatment plans must contend with real-world constraints, priorities, and human behaviour.
A key theme of the discussion is “main character syndrome”: the subtle tendency for vets to view themselves as the central protagonist in every interaction.
Gwen and Danny explore how this mindset might unintentionally influence communication and expectations with farmers, horse owners, and pet owners, and how becoming aware of it can improve collaboration, adherence, and outcomes.
This conversation offers valuable insight into the behavioural and relational dynamics behind treatment success—and why understanding the client’s perspective is just as important as the plan we leave behind.
Main Character Syndrome: What Really Happens After the Vet Leaves the Farm
22 An Introspective Discussion About EDI In The Vet Profession
with Navaratnam Partheeban
How Do We Work Towards a More Inclusive Profession?
Have you ever experienced discrimination from clients, colleagues, or within your workplace? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore what true inclusivity looks like in veterinary practice—and how each of us can take meaningful steps toward becoming better allies.
Featuring Navaratnam Partheeban BVM&S BSc MRCVS OBE (Theeb), co-founder of the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS), and Ami Sawran BVSc PgCertVPS CertAVP(CP) PhD FRCVS, this conversation blends practical experience from farm practice, industry and academia with deep expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
We reflect on what EDI truly means, the importance of personal introspection, and how recognising our own privileges and barriers helps us better understand those of others.
Despite gradual improvement across the veterinary and agricultural sectors, both remain significantly lacking in diversity, and acknowledging this is essential for progress.
Key topics include:
• Simple inclusive language changes
• Practical communication tips for engaging diverse clients, especially in farm and ambulatory settings
• Understanding how sexism remains the most commonly reported form of discrimination in the profession
• What allyship looks like in real life—from small conversations with trusted peers to leadership-driven culture change
• How to act safely, meaningfully, and confidently when supporting colleagues facing discrimination
As the episode reminds us, everyone makes mistakes—what matters is the willingness to learn, grow, and build a more welcoming profession for all.
Tune in to learn more.
23 Navigating Conversations Around Suicide and The Impact Of Social Media
with Rosie Allister & James Russell
Navigating Conversations Around Suicide and the Impact of Social Media: Listener discretion advised.
This podcast discusses veterinary mental health and suicide. If you are affected by any content, please contact Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or via:
https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/
In this episode, Robyn Lowe BSc(Hons) DipAVN DipHE CVN RVN speaks with James Russell BVetMed FRCVS, President of Vetlife, and Dr Rosie Allister BSc(Hons) BVSc MSc PhD MRCVS, an expert in veterinary mental health, suicide prevention, and postvention. Rosie is also Consulting Manager for the Vetlife Helpline and brings 20 years of experience with Samaritans.
Recent posts shared online—though often coming from a place of love, grief and bereavement—can unintentionally increase the risk of suicide contagion. This sensitive and important episode explores how we can talk about suicide safely, compassionately, and in ways that protect our colleagues and community.
Together, they discuss:
• How to approach conversations with individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Why asking directly about suicidal intent is safe, supportive and evidence-based
• The potential harm caused by online posts about suicide, and how even well-intentioned messages can increase risk
• The research underpinning safe communication around suicide
• Ways to share information online that protect mental health, promote hope, and signpost to help
• Why suicide is complex and cannot be reduced to a single cause
• How we can create safer, more informed conversations across the profession
Above all, the message is clear: talking about suicide is essential—but how we talk about it matters. Focusing on hope, support, and where help can be found can save lives.
For further support:
Vetlife: https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
24 Should Pain Be Considered As A Cause Of Behaviour Issues?
with Sophie White
Should Pain Be Better Considered as a Cause of Behaviour Issues?
In this episode, small animal vet and APBC-registered behaviourist Sophie White BVetMed MSc MRCVS joins Danny Chambers MP to explore the powerful but often overlooked relationship between chronic pain and behavioural problems in companion animals.
Sophie shares how her interest in this area began with her own rescue dog, leading her to specialise in cases where pain and behaviour intersect. Now a referral behaviourist, Sophie reports that around 50% of the cases she receives are clinically unwell, with untreated pain—particularly gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal—acting as the root cause of the behavioural issue. Danny reflects on how these patterns also appear in equine practice.
Key topics include:
• Why many painful animals present as “fine” in the consult room
• The role of chronic pain in aggression, anxiety and reactivity
• When behavioural euthanasia becomes an ethical consideration for human and animal safety
• How guilt and emotional burden affect owners facing these decisions
• The value of pain relief trials, especially when pain is suspected but not clearly identifiable
• How initiating analgesia before referral can accelerate behavioural improvement and client reassurance
• The importance of referral for aggression cases, both for safeguarding and comprehensive treatment planning
Sophie emphasises that pain is a subjective, individual experience and cannot be ruled out, making a structured approach essential. For clients unable to pursue behavioural referral, a pain relief trial or veterinary behaviourist-supported medication plan may provide crucial clarity and comfort before euthanasia is considered.
Tune in to learn how integrating pain assessment into behaviour cases can lead to earlier interventions, kinder outcomes, and better welfare for both pets and people.
25 Can being more Clark Kent, less Superman reduce Second Victim Syndrome?
with Luiz Santos
Can Being More Clark Kent, Less Superman Reduce Second Victim Syndrome?
In this episode, Luiz Santos BVSc MSc DipACVAA shares his pioneering research into Second Victim Syndrome (SVS) within the veterinary profession, drawing on extensive evidence from both veterinary and medical fields. In conversation with Danny Chambers and Robyn Lowe, the discussion explores the emotional impact adverse events can have on clinicians—something that often goes unrecognised and unsupported.
Following an unexpected or negative outcome in practice, our attention naturally goes to the patient and client. However, the veterinary professionals involved may experience severe and long-lasting psychological effects, including guilt, shame, anxiety, loss of confidence and, in some cases, long-term mental illness or leaving the profession entirely.
This is known as Second Victim Syndrome.
The episode covers:
• What SVS is and why it affects so many caring professionals
• The consequences of a persistent “superhero mentality” in clinical work
• Why being “more Clark Kent” can reduce emotional harm and improve team wellbeing
• The importance of peer support, compassion, and creating a culture where clinicians can safely talk about mistakes and distress
• Practical steps to reduce the impact of SVS in everyday practice
If you feel affected by the themes discussed, or believe you may be experiencing symptoms of Second Victim Syndrome, Vetlife is available 24/7:
0303 040 2551
www.vetlife.org.uk
Further resources on Second Victim Syndrome:
• ForYOU Program (useful information and support):
https://www.muhealth.org/.../office-of-clinical-effectiveness/foryou
• Dr Susan Scott’s YouTube talk on SVS:
https://youtu.be/5MdvKUXZWS4
• The natural history of recovery for the healthcare provider “second victim” by Dr Susan Scott:
https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/18/5/325
• Medical error: the second victim by Albert Wu:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1117748/
Tune in to learn how understanding and addressing SVS can help protect the wellbeing of our profession.
26 The Puppy Conundrum: What is ethical breeding?
with Sean McCormack & Alison Skipper
The Puppy Conundrum: What Is Ethical Breeding?
The Assured Breeders Scheme was created to promote responsible breeding and improve dog welfare. It connected puppy buyers with vetted breeders who followed strict welfare-first standards — including mandatory health screening and breed-specific testing — all part of The Kennel Club’s mission to protect the health of dogs for generations to come.
However, the Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme closed at the end of 2024, a huge question remains… How do we make sure puppy buyers understand what an ethical breeder really looks like?
And even more controversially — does such a thing truly exist?
In this thought-provoking episode of Vet Voices On Air, Robyn Lowe is joined by veterinary surgeons Sean McCormack and Alison Skipper to explore the complex world of dog breeding — from pedigree pressures and health testing to fashion-driven puppy purchases and the ethics behind breeding itself.
They discuss:
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The changing role of the Kennel Club and what comes next
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What can we consider as an ethical or responsible breeder (which is subjective to different people)
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What green flags to look for in a responsible breeder
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How puppy demand in the UK fuels illegal imports and unethical breeding practices
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And how veterinary professionals can help guide owners to make informed, welfare-first choices
This episode challenges us to rethink what “responsible breeding” really means — and what the future of puppy ownership should look like.
27 Drinking in the veterinary profession: what’s the story so far
with Olivia Cormier
Understanding Alcohol Use and Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession
In this episode, Danny Chambers speaks with Olivia Cormier, an equine vet who, after completing an MSc in psychology, has moved into mental health research. Together, they explore what current evidence tells us about alcohol use in the veterinary profession, the normalisation of excessive drinking, and the impact of drinking to cope on mental health.
They discuss findings from Olivia’s recent study with Jennifer Seddon (Oxford Brookes University), published in the Veterinary Record, which highlights how alcohol-related stigma and fear of career repercussions act as major barriers to help-seeking. The conversation asks an important question:
When was the last time we openly talked with colleagues about drinking habits, concerns, or coping motives—and why does it remain such a taboo topic?
The episode also introduces a new RCVS Mind Matters Initiative–funded study now underway, aiming to better understand the links between mental health, alcohol behaviours and the barriers faced by vets, vet nurses and vet receptionists. This research will help inform interventions to reduce stigma and support those wanting to reduce or stop drinking.
If you have been affected by the issues discussed, or want to seek support for your drinking, Vetlife is available 24/7:
📞 0303 040 2551
🔗 www.vetlife.org.uk
Read the recent study on alcohol-related stigma in the UK veterinary profession here:
🔗 https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/.../vetr.4532
Tune in to learn how understanding these challenges can help us foster a healthier, more supportive profession.
28 Debunking the myths and misconceptions of pet nutrition
with Cat The Vet, Hillary Pearce & Cecilia Villaverde
It’s a full house for this fascinating topic, bringing you international passionate perspectives from Cat The Vet, Hillary Pearce and Cecilia Villaverde in conversation with our very own Robyn Lowe.
Cat is a first opinion vet, with particular interest in nutrition and nutrition education in UK vet schools. Hillary graduated in the USA and has worked in nutrition for over a decade, working for Hill’s pet nutrition for over 10 years. Cecilia is a board certified veterinary nutrionist who graduated from Spain and completed her residency in the USA and Europe.
We discuss how intertwined and fundamental nutrition training is to all our veterinary learning for health and disease, and that vet schools in the UK are reflecting this with both designated nutrition lectures and nutrition training included in individual disease learning. The take home- we know more than we think!
But why are vets getting such bad press around their abilities to provide nutritional advice to clients? The term pet nutritionist is not protected and doesn’t require an individual to have particular qualifications in order for them to call themselves this. How can we communicate this disconnect to our clients, and help them with what to look for and who to trust? Do we need to do more as a profession to clarify our position on this?
We discuss the misconceptions of pet food companies affiliated with the veterinary profession are producing biased studies in favour of their products. A collaboration does not mean an inevitable bias. Feed companies with a designated team of veterinary experts working to improve pet nutrition in an evidenced-based manner is a positive thing. Perhaps we should be questioning why other companies are not following suit?
How many of us put too much sway on the ingredients list for a pet food? We talk about the legal requirements for this, and marketing tools used to make certain foods more appealing to owners.
29 Variety Is The Spice Of Life
with Helen Allwood & Daniel Keating-Roberts
Neurodiversity in Practice: Understanding, Advocacy and Reasonable Adjustments
In this episode, Robyn Lowe speaks with Helen Allwood and Daniel Keating-Roberts about their work on The Vet Project, an initiative created to support neurodivergent colleagues navigating the challenges of veterinary practice. Drawing from their own lived experience of neurodiversity, Helen and Daniel share practical insights on improving workplace environments and empowering individuals to advocate for their needs.
The discussion highlights that neurodiversity is highly individual—no two people have the same needs, strengths or challenges.
As such, placing someone into a predefined category based solely on diagnosis can be unhelpful. Instead, workplaces should embrace a personalised, collaborative approach where individuals feel safe to self-advocate, and leadership is willing to learn, listen and adapt.
Key points include:
• How to approach conversations about reasonable adjustments, and why a formal diagnosis is not required to request support
• The importance of reducing stigma, improving understanding and fostering open dialogue
• The “double empathy mismatch”—how differing communication styles between neurodivergent and neurotypical people can lead to misunderstandings of empathy
• Why neurodiversity is not unique to veterinary practice, but particularly relevant given the high proportion of neurodivergent professionals
• How embracing neurodiversity can enrich teams, improve wellbeing and enhance the profession as a whole
This episode encourages reflection, compassion and curiosity—reminding us that diversity of thought and experience is a strength, and that creating inclusive, flexible workplaces benefits everyone.
Tune in to learn more.
30 The Downstream Effects of Irrationality Are Unpredictable
with Michael Marshall
Join us for this podcast, in which Robyn Lowe talks to Michael Marshall, on the topic of conspiracy theories, medical mistrust and how it relates to the veterinary sector and how we can best approach these situations in a compassionate and most effective way.
Michael Marshall, known as Marsh, is editor at The Skeptic project director at the Good Thinking Society and host of the Be Reasonable podcast. He is fascinated by what drives people to believe in non-mainstream ideas.
How do we do we support people and listen, when they hold ideologies that could be harmful?
Marsh feels we need to understand and recognise what and how people are exposed to conspiracy or alternative views. What messages are they being given? What are the sales pitches and why is it so persuasive to them?
Marsh explains how medical mistrust and conspiring theories, can be relevant to veterinary medicine. Often non-mainstream beliefs are not isolated, they are part of a bigger picture of how individuals view the world. So though perhaps believing one ideology isn’t harmful, what this belief can lead to may be harmful, if it pertains to health for themselves, their children or their pets. The downstream effects of irrationality are unpredictable.
We discuss how can we go about tackling these issues in the consulting room. First you need to do the groundwork; to show them you don’t judge them and that you just want to understand their perspective. This shapes the conversation to be more open and less combative.
We chat about how you can then try to open the conversation to how the individual came to believe in these ideologies. Understanding where they started is better than challenging the ideas from the outset. How does this belief sit with their self-identity and how they see themselves fitting in the world. What need does this fulfil?
Join this fascinating conversation where we learn how to open dialogue with those who hold beliefs that don't reflect our own.
31 Farm Animal: There Are Fates Worse Than Death
with Paul Wood
“There Are Worse Fates Than Death”: Exploring Quality of Life for Ageing Farm Animals
In this week’s episode, Ami Sawran and Danny Chambers speak with Paul Wood, a farm vet and academic at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), to explore the complex ethical and welfare considerations involved in caring for farm animals beyond their commercial lifespan.
Drawing on experiences across commercial, rescue, sanctuary and pet settings, the discussion asks a central question: How possible is it to keep a farm animal alive into old age while still ensuring an acceptable quality of life?
The episode highlights:
• Why farm animals can never be signed out of the food chain, limiting treatment options for chronic conditions such as arthritis
• The challenges of assessing quality of life in large animals—beyond simple markers like “still eating”
• The ethical dilemmas faced by vets and owners when balancing compassion, welfare, and biological limitations
• Whether the farm veterinary community has the tools and frameworks needed to support these cases meaningfully
The conversation also touches on unexpected but critical issues—such as the risk of African Swine Fever when feeding pet pigs homemade pork-containing foods (e.g., sharing a Victoria sponge), emphasising the global health implications of seemingly harmless acts.
While sensitive in nature, this discussion offers valuable insight into an increasingly common scenario: farm animals living as companions or sanctuary residents, often without the infrastructure or legal flexibility needed to support them into old age.
This respectful, experience-led conversation encourages thoughtful reflection on welfare, ethics and what truly constitutes a “good life” for farm animals outside traditional systems.
Tune in to learn more.
32 Our Role In Ensuring Ethical Puppy Breeding
with Tim Kirby
Avoiding Puppy Scams and Supporting Ethical Breeding
In this episode, Robyn Lowe speaks with Tim Kirby, founder of PetBond, about his mission to promote ethical breeders and improve puppy welfare through a preventative, evidence-based approach. Tim shares his varied clinical background and the inspiration behind setting up PetBond—a platform designed to protect buyers, support responsible breeders and improve standards across the industry.
Have you ever bought a puppy only to realise later that something wasn’t quite right? You’re not alone. Puppy scams and unethical breeding practices are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leaving many new owners with dogs who experience long-term physical or behavioural problems.
Key topics discussed include:
• How to educate and support prospective owners to avoid unethical sources and scam sellers
• The lifelong welfare implications of poor breeding practices
• The vital role of the veterinary profession in celebrating and collaborating with responsible breeders
• How vet–breeder partnerships can improve long-term health outcomes for puppies, dams, and sires
• The value of pre-purchase consultations to guide owners before they commit
The episode also outlines PetBond’s initiatives, including:
• Rigorous breeder verification
• Ethical breeding policies
• Health testing requirements
• Trusted clinic partnerships
• Buyer protection and transparent reviews
This conversation highlights how the profession and ethical breeders can work together synergistically to safeguard puppy welfare, reduce preventable health and behaviour problems, and improve owner confidence.
Tune in to learn more.
33 How can veterinary professionals harness AI to maximize patient health and welfare?
with Liz Barton, Matt Dobbs & Ed Rochead
Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Practice: Opportunities, Risks and Ethical Responsibility
In this forward-thinking episode, Robyn Lowe speaks with Liz Barton, Matt Dobbs, and Ed Rochead about the rapidly evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the veterinary profession.
Liz Barton, Head of Communications at VetCT, and Matt Dobbs, CEO of Agsenze, share their expertise in implementing AI across small and large animal medicine. Ed Rochead, chair of the Alliance for Data Science Professionals, brings valuable insight into the development of professional standards in AI and data science.
Together, they explore how AI can support veterinary practice, including:
• Assisting with note-taking and history writing to save time and reduce burnout
• Improving efficiency and accuracy in diagnostics
• Enabling precision agriculture—delivering tailored care to individual animals within herd systems
The discussion also addresses essential ethical considerations, particularly around long-term AI use, selective breeding, and the wider impact on animal health and welfare. The podcast underscores the need for robust, informed debate as the profession navigates these changes.
A central theme is the importance of training veterinary professionals to use AI safely and effectively. This includes ensuring data accuracy, context, and quality, and maintaining strong clinical reasoning to guide interpretation and safeguard animal care.
Further reading and resources:
• Agritech article by Robyn Lowe & Matt Dobbs:
https://www.skeptic.org.uk/2024/05/agr-tech-will-technology-help-or-hinder-food-production-and-animal-welfare• Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Medicine by Liz Barton:
https://resources.vet-ct.com/vetct-whitepapers/artificial-intelligence-in-veterinary-medicine
• Alliance for Data Science Professionals:
https://alliancefordatascienceprofessionals.com/
Tune in for a fascinating and timely discussion on how AI might shape the future of veterinary practice.
34 The Shocking Reality of Puppy Sale Scams and Illegal Puppy Smuggling
with Rowena Packer & Zoe Belshaw
The Shocking Reality of Puppy Sale Scams and Illegal Puppy Smuggling
In this episode, Robyn Lowe speaks with Dr Rowena Packer and Dr Zoe Belshaw about their research into the growing problem of puppy sale scams and illegal puppy smuggling—an industry where animal health, behaviour and welfare are routinely sacrificed for financial gain.
Rowena, a Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour at the RVC, and Zoe, a European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine, discuss key findings from their work, including:
• The surge in puppy purchasing during the pandemic
• The rise of imported puppies, often transported illegally
• Changing acquisition methods that make scams harder to detect
“Europe’s pet trade is now estimated to be the third most profitable illegal trade in the EU—behind narcotics and weapons.”
Current research indicates that:
• At least 1 in 10 puppies purchased in 2021 were imported
• In 2020, 14% of adverts reviewed by Dogs Trust were for imported puppies (29% in England)
• At least 18% of imported puppies were confirmed as being under 15 weeks old, meaning they were imported illegally
The conversation explores the serious welfare implications for puppies, dams and sires, including disease risks, behavioural trauma and long-term health problems. It also highlights the increasing sophistication of online scams and the urgent need for both the veterinary profession and prospective owners to recognise and report red flags.
Crucially, the episode provides practical guidance on identifying illegal imports—such as any puppy presented as imported under 15 weeks of age—and emphasises the collective responsibility to educate clients, challenge unethical practices and avoid supporting the illegal puppy trade.
Tune in for vital insight into a growing international welfare crisis.
35 “Veterinary suicide: how postvention can be prevention”
with John Gibson
Veterinary Suicide: How Postvention Can Become Prevention
John Gibson joins Robyn Lowe to share the story of losing his son, Cameron—a newly qualified vet—to suicide, and the work that followed in the creation of The Canmore Trust, a charity focused on suicide prevention and postvention. Listener discretion is advised.
This powerful and deeply personal episode explores the emotive topic of veterinary suicide.
If you feel affected by anything discussed, please reach out for support:
Vetlife Helpline (24/7): 0303 040 2551
Anonymous support: https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk
If you are experiencing thoughts of ending your life, text CANMORE to 85258 (24/7).
The conversation covers:
• The role of postvention (support after suicide) as a form of prevention
• The varied and often misaligned ways individuals grieve within a team
• The concept of disenfranchised grief and its relevance in veterinary settings
• The lack of structured support for veterinary professionals dealing with repeated exposure to euthanasia
• Why workplace postvention following a suicide is vital to protecting the wellbeing of colleagues
• Canmore Trust’s dual work at individual and policy levels to reduce suicide risk across the profession
John’s honesty and compassion shed light on an incredibly difficult subject, emphasising the importance of safe spaces, understanding, and meaningful support for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or grieving a loved one lost to suicide.
This episode invites the profession to reflect, learn, and work together to protect our colleagues—and to bring hope where it is most needed.
36 Tackling the guinea pig: owner mismatch
with Hannah Messer
Join our host Robyn Lowe discussing one of her favourite topics: guinea pigs with Hannah Messer, RVN and manager of the Potato Patch Guinea Pig Sanctuary.
Listen here: Guinea Pigs
We discuss the main reasons guinea pigs require rehoming and touch on the overwhelming numbers of guinea pigs that are currently needing rescue.
It is essential for owners to fully understand basic feeding, housing and enrichment needs of the guinea pig they are taking on and we debate the role veterinary staff have to educate clients on this and the extent this should be explored in history taking when presented with a guinea pig with health issues.
We run through optimum indoor and outdoor housing provision, and how for owners and guinea pigs each may have its pros and cons. We tackle the idea that guinea pig temperament and confidence with being handled can vary hugely, largely based on how much exposure to humans they have in the early phases of life. Many may be very nervous when handled and are not suited to a home that wants to handle them regularly. It is important we do not fall into the trap of picking guinea pigs based on looks, but instead to understand how their needs reflect our own and decrease the owner: guinea pig mismatch.
Hannah alongside other rescue organisations are doing an important job. To access more information on this and other guinea pig related facts, you can follow Hannah via The Potato Patch page on Facebook.
37 Going beyond finances: what does contextualized care really mean?
with Alison Skipper & Ruth Serlin
It's a common misconception that contextualized care is all about money. This is not true. To use an incredible analogy from Alison Skipper:
"If you think of contextualized care as a 3D space, money is one axis among an infinite number of axes"
So, going beyond finances: what does contextualized care really mean?
Members of Veterinary Humanities UK state:
In our view: ‘contextualised veterinary care describes an approach that is intentionally shaped by the aims, knowledge, experiences and circumstances of individual animal caregivers and veterinary professionals, acknowledging the wider contexts of each clinical encounter, to deliver the most appropriate welfare-focused care for every animal.’
Join us in conversation with Alison Skipper and Ruth Serlin for this podcast with our hosts Danny Chambers MP and Robyn Lowe as we tackle the holistic meaning of contextualized care in veterinary practice. Contextualised care goes beyond financial considerations, it is about meeting people where they are, replacing judgement with empathy, curiosity and an open mindset for a more rewarding outcome for us all.
We discuss some of the explicit and implicit factors of contextualized care, and how It isn’t about just, or, at all about choosing the least costly treatment. It is about drawing on our clinical and communication skills as a veterinary professional to holistically consider all the factors, prioritise them and select the correct treatment for that patient in that space and time. We discuss how you as a veterinary professional, the owner/ caregiver and the patient(s) all bring a unique bias or angle to the situation, making self-reflection on what we bring to a scenario key.
We debate the ethics of a gold standard is best message, and how this may put increased pressures and expectations on veterinary professionals. We consider how failure to provide gold standard treatment to a patient can elicit mental health challenges to vets and feelings of moral distress, and how the idea of contextualized care can potentially mitigate this.
38 It could happen to any of us: a conversation about drug and alcohol dependence in the veterinary sector
with David Harris & Olivia Cormier
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses veterinary alcohol and drug dependence, withdrawal, mental health and barriers to support.
If you are affected by any of the themes discussed, please reach out:
Vetlife Helpline (24/7): 0303 040 2551
https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/
Alcohol support: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/
Drug and alcohol support: https://www.talktofrank.com/get-help/find-support-near-you
Understanding Alcohol & Drug Dependence in the Veterinary Sector
In this week’s episode, Robyn Lowe speaks with David Harris and Olivia Cormier for an open and honest discussion about substance dependence and mental health within the veterinary profession.
David shares his lived experience of developing a dependence on pain medication following a significant injury in practice. He describes the difficulty of distinguishing withdrawal symptoms from mental health struggles and physical pain at the time, and the challenges of seeking help while working in equine practice. He also explains how professional support, alongside a small circle of trusted friends and family, helped him recover and transition successfully into small animal practice.
Olivia, drawing on 13 years in equine practice and a Master’s in psychology, discusses her research into alcohol use behaviours, mental health, and the barriers that prevent veterinary professionals from seeking help. These include stigma, self-judgement, and fear of career repercussions associated with regulatory oversight by the RCVS.
Together, the discussion highlights:
• How dependence can develop and go unnoticed
• Why stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to early support
• The role of fear, shame and professional culture in delaying help-seeking
• The need for compassionate, confidential pathways to care
• How current research mirrors real lived experience within the profession
Olivia’s published study on alcohol-related stigma in UK veterinary professionals is available here:
https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4532
A second study is now underway, with Olivia beginning a PhD to further explore mental health, alcohol use and help-seeking behaviours across the sector.
This episode offers an important reminder: support is available, recovery is possible, and no veterinary professional should feel alone.
Tune in to learn more.
39 Civility Saves Lives
with Dan Tipney
Civility Saves Lives: Why Respectful Communication Matters in Veterinary Practice
This episode explores the Civility Saves Lives campaign—a healthcare initiative promoting respectful communication and addressing incivility in the workplace.
While founded in human healthcare, its principles are highly relevant to veterinary teams, where communication, team cohesion and psychological safety directly influence patient care.
Research shows that incivility can lead to:
• Decreased performance – rudeness impairs cognitive function, teamwork and decision-making
• Increased stress and burnout – contributing to job dissatisfaction and reduced wellbeing
• Patient safety risks – many clinicians report that experiencing incivility can negatively affect how they care for patients
In this discussion, Robyn Lowe speaks with Dan Tipney from VetLed about how incivility manifests in veterinary settings and why improving communication is essential—but often challenging. Together, they examine the wider impact of incivility beyond the individual involved, and how team culture can influence behaviour, safety and outcomes.
The episode explores practical strategies including:
• Recognising and addressing incivility
• Understanding intent vs impact
• Using self-reflective practices to identify our own behaviours
• Building psychologically safe environments where difficult conversations can happen constructively
This is an insightful and timely exploration of how civility can strengthen veterinary teams and safeguard both staff wellbeing and patient care.
Tune in to learn more.
40 The Creepy Crawly Vet
with Agata Witkowska
Time for some invertebrate insight from creep crawly vet, Agata Witkowska BVM BVS BVMedSci CertAVP(ZooMed) GPCert(Endo) MRCVS in conversation with our very own Robyn Lowe.
We discuss how over time, knowledge about invertebrate husbandry and medical care has grown and its dissemination helped (yet sometimes hindered) hugely by the internet. Yet, the internet may be a double-edged sword with misinformation also circulating, making it very easy for owners to receive conflicting and incorrect information and for invertebrates to be bought at the click of a button without proper knowledge and understanding of their husbandry needs and the cost and commitment of owning them responsibly.
Do we as veterinary professionals feel empowered and knowledgeable enough to direct our invertebrate clients to good sources of knowledge and to educate ourselves on invertebrate first aid?
Agata shares her passion for creepy crawlies and how special the animal human bond can be with them, despite sadly many people dismissing them as being non-sentient beings or 'disposable'. She highlights the fear of judgement some keepers, or owners of invertebrates may feel in expressing this bond.
We talk about how many of us have fears surrounding handling these creatures, and how best to overcome these feelings, recognizing than some species may cause irritation when handling them and how exposure and knowledge about the species may be helpful to some.
Listen in to hear what common issues Agata encounters in her role and her recommendations for improving invertebrate veterinary care including Carpenters formulary and Invertebrate Medicine by Lewbart.
40 Wildlife vetting and rehabilitation : Just because we can, does it mean we should?
with Emily Llewellyn
Wildlife Vetting and Rehabilitation: Just Because We Can, Does It Mean We Should?
Wildlife in the UK is diverse—and increasingly required to coexist with expanding urbanisation. Inevitably, this leads to injuries and illness, often caused directly or indirectly by human activity. But when a wild animal is found unwell, what should happen next?
In this episode, Emily Llewellyn, wildlife vet, joins us to explore the complexities of wildlife veterinary care in the UK. Together, we examine the legal, ethical and practical considerations that guide decisions around treatment, rehabilitation and release.
Key themes discussed include:
• What constitutes first aid for wildlife, and what members of the public, vet teams and rehabbers should—and should not—do
• Common wildlife casualties, what conditions are treatable, and how to handle species safely (from the prickly to the ferocious)
• Hidden risks such as zoonotic diseases and how veterinary professionals can protect themselves
• Ethical considerations including long-term prognosis, quality of life, and when rehabilitation may not be in the animal’s best interests
• How veterinary teams can build confidence in wildlife first aid and develop links with local wildlife hospitals
• How rehabbers can improve protocols, particularly around antimicrobial stewardship, to support better outcomes
Wildlife care is a passionate and sometimes contentious topic, but this episode aims to provide clarity, compassion and practical understanding for anyone involved in helping wild animals.
Useful resources for wildlife assistance:
• British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council: https://www.bwrc.org.uk/
• Help Wildlife Directory: https://directory.helpwildlife.co.uk/
• RSPCA injured wildlife guidance: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injured
Tune in to learn how we can responsibly and safely support the wildlife that share our environments.
41 From Awareness to Action: Building Inclusive Communities
with Navaratnam Partheeban
Join us for a very topical and important subject: discussion of discrimination within the veterinary community and our wider communities and what we can do to minimize this, with Robyn Lowe and co-founder of the British Ethnicity and Diversity Society, Navaratnam Partheeban.
In this insightful podcast we discuss how change starts with us, how each of us have the power to help build a more just, welcoming and diverse profession and wider community.
We talk about how this doesn’t mean knowing all the answers or most appropriate terminology all the time, instead it is about open mindedness, having conversations to understand and empower individuals who experience discriminative behaviour. It’s about supporting an individual in the way they would like it to be supported. Everyone is different and will identify differently, so if you aren’t sure how best to support them, then respectfully, ask them!
Theeb shares his daily awareness of potential prejudice or discrimination that may threaten him or his family and how he can’t shake the habit of needing to be a “good immigrant.”
We touch on how to handle clients who show prejudice. Firstly, if you see it, how do we call it out and recognise it or what it is. We talk about how different leadership styles can have a huge impact on how a staff member feels following being exposed to prejudice remarks or discriminative behaviour.
So, give it a listen, we promise it’s a good one!
And if you think discrimination doesn't impact you, then even more reason to listen to become active ally.
42 Rethinking Career Progression in Veterinary Medicine
with Jamie McClement
Doing Less, Doing It Better: Imposter Syndrome, Career Focus and the Future of Veterinary Roles
In this reflective episode, Jamie McClement BVSc MSc CertSAS FRSB FRCVS, Senior Vice Chair of the Association of Advanced Veterinary Practitioners, speaks with refreshing honesty about the pressure many in the profession feel to “do it all”—clinical work, exams, CPD, home life, side projects and more. This constant juggling act can fuel stress, dissatisfaction and imposter syndrome. But does progression really mean taking on more?
Jamie shares his journey from general practice to referral work, explaining how he once believed he needed to keep a hand in every area of veterinary medicine. Over time, he recognised that spreading himself too thin wasn’t good for him or his patients. Narrowing his focus—far from being a failure—allowed him to deliver higher-quality care, rediscover enjoyment in his work and build a sustainable career.
He reflects on the unexpected advice that helped him find direction:
“If you try to do everything—especially things you're not massively good at—it gets really stressful, and you don’t enjoy it.
I used to think having a five-year plan sounded incredibly boring… until I realised I was drifting. That simple idea turned out to be one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received.”
The conversation also explores:
• The importance of developing critical appraisal skills early, rather than only later in a career
• The evolution of the veterinary nursing profession, with RVNs gaining advanced qualifications but often returning to workplaces that don’t utilise their expanded skillsets
• The frustration and career stagnation this mismatch can cause
• How the whole profession benefits when we create space for people to grow into roles aligned with their training and experience
This episode is a timely reminder that career satisfaction doesn’t always come from expanding our workload—sometimes it comes from focusing, refining and allowing ourselves (and others) to work to their strengths.
Tune in for an honest, thoughtful look at sustainable veterinary careers.
43 Nutrition Case Files
with Charley Gray
What if the answer to your toughest cases was sitting right in the food bowl?
In this Vet Voices On Air, Robyn is joined by GP vet and founder of Companion Nutrition, Charley Gray, to uncover how asking one simple question — “What does your pet eat?” — can completely change the course of a case.
From itchy retrievers to raw-fed bulldogs and even a Frenchie whose seizures were linked to diet, Charley shares real-life stories that prove nutrition isn’t just an afterthought — it’s often the missing piece.
They dive into:
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Why nutrition should be a key part of every consultation
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How small dietary oversights can lead to big health problems
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Why open, non-judgemental conversations with owners matter more than ever
Whether you’re tackling obesity, allergies, or puzzling GI cases, this episode shows how clinical curiosity and collaborative dialogue can make nutrition one of your most powerful diagnostic tools.
44 "Just a Flesh Wound"
with John Tulloch
"Just a Flesh Wound" and "'Tis But a Scratch" — Why Workplace Injuries Deserve More Attention
In our latest Veterinary Voices On Air episode, Robyn talks with Dr John Tulloch — Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health at the University of Liverpool and RCVS Specialist — about workplace injuries in the veterinary profession and why our culture around them needs to change.
From farm and equine practice to small animal clinics, injuries remain alarmingly common — yet many go unreported or brushed off as “just part of the job.” Dr Tulloch’s research dives into how we define injury, how attitudes differ across sectors, and how small changes in workplace culture could save lives and livelihoods.
In this episode:
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Why equine vets still see high rates of head injuries and fractures — and how better helmet design and PPE could help.
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How small-animal clinicians face frequent cat and dog bites, scratches, and needlestick injuries — and how simple changes like better sharps placement and patient handover protocols reduce risk.
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The impact of under-reporting and presenteeism, where veterinary professionals continue working through pain and illness out of duty to patients and colleagues.
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The overlooked link between physical injury and mental health, and why supporting recovery should be a team priority.
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How leadership, open reporting, and culture change can help redefine safety in practice.
“We talk a lot about mental health in the profession, but physical injury and safety are rarely discussed — yet the two are deeply connected.” — Dr John Tulloch
This conversation is a must-listen for all veterinary professionals — from students and nurses to practice owners — who want to create a safer, healthier workplace
45 When “Cute” Hurts
with Dan O’Neill
When “Cute” Hurts: Rethinking What It Really Means for a Dog to Be Healthy
This week on Vet Voices On Air, Robyn talks with Professor Dan O’Neill (Royal Veterinary College, VetCompass) about a powerful new way of thinking: innate health.
Rather than asking “Does my dog have a disease?”, innate health asks:
“Can my dog actually live the full life a dog should — breathe easily, run, blink, sleep, wag, communicate and enjoy life without pain or struggle?”
Dan explains how extreme conformations — like very flat faces, bulging eyes, deep skin folds, twisted legs or missing tails — can limit those basic abilities, even before disease appears.
He also shares data from VetCompass, showing how some breeds with extreme features have shorter average lifespans. And together, we explore why public education alone hasn’t shifted buying habits, how “cute” can cloud our judgement, and how we can move toward healthier, more functional dogs without losing breed identity.
What we discuss:
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What “innate health” means and why it changes the conversation
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Evidence on lifespan and welfare from thousands of dogs
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The difference between healthy variety and harmful extremes
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How owners, vets and breeders can all play a role in change
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Why compassion and reflection work better than blame
Our goal? To make “healthy the new cute.”
46 Decision Points: The Wildlife Rehab Paradox
with Paul Reynolds
Decision Points: The Wildlife Rehab Paradox with Paul Reynolds
Vet Voices On Air with Paul Reynolds from the The British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC) & Veterinary Voices UK's Robyn.
This week’s episode takes a deep dive into some of the most challenging ethical dilemmas in wildlife rehabilitation, using the BWRC’s 10 Principles as our framework for conversation.
10 Principles - British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council: https://www.bwrc.org.uk/10-principles/
It’s an open, honest and thought-provoking conversation that acknowledges something important: wildlife care involves multiple perspectives — and they don’t always align.
In this episode, Paul and Robyn explore how public expectations, rehabilitation centre realities, and veterinary clinical decision-making can sometimes pull in different directions. From questions around treatment thresholds and release suitability, to the emotional weight of euthanasia decisions, we unpack why different groups may see the same situation differently — and why that’s okay (but also requires some understanding and respect, as wildlife facilities and veterinary professionals often face substantial abuse for their decisions around wildlife care)
What we cover:
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Why members of the public often see saving an animal as the only ethical outcome
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How rehabbers balance compassion, resources, legislation and welfare
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The veterinarian’s responsibility to consider suffering, prognosis and humane limits
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The importance of understanding biosecurity, facility standards and the wider ecosystem
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And most importantly… how we can communicate with more empathy, transparency and shared understanding
Whether you’re in clinical practice, wildlife rescue, conservation, or just curious about the realities behind these tough calls — this is a conversation worth hearing.