Welcome to this newsletter’s section where we get to know the dedicated individuals behind the scenes at Vet’s Klinic. This time around, we had the pleasure of chatting with Maider Murugarren, our talented Veterinary Surgeon, and Rachel Willis, one of our compassionate Veterinary Nurses. Read on to discover their insights, experiences, and what makes them such valuable members of our team.
Maider Murugarren RCVS, Veterinary Surgeon
Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Vet’s Klinic Swindon? I grew up in Pamplona, Spain. I was attracted to Vet’s Klinic by its ethic of transparency and competitive prices. I wanted to be part of an independent veterinary practices that could offer good quality services at a more affordable price.
Do you have any pets? Could you tell us a bit about them? I have two dogs, Toni and Jenna, they are both Spanish rescues that look like long legged Jack Russels, we are inseparable, they come with me everywhere. I also have two horses, Ignis and Koa. I love spending time with them in my free time, going for a walk with the dogs and training and riding the horses.
What is your favourite hobby, activity, or creative outlet? Horse riding and dog walking really, my whole life revolves around animals!
Could you outline your work here at Vet’s Klinic? My work at Vet’s Klinic has been centered in developing an Advanced Surgical service to be able to provide a quality and affordable service to animals that need a more advanced soft tissue or orthopaedic surgery.
What drew you to this field, and how did you get started? I realised that I wanted to be a surgeon when I was volunteering at an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre. We managed to fix the broken femur of a starling. That was the moment I realised I wanted to be able to help and fix animals through surgery,
What is your favourite part about your job and why? My favorite part of my job is seeing the dogs and the cats doing well after their surgeries, being back to having a full life, running on their fixed legs, etc.
Which of your professional accomplishments are you most proud of? I am proud of each dog and cat that I can help and every story of success is an accomplishment for me.
What aspect of the Vet’s Klinic makes you proud to work here? The competitive prices that Vet’s Klinic offers are one of the key things that make me so proud as I feel I can help more dogs and cats. Being able to help as many pets that need a surgery as possible with affordable prices is very important to me.
What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues? I have a great surgical team at Vet’s Klinic, the nurses always go above and beyond to provide the best care for every patient. It is always great to work beside them and making each surgery the best as possible.
Do you have a favourite song? Movie? I don’t really have a favorite song, or movie. I just enjoy listening to a variety of music while I am in theatre. Music helps me focus.
Rachel Willis, Veterinary Nurse
Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Vet’s Klinic Swindon? I grew up in Mid Wales. Moved to Wiltshire seven years ago. Was a locum Nurse for a while and very much enjoyed locuming at Vet’s Klinic so was delighted to be asked if I would become a permanent member of the team.
Do you have any pets? Could you tell us a bit about them? I have a Standard dachshund called Patrick. He is 6 years old. His favourite things are walks in the forest, chasing squirrels, being fed all sorts by my three-year-old son, and barking at anyone who walks past our house. I also have a Gypsy cob called Floyd.
What is your favourite hobby, activity, or creative outlet? I enjoy long walks, yoga & horse riding.
Could you outline your work here at Vet’s Klinic? I am a part time veterinary nurse here at Vet’s Klinic. I do a mix of prep, theatre, and ward shifts.
What drew you to this field, and how did you get started? Following a short career as a horse riding instructor/yard manager I decided that I wanted to get into the veterinary industry. I started as a receptionist/ACA in a mixed practice in North Wales over 15 years ago. I was lucky enough to then gain a training position at a different practice in Mid Wales, nearer to where I lived at the time.
What is your favourite part about your job and why? I enjoy being with and looking after animals all day. It’s great to be around like minded people and working as part of a team.
Which of your professional accomplishments are you most proud of? I feel my biggest accomplishment has been becoming a much more confident person from being in the veterinary industry.
What aspect of the Vet’s Klinic makes you proud to work here? Vet’s Klinic have a great team. The whole team are passionate, professional, and caring with a high standard of patient care.
What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues? Everyone helps each other, are approachable and helpful.
Do you have a favourite song? Movie? Favourite song – For crying out loud-Meatloaf; Favourite film – ‘Step brothers’