Page 46 - Eclipse - Autumn/Winter 2024

From animation to animals:

Tom Jenkins’ unique path to poultry medicine

om’s journey to veterinary an experience that solidified his desire helicopter just yet
medicine wasn’t straightforward. to become a veterinarian. The summer (he’s been issued
Growing up in Cardiff, his school provided him with a deeper a company car
Tinitial dream was to become understanding of the profession and instead) Tom is
an animator, a passion that drove him the confidence that this was the path thriving in his new
through his early school years. he wanted to pursue. And in 2019, Tom role. In just a short
began his BVetMed course at the RVC. time, he has already
As the years went by, Tom realised prescribed medication
that his love for art had waned, It wasn’t until Tom participated in an for over 150,000 animals, a feat that
particularly during his GCSE art AHEMS placement that he considered few of his peers can claim!
classes. Despite this shift, Tom noticed his particular career path. During the
a recurring theme in his sketches – placement, a farmer jokingly suggested Tom’s work takes him across the UK,
he was always drawing animals. that Tom should join the St David’s conducting solo visits to farms and
This, coupled with his natural aptitude Poultry team, because of their company integrating himself into the various
for biology, began to steer his aspirations helicopter. What began as a humorous branches of the practice. Through
in a new direction. comment sparked Tom’s curiosity, these experiences, he is rapidly gaining
leading him to explore poultry medicine knowledge and building relationships
The turning point came in 2017 when
Tom attended the “Night at the more seriously. with farmers and colleagues alike.
Vet College” event at the RVC in In his fourth year, he secured a Tom has also found that the role allows
Camden. Here, he was captivated by a placement with St David’s Poultry, him the ability to manage his own diary,
live dissection performed by Head of where he found his true calling. The the travel time between sites providing
Anatomy, Andrew Crook. The image experience confirmed his decision to more time for check-in calls for clients
of Crook skilfully dissecting a goat left specialise in poultry, a field not many of and colleagues, or simply listen to
a lasting impression on Tom (as did his his peers had considered. podcasts, which in turn contribute to
gold watch!). This experience ignited his Now a graduate, Tom has not only having a healthy work-life balance.
interest in veterinary medicine, inspiring entered the field of poultry veterinary His journey from aspiring animator to
him to explore this field further.
medicine but has also secured a position poultry vet is a testament to the power of
Following this, Tom attended the RVC at the very practice that piqued his following one’s passions, even when they
Sutton Trust Summer School in 2018, interest. While he may not be flying in a take you in unexpected directions.

Tom as a Student Ambassador during Open Farm Sunday.
See page 32 to find out more about
our Student Ambassador scheme.

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