This week we are joined by the fantastic Craig Tessyman RVN!Craig started working in practice as a student in 1999 and has worked in small animal practice, referral, emergency out of hours and charity medicine.  He explains how his appearance breaks the mould of what you would expect a veterinary nurse to look like and how he hopes it will make the industry more inclusive!For the last 6 years, he has worked 100% with non-traditional companion animals (NTCAs or anything that is not a traditional cat or dog). We discuss why there is a need to call exotic animals none traditional companion animals and Craig shares his journey of career progression alongside his hopes for his future within the BVNA council.We also talk about the state of the veterinary profession as a whole,  including the industry staffing issues, joint venture partnerships and a particular patient Craig has worked with that has since gone viral online!Lastly, Craig delivers a thoughtful  60-second CPD entitled 'Things they should have tortoise' (Hint: it has something to do with cats!?) and the nuanced ways spider owners can tell what their needs are to avoid getting bitten.Support the show