Kitty Jenkins - Equine Graduate Programme article

Kitty, tell me a bit about the farm course that you have completed? I had only been working in practice for two days when I started the Farm Graduate Development course. For me, this was perfect timing, as after enjoying a summer off following graduation from Liverpool, it was a welcome refresher. The course was spread across different locations in the UK, where you would spend 2-3 days at each place. There were 11 other graduates with me, all from other XLVets member practices. The course is structured to encourage the group to work as a team for the duration of the course. On the first day, they took us to a racetrack to teach us how to drive safely and learn how to skid! This was a fantastic icebreaker and we all had great fun doing it. Following on from this, we covered an array of topics and undertook practical sessions, including farm walks, and practical skills not taught at vet school, which were invaluable. How are you getting on with the equine course? I started the equine course in September 2017 and have completed 2 days so far. It’s structured in a similar way to the farm course, although the group is slightly smaller; there are six of us. I already feel like I have learned from the two days I have completed. Interestingly, some of the topics that I had viewed as less relevant beforehand were some of the most helpful. For example, as part of the course you are taught basic human first aid. This was invaluable, as working in the field and on farms and yards, anything can happen and at least I feel prepared now. Vetlife ( www.vetlife.org.uk ) also gave us a talk on stress management and depression and the importance of maintaining a good work-life balance - you need to do fun stuff outside of work. I took a lot away from this and have already used it back at the practice. For example, when there is negativity in practice meetings; it helps to lighten the mood. What are the benefits of doing the course? Aside from the chance to learn skills and refresh your knowledge, it’s a good opportunity to meet other graduates and find out how they are getting on. I also found it interesting hearing about how other practices do things. For example, someone showed me how to make a halter from a piece of rope and I’ve already used it on my farm visits and have impressed a few of the farmers! At my practice I am lucky, as I there are several graduates, so I already have contact with peers. However, I know this isn’t the case for everyone and doing this course would be a great way to get in contact with other graduates if you are in this situation. I think this an important source of support and gives you a sense of community as a graduate. Also, because the course was spread over a couple of months, it was interesting to catch up and find out how everyone was progressing and compare experiences.