Exploring the wider media world to bring a healthy balance to being a practitioner

Bolu Esu 1

Growing up, I was fascinated by the diversity of animals. I spent hours with my nose buried in encyclopaedias, learning about different species and their magnificent adaptations. I knew that I wanted to become a vet, despite not having any immediate family members or close role models who worked with animals.

I enjoyed watching television presenters –particularly Steve Irwin and David Attenborough – passionately describing wildlife. Ironically, it was Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Dr Dolittle that really triggered my ambition – it was was the first time I’d seen an individual from an ethnic minority practising veterinary medicine. 

It was the evolutionary science behind veterinary medicine that became my anchor, while the challenge of constantly learning drew me towards the veterinary profession. My desire to belong and ambition to communicate with animals meant that by the age of seven I was set on my future vocation. The more I experienced or learned, the greater my passion grew. 

I set my sights on studying at a UK vet school, but this was my biggest hurdle. Despite doing my best to experience anything and everything with a link to veterinary work, completing award schemes, getting involved in volunteering projects, gaining good grades and literally climbing a mountain – Mount Everest – I was rejected by every school I applied to. I didn’t get a single interview.

It is well known that competition for vet school places is fierce and, although rejection is common, the experience did little to raise my hopes at the time. Feeling despondent, I took a gap year and a passion for travel led me to a voluntary externship in India that I hoped would make me a more attractive applicant for university. Eventually, I studied veterinary medicine in Hungary. 

Studying abroad may have been my greatest decision. It was a truly fulfilling experience and gave me the perfect opportunity to visit lots of European countries. Although it came with hardships and rigorous examinations, being able to experience the richness of the Hungarian culture while living in the beautiful city of Budapest is something I wish everyone could experience.

Leading up to my graduation, I was able to work alongside surgical specialists in the USA.

I graduated in 2019 and my career plan was based on furthering my surgical skills by pursuing an internship and residency in the USA. To work in the USA through the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification programme, I needed to complete the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). This includes a practical assessment, which I had to defer because of the global lockdowns and quarantining caused by Covid-19.

With my NAVLE completed and my ECVFG certification partially completed, I spent my first year and a half after graduating working in a mixed animal practice, predominantly working with companion animals. I then moved to a sole-charge practice where I spent just over a year working with small animals and raising my social media profile, and doing some television work.

Bolu Esu 2

I began working with a production company on the BBC's competitive dog grooming programme Pooch Perfect, having been recommended by former BVA president Daniella Dos Santos. I had no television experience, but being a social person I decide to give it a try. I was on hand both on and off screen to advise the contestants on any issues they spotted on the dog they were grooming. I have continued to do a number of small television slots and am working on various social media platforms with a number of pet brands.

'Branching into television work has piqued my interest in the possibilities for vets in the media'

Branching into television work has provided me with the opportunity to use my technical knowledge in a creative and accessible manner to make the profession more accessible to a wider audience.

Thinking about the skills I have gained since qualifying, I would highlight one that I believe is common among most vet professionals and athletes. Grit.

Grit is defined as a ‘passion and sustained perseverance applied toward long-term achievement’, a definition I borrowed from academic and psychologist Angela Duckworth. The perpetual responsibility of having to produce results and perform under duress in veterinary medicine has definitely been ingrained in my character through pursuing my career. 

Communication and interpersonal skills are essential to any vet career, whether it is managing expectations in general practice or adapting information for social media and television use. 

Recently, I have struggled to find a balance between high output and the risk of burning out. I recognised this and the toll of the pandemic has made me re-evaluate my life. As a result, I am taking a break from veterinary work. Now, my days are a lot slower and I have the chance to focus on my mental health. I am achieving this through rest, spending time with friends and family, reading books and travelling.

It has also allowed me to explore my creativity through videography and content creation, and to read more into topics that interest me, such as psychology, philosophy and critical thinking. It has been refreshing to put the veterinary thinking cap down for a while.

'I am taking the opportunity to focus on my mental health'

I plan to return to the profession as a locum so that I can balance balance my creative side while pursuing my passion for surgery.

If I were to give my younger self some advice, it would be to understand detachment – the art of learning to let go – and to practise it regularly. 

Goals are fantastic and they help us achieve our overall  trajectories, but unseen hurdles can divert us from our expected or hoped for results. At such times, versatility and detachment help us to move forward. 

Looking ahead, my biggest focus is longevity and sustainability. I have established my passion for veterinary medicine, but would also like to continue to explore my creative side and find a healthy balance, so that I can practise veterinary medicine for many years to come.

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