Veterinary Ramblings

Ellie Lee joins us to share the remarkable journey of opening Manchester Cat Clinic with her husband just two years ago. From renovating a derelict building into an award-winning practice to learning the hard lessons of long hours and leadership, Ellie talks cats, community, and carving out independence in a corporate-heavy landscape.

Angela Willemsen’s career spans human nursing, the Royal Australian Air Force, veterinary medicine, and a PhD in infection control. She shares how her journey shaped a passion for public health, One Health, and teaching infection prevention in veterinary practice.

Along the way, Angela also opens up about moon bear welfare, workplace culture, and why small changes in hygiene can make a big difference for both animals and people.

Neil Forbes joins us again to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of veterinary hygiene. From hidden pathogens to the culture of “good enough,” he shares why measuring cleanliness matters more than we think. Along the way, he explores culture change, infection control, and even shares a vulture success story.

What do rare spaniels, sled dogs, and civility at work have in common? In this episode, Sara Jackson shares how an accidental encounter with a Sussex Spaniel grew into a passion for breed advocacy and animal welfare.

Along the way, she opens up about the quirks of veterinary life, the challenges of responsible breeding, and why kindness and positive psychology matter more than ever in our profession. 

Niall Connell shares his remarkable journey from an unexpected start in veterinary medicine to a career filled with orthopaedic challenges, leadership roles, and advocacy for accessibility and inclusion.

The conversation meanders through Niall’s early days as a vet, his candid reflections on living and working with MS, and the transformative impact of mobility aids. Neil offers practical wisdom on accessibility while also touching on the importance of empathy, positive outlook, and lived experience in both professional and personal life.

Along the way, the trio reminisce about music festivals, first concerts, and the quirks of British culture, all while celebrating the resilience and adaptability of the veterinary profession.

To celebrate Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, we’re flipping the script - literally. Matt Rendle and Jo Megarity step in as guest hosts, giving Mike and Julian a taste of the guest seat for once.

We discuss the vital role of veterinary nurses, their professional evolution, and notable experiences in the field. The discussion highlights the indispensable teamwork between vets and nurses, the evolving educational standards, and crucial issues like imposter syndrome and professional respect.

This isn’t just another episode - it’s a proper celebration of the voices that deserve to be heard more often! 

Dr David Williams joins Mike and Julian for an extensive conversation that spans various topics including the power of a bow tie, lifelong learning, and the intersection of faith and veterinary medicine. Dr Williams shares heartwarming anecdotes from his life and career, recounts his near-death experience, and discusses the importance of joy and empathy in veterinary practice. The episode also delves into ophthalmology, highlighting Dr Williams' expertise and passion for teaching. This engaging conversation is filled with humour, wisdom, and a deep love for veterinary science.

In this episode, Mike and Julian are joined by Andy Green – small animal vet, leadership mentor, and Director at the employee-owned Pennard Vets.

Andy explores the importance of forming habits, nurturing a growth mindset, and the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Learn how he has mastered the guitar, adopted daily practices, and even ventured into helicopter flying.

Packed with practical tips on staying present, communicating effectively in vet consultations, and fostering a positive mindset, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform their daily routine and achieve mastery in various aspects of life.

In this engaging episode of Veterinary Ramblings, Mike and Julian are joined by Rebecca Amos from the Highland Wildlife Park. Rebecca sheds light on her intriguing work involving the reintroduction of wild cats, challenges of conservation projects, and the diverse species she works with, including polar bears and medicinal leeches. The conversation ranges from the specifics of wild cat reintroduction, the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity, to the fascinating world of invertebrate medicine. Rebecca also shares personal anecdotes about her life in the Highlands, including her climbing adventures and love for the majestic landscapes. The episode is packed with informative discussions on wildlife conservation, the adaptation of polar bears to changing climates, and the potential future of de-extinction projects.

In this episode, Mike and Julian are joined by Fergus Allerton, a leading voice in antimicrobial stewardship within veterinary medicine, to tackle the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

They kick things off with a light-hearted chat about sore throats and antibiotics before diving into the complexities of AMR and the global risks it poses. Fergus breaks down how antimicrobial resistance develops, why responsible antibiotic use is critical, and highlights key initiatives like the PROTECT ME guidelines and Antibiotic Amnesty.

The conversation also explores parallels between human and veterinary medicine, the role of education—especially for children, and how One Health links human and animal health.

Fergus shares his personal experiences, including his work as an independent visitor with Barnardo’s and his passion for veterinary medicine. To wrap up, he takes on the 60-second CPD challenge, offering practical, actionable steps for vets to make a real impact in antimicrobial stewardship.

🎧 Tune in to find out how YOU can play a role in protecting antibiotics for future generations!