The leadership program offered by VetPartners has proved to be a fantastic opportunity for both developing the skills to step into a management role and networking with like-minded peers. When approached by my managing vet to participate in this program, I jumped at the opportunity as it allowed me to build my leadership and management skills in a more structured setting than veterinarians are often afforded. As a result, it has provided me with a strong foundation of tools and knowledge to put into practice to benefit my workplace, and to further my career development.

Since undertaking the program I have been offered the opportunity to co-manage my workplace of over 40 staff, and this program has given me the confidence and competence to tackle this new and challenging role head-on. It is fantastic to be involved with a company who is investing in the future of their staff, and actively helping progress our careers.

I was previously a Veterinary Nurse at Corio & Lara Veterinary Clinics for 17 years, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of a Veterinary Clinic. With this experience, I was offered to further my career to become a Practice Manager within Vetpartners.

I was very happy that they were so obliging to allow me to continue on as Head Nurse, keeping up to date with my nursing skills, whilst taking on this new position. The transitional process was smooth sailing with the support, encouragement and aid of Vetpartners.

Vetpartners is a very well organised and successful business which really shows in the commitment they have to providing the training and effective tools for me to achieve success within my workplace. They have a great network of support staff who are willing to offer as little or as much assistance as required. I feel comfortable knowing that this great network is only a phone call away.

I was honoured to be given this opportunity and love being a valued and respected member of the Vetpartners team, whilst providing a great service to my local community.

I started working for Vets4Pets 15 years ago as a school student folding reminders and stamping envelopes. Over the years the practice has provided me with support through my Veterinary Nursing Qualifications followed by enabling me the time to complete my Frontline Management course. My roles went from Office after school helper to Veterinary Nurse to Head Nurse of Vets4Pets Northgate and Hospital Administrator of our Vets4Pets Golden Grove Emergency Hospital. In 2016 with the changeover to VetPartners further opportunities were created. Over the past two years with the support of my Regional Operations Manager and the VetPartners Support Centre Team, I have been able to transition into the role of Vets4Pets Group Practice Manager currently operating in seven locations.

Personally, being an employee of VetPartners opens many opportunities to acquire further knowledge and coaching from the various resources provided by the company. As a Manager, it is reassuring to know that when you are faced with new challenges or need assistance, you always have a team of support to turn too. VetPartners is providing me with a wide range of support and resources with HR, Payroll, Marketing, IT and so on.

During my final year of university, I undertook clinical placements in two of the Sydney based VetPartners clinics. I was impressed by the collaborative approach to cases and the gold standard of care practiced by the vets. I was very excited when the opportunity came up for me to begin my veterinary career within such a supportive and high-quality environment.

I found the new graduate intern program gave me the right amount of support, with the opportunity to ask senior vets for assistance when required. Rotating through numerous Sydney clinics allowed me to work up a varied caseload and communicate with clients of differing socioeconomic backgrounds, therefore resulting in a broader grounding to case management.

Professionally, I have found the program to be an excellent networking opportunity, working with wonderful colleagues at each of the practices. This networking has led to full-time employment within the group following the completion of my internship. I believe I have continued to grow and develop in my career thanks to the opportunities that VetPartners has given me.

VetPartners have provided me with many opportunities to further my education and knowledge. I have been able attend the VNCA conference, had access to many online seminars and learning opportunities and have been able to go to hands on day courses in animal handling.

I am currently enrolled in the Leadership and Management diploma with VetPartners which is enabling me to develop skills that I can use in my role as a Head Veterinary Nurse. VetPartners have a strong education focus and provide an online education portal for their employees which includes seminars and courses.

When VetPartners acquired Canberra Vet Hospital in December 2017, I became the lead vet and now share the responsibility of the success of the hospital with the practice manager.

I have really enjoyed the challenges this new role is presenting and cannot speak more highly of the VetPartners team and the support I have received — everyone has been friendly, approachable, helpful, reassuring and caring. VetPartners are also supporting me in a diploma in Leadership and Management to increase my knowledge and understanding of the expectations of the lead vet role. I also enjoy being part of a group of practices, and the opportunities for support from other lead vets and team members.

I have completed the majority of my specialist surgical training, including my internship, residency and registrar position at North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre. It is an absolute privilege to be mentored by world-class specialist surgeons and to work alongside a wonderful and friendly team of veterinary experts. The time I have spent with VetPartners has help my career grow enormously.

I consider it vital to make available to Indian and Nepal Non-Governmental Organisation’s (NGO’s) the clinics resources of time, staff skills, equipment, fundraising ability and client support. This can be hard to juggle at times but the effort is worthwhile. My staff and I have supported Vets Beyond Borders (VBB), Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS), Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust (HART) and several other smaller independent Indian NGO’s for a number of years. This September/October, I will be travelling to Dharamsala Animal Rescue (DAR) to support the incredible efforts Dr Sonia Thakur is making there.

After qualifying in 2014 and working in mixed practice in rural South West Scotland, I was at a bit of a crossroads.  I had a young family and the opportunity to invest in the practice I was working for, or try something different and go abroad.  I contacted several groups of employers in Australia directly and found that VetPartners best met my needs.  I had a couple of interviews via Skype and started the process of applying for a visa with the assistance of VetPartners HR team and an independent visa consultant.

VetPartners were very helpful throughout the whole process and understanding of the fact we needed a bit of flexibility until we found our feet.  I feel I have slotted right into life as an Aussie vet and the team around me are helpful and supportive.  The standards of care; medications and diagnostic and treatment options are similar to the UK, however, the wildlife is slightly different! It is also interesting to be spending winter in 18-degree heat and everybody complaining how cold it is? I have enjoyed my experience with VetPartners. The managers, vets and nurses are easy to work with, and I would (and have) recommend it to anyone.