Case study
Dr Olivia Bass gives an insight into her work within veterinary education and offers advice on getting into this area of work.
What was your career path from graduation to your current role?
During my veterinary medicine degree at the University of Nottingham, I was given the opportunity to undertake a PGCert Veterinary Education between my third and fourth year at the school.
At the time, I had planned to do this in order to have flexibility in my career later in life. I had always wanted to go into practice, but I like to be prepared, and I thought undertaking this qualification would allow me to open doors in the future.
I was not prepared for how much I enjoyed the experience, and how this year became my favourite year of my degree. I enjoyed supporting the pre-clinical year students in learning what I had already learnt and was able to empathise with them during their studies.
In March 2020, I was preparing to undertake some of my last clinical rotations prior to sitting my finals when the lockdown was enforced across the UK. The Vet School did an incredible job of supporting us online during this time, which meant I was able to graduate on time with my peers. I unfortunately didn’t have a job lined up, as the graduate scheme I was keen to join was cancelled due to the pandemic and I felt uncomfortable signing a contract for a job where I was unable to meet the team properly and see the practice.
A role at the Vet School was advertised to me by a close friend. Initially I thought there was no way they would employ such a recent graduate, but at this point I had nothing to lose and although this role was a career move I was planning to make later in life, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity not to apply to a place which felt like home.
Fast forward two and half years, I have been working at the school since November 2020. I’m extremely fortunate for this position, as it allows me to do the two things I love – teach and be a vet!
What does your current role involve?
I have a hybrid role which means I work a few days a week on campus teaching veterinary students years one to four, then I work the other days of the week being a vet in clinical practice with the final-year students helping them to achieve their day one competencies.
The highlights of my week usually surround supporting final-year students consulting with ‘real clients’. I enjoy building their confidence and developing their skills, while also working with the clinical associate practices and speaking to owners. This was a huge part of my career that I didn’t want to miss out on – I enjoy having consistency with clients and look forward to seeing them each year.
The other highlights of my week usually surround my team, I really enjoy working with such a varied team. I was very lucky to have so many mentors and colleagues who wanted support me in my first year of my career. These colleagues have now become close friends and make work a hugely enjoyable place to be.
Some challenges I have faced since starting my role have been around my lack of experience in practice (due to starting a career in academia straight away). Not many academics have started their career the way I have, which sometimes I find quite daunting. It is easy for me to doubt myself and my abilities, but I am working on my confidence in myself and now two years in I feel I am really starting to feel positive about the impact I make in education.
Do you have any advice to students on choosing a career or gaining employment in this area?
My one top tip for following a career in veterinary medicine, whether it be in education, in practice, in industry or diversifying, is to be open to different things.
I had never planned to start working in education this early in my career, but my experience has only been positive and I would recommend the career highly. If you are at all interested in education, particularly within the veterinary profession, I would recommend trying to complete a PgCert in Vet Ed or a PGCHE in Higher Education to work at a university.
However, I do believe throughout the profession there are plenty of opportunities to teach – coaching new graduates, helping train student RVNs, running CPD sessions, working with veterinary students on placements and supporting work experience students are some of the many ways vets can be involved in teaching.
As clinicians, we communicate with clients on a daily basis regarding their pet’s health and this often involves teaching and learning, if you find you have a passion for this in the clinics, consider a role in education.