December 2020

Jane draws her 2020 blogs to a close with an introduction to a new canine companion.

7 mins

Jordan Sinclair explains how important it is, particularly during the COVID pandemic, to ensure any puppy purchase is made from a scrupulous breeder rather than a con artist out to make a quick buck.

13 mins

In the second of a four-parter, Nick Marsh asks what good a few lymphocytes are against an army of antigen invaders, while inelegantly shoehorning a Star Wars reference into the title.

17 mins

While it's good to learn from mistakes, it can sometimes be difficult to forgive yourself. So, Gerardo Poli explains how setting a time limit to think about the mistake can help you manage negative emotions and move forward.

6 mins

In her 2020 Christmas message, Jane Davidson takes a moment to discuss one of the most important topics to face the profession at this time of year – how to divvy up the Christmas treat pile.

8 mins

As England moves into its new tiered system of restrictions, Jordan Sinclair summarises how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the veterinary profession, and her team personally – from initial lockdown to the situation we find ourselves in today.

17 mins

November 2020

Based on her own observations, Jane Davidson offers her anecdotal take on the problems caused by puppies purchased throughout lockdown by unprepared owners.

10 mins

Eleanor realises a long-held dream as her wildlife MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation sees her take on a day of wildlife-related EMS, which includes treating flamingos at Bristol Zoo Gardens.

11 mins

In the first of a two-parter, Nick Marsh looks at the role of lymphocytes and tries to figure out if, in pop culture terms, they're more Bridget Jones or Mickey and Mallory Knox... or a bit of both?

18 mins

Eleanor Goad looks at some of the massive changes in law brought about by those who dedicate themselves to worthy causes, and hopes she can have even a fraction of the impact via her own research.

11 mins

David Charles offers some thoughts and tips on how new graduates can navigate the challenges of feeling socially isolated while beginning their careers in practice.

14 mins

Jane reminisces about the days when old newspapers were commonly used to line litter trays and the small, childish feeling of satisfaction she experienced whenever certain celebrities met a sticky end.

7 mins

Being told there was “no point in mixed vets anymore” just made blogger Jordan more determined to apply for jobs in this oft-maligned field. Here, she explains how mixed roles can benefit new grads.

18 mins

October 2020

Gerardo Poli describes the power of these statements, and how to use them to challenge and overcome self-doubt.

8 mins

Having barely begun her wildlife rehabilitation course, Eleanor Goad has learned far more than expected – from gynaecological facts about kangaroos to the sad truth behind wildlife casualties.

10 mins

While RCVS VN council has approved an alternative assessment method for OSCEs under social distancing guidelines, blogger Jane Davidson offers up her own tongue-in-cheek real-world version of the exams.

7 mins

In the third part of her series on access to veterinary education – with a focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds – Jordan delves into the financial issues faced by postgraduate students.

Walking your dog used to be quite a simple thing before coronavirus, but now it's a task fraught with anxiety-inducing issues that require an increasing degree of caution, writes Eleanor Goad.

12 mins

Jordan Sinclair tackles the topic of how to attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds and, other than fuelling the fire at an early age, finds much of the problem still often comes down to money.

17 mins

Nick Marsh describes the COVID journey the veterinary profession has been on – from colleague cuts to muddled messages – and wonders how many other professions working through this crisis have also shared the same experience.

14 mins