Leg Up Career Coaching | BEVA
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Giving you a Leg Up

Our Leg Up Career Coaching scheme matches newly qualified vets with experienced equine vets who have undergone robust coaching training to provide impartial support to those starting out in equine veterinary practice.

Apply for coaching

Leg Up career coaching will match you with one of our fully trained coaches allowing you to share and discuss your professional development and the transition into working life as an equine practitioner. Our coaches are all experienced equine vets who have been in your shoes before and can help provide an impartial perspective.

To join the BEVA Leg Up scheme simply complete our quick and easy application form. We will then contact you to discuss what you hope to get out of the coaching and identify the most suitable coach for you. Once we've matched you, your coaching journey will start.

 


Our Coaches
Chris Baldwin
Chris Baldwin
"I graduated from RVC in 2012 and then undertook a 2 year rotating hospital internship at the Newmarket Equine Hospital. After completing this internship I then worked in ambulatory practice for 2 and half years before obtaining a surgical residency in a private practice, which will be completed in 2020. I have been fortunate to receive some outstanding coaching during my career but have also had some "not-so-good" coaching, my experiences have impacted my career and attitude towards younger veterinarians and I feel it is vital we keep equine veterinarians motivated and engaged with the profession because it can be such a wonderful career. The BEVA leg up initiative is an excellent opportunity and one I look forward to being involved with more."
Kirsty Barron
Kirsty Barron
"I qualified in 2010 from the University of Edinburgh with endless enthusiasm and I seem to have managed to hold on to that thus far. I completed an equine internship at the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital and then went on to work as an equine locum vet in various practices before settling in my current practice in Essex. I was keen to join the coaching programme being initiated by BEVA as I believe I have had many un-official career coaches since graduation and they have helped me a lot along the way. I am keen to nurture new graduates enthusiasm and positivity and if this initiative can help in anyway, then I am looking forward to being a part of it."
Amy Barstow
Amy Barstow
"I graduated from RVC in 2013 and volunteered in Morocco before undertaking an internship at the Animal Health Trust. I left fulltime clinical work 18 months after graduating and though I locum intermittently I have been in academia since the beginning of 2015. In this time I gained a PhD in equine biomechanics and a PG cert in Veterinary Education. I currently work as an Asst. Lecturer in Clinical Skills at RVC, though I am soon to join The Brooke charity for working horses and donkeys. My career is certainly not one I planned and it is a privilege to still be an equine vet after wanting to run away a become a museum curator after I injured myself during my internship. In my spare time, I like to do all sorts of outdoor things, am a Regional Vet for the Riding for the Disabled Association and am one of the reps for Hertfordshire BVA Young Vet Network. I am looking forward to supporting our new equine vets and helping you get the most out of your career."
Aoife Bryne
Aoife Bryne
"I qualified in 2007 & started my career with an internship followed by stints in ambulatory practice, a stud season & then a further period in first opinion with ophthalmology referrals. When I got married I joined my husband in the clinic where he worked until our daughter was born. I currently work at B&W Equine Vets."
Gayle Capps
Gayle Capps
"My name is Gayle Capps, I live in Shropshire and I’ve been a vet now for 20 years. I have always worked as a first opinion ambulatory vet, initially in mixed practice, but latterly solely equine (part time). I love being a vet and love that no day is ever the same. Being involved in the BEVA coaching scheme has been my way of giving something back, as well as learning new skills which I hope to be able to pass onto newer members of the profession so that they can enjoy the challenges of being a vet."
Graham Duncanson
Graham Duncanson
"My daughter is a vet and this is me ten days ago on her wedding day. I have been a vet for 53 years and still find the work and the profession fascinating. I’m particularly interested in the professional development of younger colleagues and run the young vets network in the Eastern Counties."
Fiona Georgetti
Fiona Georgetti
"I qualified from Edinburgh in 2001 and after a short stint working in the FMD outbreak, my first job was in a mixed practice in West Sussex, followed by a 3 year stint in mixed practice in New Zealand. On my return to the UK I changed to Equine Practice in the Warwickshire/ Worcestershire Area and this is still my current role. My husband Mark is also an Equine vet in a busy referral practice with a demanding on call rota. I now work part time, due to having two children who are now aged 10 and 13, and I enjoy and look forward to my work days. The early years were challenging trying to juggle childcare with work, now the biggest pressure comes from trying to keep up with the children’s after school activities and ponies, which we just about manage! I try really hard to make time for myself to keep fit, and I enter a few triathlons each year to keep me motivated. I enjoy all of the disciplines, and the rest of the family often join me for bike rides, runs or swims. I also compete my own horse when it fits in amongst the girls competition schedule!"
Mark Georgetti
Mark Georgetti
Mark Georgetti hails from New Zealand. He is a partner at Three Counties Equine Hospital where he has worked since 2005. His clinical interests are orthopaedics, imaging and surgery, with a bit of reproduction on the side. While acknowledging the profession is undergoing significant structural change at present Mark remains enthusiastic about the future of equine clinicians, and their being able to enjoy the fun, diverse and rewarding role that they have previously. Mark has benefited from the advice and assistance of many fellow vets over the years and is excited about the opportunity to support others through the Leg Up initiative.
Katie Kershaw
Katie Kershaw
"I qualified from Bristol in 2012 after growing up in Norfolk. I joined my current practice in Suffolk a couple of months after I qualified and have been there since. I’ve just finished my CertAVP through Liverpool and enjoy working in first opinion practice. Outside of work I love dog walking, photography and snow sports."
Kat Mackenzie
Kat Mackenzie
"I qualified from Glasgow in 2006 and embarked on a varied career in equine practice. Initially undertaking fellowship, ambulatory and locum work, before embarking on an internship in a busy hospital, stud seasons in both hemispheres and an internal medicine residency at Liverpool University. I now work as a specialist in Internal Medicine at Rossdales Equine Hospital. Having experienced many different aspects of equine practice, I understand the challenges and rewards involved in pursuing a fulfilling career path and am excited about helping others do the same."
Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith
"I graduated from Cambridge in 2010 and since then have work in various equine hospitals and ambulatory practices in the UK including undertaking an internship and medicine residency. I now work as a medicine clinician in a university teaching hospital which involves me in both official and unofficial mentoring of younger vets. I think that the BEVA Leg-up programme is a great initiative and I am keen to pay back the debt I owe the profession for the great support I have had thus far in my career. The wonderful training that we 'coaches' have had, combined with nearly 10 years so far as an equine vet make me excited to work with recent graduates to help with the transition to the equine vet work place."
Victoria Tannahill
Victoria Tannahill
"I started my career in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and spent time treating military animals around the world. The work and lifestyle was great but I always had a desire to do more intensive clinical work and so, after undertaking an internship, ambulatory work, and a residency, I now work as an equine surgeon. I have finally found my niche however there have been plenty of 'bumps in the road' to get here and I know how daunting it can be to make 'big' career choices. The Leg-Up initiative is a good opportunity for young vets to engage with their career and the challenges it can present in order to benefit themselves, as well as our profession as a whole."
Becky Wall
Becky Wall
"After qualifying I spent 2 years in a mixed practice in Cornwall prior to doing an equine internship in Australia. After 2 years in Auz I came back and accepted a job at Three Counties Equine Hospital and have been here since. I work with a brilliant team and love my work but, like everyone, have had difficult times. I’ve been very fortunate to have had great mentors throughout my time as a vet and I hope the Leg Up Scheme will give others the same help and listening ear that I’ve had. Outside work I switch off by running and attempting the odd triathlon."
Your questions answered
Who can apply for the Leg Up coaching programme?

Leg Up coaching is available to all BEVA members within their first five years of graduation. 

What happens once I am matched with a coach?

After being matched to one of our coaches, your coach will contact you directly to arrange your sessions. These sessions can last for up to 12 months and you can expect to receive up to 10 coaching sessions within this time. Each session will typically take place online, via Zoom or similar, and last for up to an hour. 

Your coach will discuss your career and professional development. They have undergone robust training to help support you by asking and listening to you. 

Why do I need a coach?

Coaching provides a support network for individuals to grow and develop.

Your coach will provide you with a kind of support distinct from any other by focusing solely on your situation. They will listen to you and build conversations that will help them understand who you are, what you think, and how you experience the world. Coaching conversations help coachee's reflect and think about their options so they can come to their own considered decisions about their careers.

By taking part in a coaching programme you will benefit by:

  • having an increased sense of resilience
  • having an improved sense of direction
  • having an increased self awareness
  • having increased motivation for your job

We know that working in equine practice can feel isolating and as a new graduate it is important to have a network of support around you to help you thrive in practice. That's where Leg Up comes in.

We will provide you with an impartial coach, that is working in equine practice and has been in your shoes before. They have also undertaken our extensive coaching training to ensure you get the most out of the conversations you have with them.

Become a BEVA coach

We're always on the look out for new coaches. All coaches must undergo in-depth coaching training before being able to be a BEVA coach. Contact us to find out more about becoming a coach.

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