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 also dives into the art of bodging, building wildlife-friendly habitats, and Nicky’s personal...

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 methods and public awareness, alongside her struggles against breeder resistance.  The episode...

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 microorganisms in the process and candidly discusses the challenges of launching a safe and sustainable...

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 as inadequate pay and lack of respect, and how the NURVN aims to address these challenges....

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. The episode emphasises the need for a supportive veterinary community and provides valuable...

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 offers practical advice for thriving in the veterinary profession. The episode also includes a...

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 emergencies, and offers practical advice for reducing infection rates. Whether you're in the...

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 success through her book 'The Long Win.' The episode also touches on her venture into poetry, her new...

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 conditions like epilepsy in dogs, the revolutionary concept of behaviour transplants, and the use...

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 founding Tesseract Media Services, offering valuable advice on building a successful business...

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 technological developments including the best way to use AI, what ethical hacking actually means...

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, helping in the treatment of various animals, including exotics like bearded dragons and bats....

 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 navigating the profession globally, contrasting the veterinary practices and opportunities in the...

 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 turned ultrasound specialist, shares her journey from human to veterinary sonography, emphasizing...

 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 never left! Redwings currently cares for over 1500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules at...

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, Tracey walks us through the process, shedding light on what it means to rescue special needs dogs....

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 phenomena he encounters. He delves into the challenges of balancing his duties towards guests,...

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, exploring the challenges she faced as a new vet and business owner amid the uncertainties of the...

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, revolutionizing cancer treatment in veterinary medicine. Ever wondered what a day in the life of...

Join us on this episode of "Veterinary Ramblings" as we welcome Periwinkle Kaur, the Director of ESU Medical Solutions. With a unique blend of medical expertise and business acumen, Periwinkle is on a mission to transform both the veterinary and private healthcare industries.We kick off the show, true to our "veterinary ramblings" style, by delving into the whimsical topic of Periwinkle's favourite type of bread. But don't be fooled, our conversation quickly takes a serious turn as we explore...

In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings, we are thrilled to welcome the distinguished Sarah Heath from Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice. As Julian recalls his first encounter with Sarah during her tenure as a lecturer at the RVC, they embark on a journey through Sarah's career and evolving attitudes towards companion animals.Sarah's passion for animal behavior and veterinary medicine unfolds, from farm holidays as a child to a pivotal lecture that changed the course of her life as a...

This week we're delighted to be joined by Dr Andy Moores,  an internationally-recognised expert in small animal orthopaedics!Andy has had an interesting journey from almost not getting into veterinary school to being a double-boarded specialist. We start this week's episode by discussing Andy's time at Bristol University and the importance of finding your passion to be able to succeed and find joy in learning.  His clear passion for veterinary orthopaedics really shines through as we discuss...

We're delighted to be joined by award-winning writer and former BSAVA President Professor Ian Ramsey. Join us as we delve into the pivotal moments that shaped Ian's career and explore the evolving landscape of veterinary education and practice.The episode commences with Ian recounting his early passion for veterinary science, sparked by a biology homework assignment. We learn how this childhood fascination paved the way for his decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and ultimately...

This week we are joined by Dr Alick Simmons, a distinguished expert with a captivating career in animal welfare. Dr. Simmons takes us on a journey through his fascinating experiences and the motivation behind writing his groundbreaking book, 'Treated Like Animals: Improving The Lives Of Animals We Own, Eat And Use.'Together, we delve into the complex concept of animal sentience and explore the intriguing ways in which various species are perceived and treated differently by society.One of the...