The RCVS has released the latest in its series of films about leaders in the profession, this time looking at a day in the life of Betsy Malamah-Thomas RVN, Nursing and Clinical Support Manager at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.

The aim of the Leadership Stories initiative is to present the perspectives of people from diverse and minority backgrounds so that they see themselves reflected in leadership roles within the profession.

RCVS Leadership and Inclusion Manager, Gurpreet Gill, said: "We decided to release this video as part of Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month to show people exactly what a career in veterinary nursing can lead to.

"Betsy has achieved a huge amount in a relatively short space of time and is a great example of what can happen when you blend personal values, professional knowledge and excellent people skills to deliver effective leadership.”

“The theme for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month this year is ‘progression’, and we hope that this film will inspire members of the veterinary community, or those aspiring to become members, to find their own inner leaders.

"There are so many different opportunities working in the veterinary sector, but it’s often difficult to know what could be possible.

“We hope that by sharing the leadership stories of people like Betsy, we can help demystify the landscape slightly and help to show people that there are many opportunities out there that they may not have previously considered or even be aware of.”

Betsy said: “It was a brilliant opportunity to work with the team at the RCVS on such an important project.

"As I’ve mentioned, whether it’s specialising, leadership, teaching or research, RVNs have so many transferable skills that can be used across the sector in many different roles.

“Coming from an ethnic minority background myself, it has been very clear that the profession isn’t very diverse and that we need to do more to proactively promote veterinary nursing and veterinary medicine as viable career options in schools from a younger age.

“When it comes to leadership, I think initiatives such as the RCVS Leadership Stories are great in terms of showcasing diverse leaders and career opportunities.

"People need to be able to see themselves in these roles, to see that it is possible.

"We are making progress, but we still have a long way to go.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSgg8xeHyp4&list=PLwm3GH0FNPl30FXR3k688HSNzeaKxMwD9&index=4 

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