Page 61 - eclipse - Autumn 2018

Medicine where I gained the Certificate in Small Animal Medicine, all at the RVC. I had 13 wonderful years in small animal practice and then took a break from the profession to build and own a disability awareness training business with a business partner. Here I developed skills in sales and marketing, social media advertising, running a business, learning sign language, as well as finding an interest in photography, videography and editing. I gained various diplomas in these objects as well as in autism awareness.
I still dipped in and out of vetting during this time (as small favours for friends and family really) and found the pull of the profession too hard to ignore. Therefore as from June this year, I returned to the profession working for Vets Now, practising OOH emergency and critical care medicine and surgery. No regrets so far!
Michelle O’Brien (1999)
After graduating in 1999, I worked in general practice
and exotic referral work for six and a half years, gaining my Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2005. I moved out of practice to begin working at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in 2006 and have worked there ever since in the role of Veterinary and Wildlife Health Officer, where I provide healthcare and advice for all taxa (avian, amphibian, mammalian, fish and invertebrate) held in seven WWT centres throughout the UK.
I am also involved in the healthcare and captive breeding of species of conservation concern (either to maintain an arked population or to breed animals for reintroductions) in the role
of Veterinary Advisor to projects such as the Great Crane Project and Spoon-billed Sandpiper Conservation Breeding Programme. I conduct applied conservation, policy-relevant research and surveillance including laboratory analysis, and
am involved in a wide variety of field work including disease screening for Avian Influenza, Avian Tuberculosis and Chytridiomycosis. I also gained my Diploma in Zoo Health Management from the European College of Zoological Medicine in 2017 and continue to greatly enjoy working in
a zoological setting.
Olivia de Rivaz (nee Hicks) (2006)
I am a 2006 RVC graduate. After many years of combining locum work around the country (a great way to see the UK!) with stints of charity work abroad (a great way to see the world!), I have now settled in Wiltshire, where I combine being a small animal locum with establishing a small art business called Olivia de Rivaz. I paint animals, and sell prints and cards of my paintings. Last year I was taken
on as a featured artist by a company called Wraptious, who produce a range of giftware with my designs – which are starting to appear in shops around the country. Its
early days, but I am enjoying combining being a vet with something very different and creative!
Please take a look at my website oliviaderivaz.com.
CLASSNOTES
Charlotte Gresham (2016)
After graduating in 2016 I have been working in a busy small animal and exotics practice in Bedford. Despite being early in my career I feel the initial development has been massive, and I hope to specialise further in small animal neurology in the future.
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