Lauren’s determination to help the rural sector by becoming qualified vet

Posted 2 March 2017

Volunteering in Spain, working in Northern Ireland and socialising police dogs before training are just some of the experiences Harper Adams University student Lauren Hall has had to help her reach her ambition to becoming a qualified vet.

For the 22-year-old BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science student from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Harper Adams has provided a key to studying veterinary medicine after graduation this year. She has recently received a Jerman Scholarship to help her fund her additional studies.

The final year student said: “Studying a degree in bioveterinary science has fulfilled an interest in animal medicine and has progressed my practical abilities and knowledge within the agricultural industry.

“I chose to study a degree in bioveterinary science due to having a significant interest in the animal sector, the pharmaceutical industry and in order to progress my research skills in this area.

“My degree has provided a platform to develop my theoretical knowledge that will be required to complete a further degree in veterinary medicine and to practice as a professional within this field to help the rural sector.

“With the help and support from Harper Adams, I’ve now been offered a place on a course to study veterinary medicine starting in September with an offer subject to my grades.

“Studying modules regarding both small and large animals at Harper Adams has enabled a broad scope of knowledge with both the onsite farm and companion animal house to provide practical skills and experience.

“I have had the opportunity to qualify as a K-SQP (Farm and Companion Animal Suitably Qualified Person) which accredited by AMTRA enables me to prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines, whilst undertaking continued professional development (CPD).

“I also chose my course due to the year in industry. This has given me confidence in the working environment. Working for Norbrook Laboratories in the research and development department has allowed progression of my research skills in a professional environment, whilst also giving me independence to work in Northern Ireland.

“The placement also gave me an insight into the pharmaceutical industry and the role veterinarians play other than in a clinical practice.

“In any rural community, the local veterinarian is a key figure, offering treatment and support for animals and their owners, but also offering employment opportunities and work experience for young people.

“The veterinarian can impact the rural economy by helping to reduce the disease challenge of animals in agriculture and provide a cost benefit solution through animal health plans which involves working with the local farmers. The vet also plays a vital role in education to advise the rural sector on the best management practices and the future technologies that will be established.

“As an aspiring vet, I want to help the rural economy through educating the rural sector and young people to get involved in local activities and employment, and support rural communities. I’d work with the rural sector to develop animal health plans and hope to provide a significant contribution to animal health.

“I’m going to use the money awarded by the Jerman Scholarship to help support me during my veterinary studies.

“As a second degree, it is not funded and so I’ll be trying to finance the second degree myself. I therefore will be relying on sponsorship and donations to achieve my ambition.

“The Jerman Scholarship will greatly help with part of my first year’s tuition fees, so I’m very thankful and honoured to receive this award.

“Once qualified I'd work to offer opportunities and support young people in a rural setting to sustain these important local connections and communities, and maintain the vital role of the local vet practice.

“I’ve been lucky to be able to work in a number of different environments to help build-up my animal experience.

“Working as a lambing student at Hadley Farm has given me a chance to build on my large animal experience and develop my understanding of a commercial farm and its management.

“Working with my family, alongside Thames Valley police, I socialise police dogs prior to their training. We have successfully socialised three police dogs so far. This has given me an experience in an alternative animal sector.

“I had a month’s voluntary placement with SOS Animals Spain last year. It provided a unique opportunity to work with rescue dogs and experience the veterinary profession in a different country. It gave me an understanding of diseases that are uncommon in the UK such as Leishmaniasis. Working with the local vets enabled me to also work alongside a homeopathic vet and an orthopaedic specialist."