We spoke to Bethan Gray BVetMed CVLM MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon from Dragon Vets (IVC Cheltenham), to find out more about how an accident changed her pathway.
Can you tell us a little about your career journey so far and what first sparked your interest in leadership and management?
Lambing at my grandparents’ farm in Anglesey was when I first decided that I wanted to be a vet. I didn’t get onto the vet course initially and started working as a veterinary nurse in a local practice. This was an amazing experience which I continued until I started studying veterinary medicine at the RVC, London. I qualified in 2006 and have enjoyed exploring different roles through my veterinary passport.
I’ve worked in the charity sector, including at a PDSA Hospital, volunteered for the WVS neutering stray dogs in Thailand and Panama and more locally for StreetVet in Gloucester. I was a Regional Senior Veterinary Inspector for APHA, acting as a front-line case vet for notifiable diseases, welfare and compliance and worked with stakeholders to help protect our food security in a holistic one health approach. Overall, I have been a small animal vet in practice for 16 years working in independent practices, ECC hospitals and as a locum in the UK and Australia.
Three years ago, I broke my wrist playing football with my children. In my 40s and with subsequent surgeries needed, I realised that I had left myself quite vulnerable. This sparked my search for a non-clinical qualification in leadership and management to broaden my skill set and provide a more sustainable veterinary career.
Having completed the Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management (CVLM), what initially encouraged you to enrol and what were you hoping to gain from the qualification?
Compared to other courses, I liked the flexibility, having a 1-1 tutor, the dual accreditation with ILM, the choice of modules and the reflective essay style format. The VMG also gave me an opportunity to speak to other tutees about juggling this around childcare. I was nervous asking for my CPD allowance to be put towards non-clinical study, but luckily my practice said yes.
You recently spoke at VMG Congress – what was that experience like, and why do you think events like Congress are so important for veterinary professionals?
Amazing, I was so appreciative of the opportunity that VMG gave me – it’s not something a normal vet like me ever gets the chance to do! Yes, I was a little nervous, but Amy Martin kindly provided open support in the run-up. It was great to talk about my lived experiences through a topic that I am passionate about, ‘Sustainable Veterinary Retention’. It was an absolute joy to see that the editors of the Vet Times and BSAVA Companion both featured articles about my talk. The Congress overall sparked so much collaborative engagement, curiosity and it helps the profession to feel more united.
Looking back, how has completing the CVLM influenced your confidence, leadership approach, or career development?
It has enabled me to develop a different skill set that will hopefully open doors to provide me with a longer, sustainable career within the veterinary profession. Prior to my injury, I had realised the difficulties accessing clinical based certificates when working part-time, so this achievement has been a real confidence boost.
What aspects of the CVLM did you find most valuable or most applicable to your everyday role in practice?
Understanding different leadership styles, the impact this can have on performance, engagement, culture and how this can impact client experience. I’ve worked in many different practices with varied leadership styles, so it’s great to understand the theory and reflect on this.
What advice would you give to someone who may be considering the CVLM but feels unsure?
Reach out to the VMG to chat through any barriers you have. For me, it’s been the most rewarding CPD that I’ve ever done with a great supportive network and fantastic tutors. So, from me, it’s a 100% do it.
