Veterinary Ramblings

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 del...

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 practica...

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 reintroduct...

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 resist...

In this episode, Julian and Mike introduce Allison Johansson, an expert on managing stress and trauma. The discussion revolves around techniques for dealing with acute and chronic stress, using unconventional but effective methods such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and polyvagal theory.  Allison explains how to identify and address stress responses, comparing them to a sm...

In this episode, Dr Dave Nicol joins Julian and Mike to share his journey from veterinary practice owner to author and mentor for aspiring vets. Together, they explore the complexities of leadership within veterinary medicine, the vital role of mentorship, and Dr Nicol's innovative approach to enhancing both emotional and practical support for new graduates.  The conversation also touches on his p...

In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings , hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by wildlife conservationist Nicky Fish for an inspiring exploration of bats, biodiversity, and beyond.  Nicky shares her deep knowledge of bat conservation, discussing the threats they face from climate change and wind farms, while shedding light on their remarkable echolocation abilities. The conversation als...

Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad welcome renowned veterinary neurologist Clare Rusbridge to discuss her work on Chiari malformation and syringomyelia in toy breed dogs.  Clare discusses the challenges of diagnosing and managing these conditions, the genetic and breeding factors involved, and the significant impact on canine health. The discussion touches on Clare's efforts to develop better screening...

In this episode, Mike and Julian sit down with Jackie Brearley, a trailblazer in the veterinary field as one of Cambridge's first female veterinary students. Jackie shares her inspiring journey, from overcoming a nervous breakdown to finding solace in marathon running—starting at the age of 60. We explore her latest passion: wild fermentation. Jackie explains the fascinating role of local microorg...

In this episode, Mike and Julian introduce Georgina Parsons, a driving force behind the National Union of Registered Veterinary Nurses (NURVN). The discussion covers Georgina's decade-long career as a veterinary nurse, her passion for the profession, and her role in advocating for nurses' rights and recognition through NURVN. The conversation delves into common issues veterinary nurses face, such...

Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to discuss osteoarthritis in dogs. They explore the challenges of managing chronic pain, the importance of communication with pet owners, and share tips for creating a comprehensive treatment plan. Hannah also shares her experiences traveling through Europe in a camper van and the inspiration behind CAM...

In this episode, we explore the importance of civility in the workplace with Helen Silver-MacMahon, a registered veterinary nurse pursuing a PhD in non-technical skills for veterinary nurses. Helen shares insights on managing stress, the power of empathy, and effective communication, including how to handle incivility. She discusses her journey from veterinary nursing to her current research and o...

In this episode, we sit down with renowned consultant HPB and emergency surgeon Giles Bond Smith to gain deep insights into the life of a surgeon in human medicine. We cover a range of topics, from the humorous maxim 'knife before life before wife' to exploring the essentials of surgical site infection control. Giles shares the importance of inclusive team dynamics, the challenges of surgical emer...

In this episode, Julian and Mike have a fascinating conversation with Cath Bishop, an inspirational speaker, author, and former Olympic rower. They discuss a range of topics including Cath's Olympic journey and her experiences speaking at the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Congress. Cath shares her insights on leadership, corporate culture, and the importance of redefining succes...

Join Julian and Mike as they chat with Holger Volk, a prominent neurologist, neurosurgeon, and recipient of several Jim Bee educator excellent in teaching awards, Gerhard-Domagk-Award, Bourgelat Award from BSAVA, the International Canine Health Award from the Kennel Club, and the RCVS International Award.  The conversation dives into fascinating topics such as the impact of diet on neurological co...

Julian and Mike sit down with Charlie and Alicia, the key figures behind the scenes at Tesseract Media Services, the masterminds behind the production of Veterinary Ramblings. Their conversation spans a range of topics, from lighthearted discussions about their favourite bread to profound insights on cultivating a healthier, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Charlie and Alicia share their journey of...

In this episode, we're joined by Jack Peploe from Veterinary IT Services to discuss his top tips for IT security and learn more about his fascinating 'high-flying' hobbies outside of work. We learn how Jack got into IT from a young age, helping his school with their IT systems, leading him to forge his own path by starting a business at 16 with the support of his family. We also discuss different...

In this episode, Craig Tessyman, a nurse team leader for the exotics department at Rutland House, joins Julian and Mike to discuss his recent endeavours and developments in the field of veterinary nursing, particularly in exotic animal care.  He highlights his team's use of the Adaptix 3D x-ray machine, which has revolutionized diagnostics with its ability to provide detailed, sliced 3D images, he...

 In this episode, Jamil Dowling, a veterinary graduate who previously joined the hosts as a student, returns to share his extraordinary journey post-graduation. Starting with his unconventional entrance into vet school, Jamil discusses his recent experiences working in various countries, including Bolivia, the US, Mexico, and plans for Australia.  He reflects on the valuable lessons learned while...

 In this weeks episode, Julian and Mike are joined by Angie and Jules, two women with a combined experience of 65 years in ultrasound, now focused on enhancing ultrasound skills within the veterinary field.  Starting with a light-hearted discussion about their favourite bread, the conversation quickly shifts to the serious topic of veterinary ultrasound diagnostics. Angie, a former radiographer tu...

 Join Nicola Jarvis, a passionate veterinary surgeon from Red Wings Horse Sanctuary, as she shares her fascinating experiences in this light-hearted chat. Nicola qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1990 and after working in mixed practice in Norfolk, she became Rossdales’ first ever intern in 1993. Nicky then joined Redwings Horse Sanctuary in 1996 as a locum and loved it so much she ne...

In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming world of dog rescue and advocacy with the incredible Tracey Turnbull. Introduced to us by former guest Louise Buckley, Tracey enlightens us on the latest challenges facing dog charities, focusing on the complexities surrounding Brucella Canis, overseas rescues, and the financial aspects involved. Beginning with the intricacies of adoption fees, Trace...

To celebrate the festive season, Julian Hoad interviews Mike Brampton who provides a compelling account of his life as an Arctic explorer, guide and wildlife photographer. From learning to drive powerboats to navigating the unpredictable waters and ice flows of the Arctic in search of polar bears, Mike shares captivating tales about his journey, his responsibilities, and the mesmerising natural ph...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Shannon Emmons, a practice owner, Education Committee Co-Chair and a member of the Board of Directors for the veterinary mental health organization, Not One More Vet, Inc. Join us for a down-to-earth conversation about the realities of veterinary life and the importance of mental health awareness!  We kick off the conversation by getting to know Shannon better,...

Join us as we delve into the world of cancer research with the incredible Doug Thamm. We kick things off by exploring Doug's groundbreaking study on utilizing salmonella to target cancer cells and discuss the evolution of this innovative approach. Moving through the episode, we get an inside look at the cancer service at Colorado State University, where Doug contributes to the 'One Cure' mission,...