What was your original inspiration for your career choice?
I decided on a career in physiotherapy as I knew there was a route I could take that would mean I could work with animals as well as people. I have always had a love for animals, so it seemed a natural progression.

How did you become a Veterinary Physiotherapist?
After PF, I moved to Canada with my family and I went to High School in Toronto. One of the subjects I took was kinesiology (the study of movement, biomechanics and anatomy) which I really enjoyed and it inspired me to do a physiotherapy degree. I qualified as a Human Physiotherapist in 2007 from the University of Hertfordshire and I worked for the NHS, progressing to Senior Physiotherapist. I always knew that I wanted to do a master’s degree in veterinary physiotherapy. In 2015 I felt that it was the right time to pursue this, so I enrolled at Hartpury University Centre in Gloucestershire.

What qualifications did you need to be a Veterinary Physiotherapist?
I needed a BSc in physiotherapy and a master’s degree in veterinary physiotherapy.

What does your typical day at Fitzpatrick Referrals involve?
First thing, each morning, we have a meeting with the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses to discuss how the animals are progressing in their recovery and this is when the surgeons refer the patients (dogs and the occasional cat!) who require physiotherapy. We then prioritise our caseload for the day, which involves assessing new patients and performing daily treatment.

We are also part of the discharge appointments for when the animals go home to their owners. Each day can be completely different, depending on the level of care the animal needs.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
One of the greatest rewards in this job is to see the difference our work makes to the animals. Veterinary Physiotherapists work with animals following injury, disease or after surgery. Seeing the animals improve both physically and within themselves is really rewarding. The whole team at Fitzpatrick Referrals makes sure the animals receive the best possible care and it is a pleasure to be a part of it. I also really enjoy seeing how happy both the dogs and their owners are when they are reunited; it makes you fully appreciate how the dogs are such an important part of people’s lives and families.

What are your future plans?
I think my ultimate goal would be to have my own veterinary physiotherapy business and become self-employed. However, for the moment I very much enjoy working as a part of a fantastic team at Fitzpatrick Referrals.