Working with rabbits and exotics as a Companion Care graduate

Katie Denholm
The Companion Care Group operates over 100 surgeries and is one of the largest veterinary employers in the UK. For graduates, this means ever-growing opportunities for jobs and the expansion of Companion Care Vets’ Graduate Programme in 2012 demonstrates their commitment to the next generation. You can read more about the Companion Card graduate programme here

Graduate perspective - Katie Denholm

Katie Denholm is a graduate of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. She began her placement with Companion Care Vets in Chelmsford in September 2011.

Katie wanted to be a vet ever since she was a child, and says she is thrilled to be working in a small animal practice. Her primary interest is in rabbit and exotic animal medicine and her placement within the surgery, which is located within a Pets at Home store, has already given her the opportunity to work with some of the exotics that are for sale within this environment.

Thinking back to the interview process, Katie says, ‘My interview was the day after I received my final results so it was something of a whirlwind week! I had seen the programme advertised at university and, although I hadn't previously considered working with a corporate, the variety and focus of the programme appealed to me, so I applied.
 

"I am looking forward to getting involved with more complex cases as my time here progresses"


‘I was lucky enough to get through to the interview stage, and when I met with the team from Companion Care and heard more about the company and the opportunities available to me I was very interested … and so was thrilled to be offered a position.

‘I started work with vet Simone Dent and her team in Chelmsford in September 2011, and I see a variety of animals each day – both from client consults and from animals within the Pets at Home store; I have got to work with rabbits and exotics already, which has been great.

‘A typical day is busy and varied. From a puppy or kitten consult to carrying out neutering and routine procedures and shadowing Simone on more complex cases and surgeries.’

‘The team of nurses and support staff is small and everyone knows each other well – working as part of a team like this is a great way to learn about the day-to-day running of a practice and I am enjoying this part of my job as well as the clinical side.

‘As for my future ambitions, I am looking forward to getting involved with more complex cases as my time here progresses and to working more with my specific interest – exotic animal medicine.’

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