Ambassador Profile – Dr Beth Worsley-Wildman, England
Hi, I’m Beth – Former president of the Bristol University Veterinary Zoological Society (BUVZS) and a Bristol University graduate. I have been a part of The Expedition Project Ambassador team since 2021.
I have been working with The Expedition Project since 2021, helping with live streams and developing online courses with the help of Wildlife Vets like Dr Peter Rogers, and fellow ambassadors from around the world.
WHEN DID I FIRST REALISE I WANTED TO BE A VET?
Unfortunately, I am going to have to give the very unoriginal answer that I have always wanted to be a vet for as long as I can remember, so there wasn’t really a moment of realisation. I was, however, very much inspired by my older cousin who went to vet school at Glasgow University and is now vet in Scotland.
WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION TO BECOME A VET?
I always loved animals (having had many family pets over the years!) and I have always had a desire to care, and to problem solve so becoming a vet seemed very well suited to me from an early age. Since then that motivation has grown exponentially as I have begun to explore my interest in exotic and wildlife medicine.
MY BIGGEST TIP IF YOU WANT TO STUDY TO BECOME A VET IS…
Get as much experience as possible and start accruing veterinary/ animal experience as early as possible. Most vet schools have entry requirements of how many weeks of experience is needed to apply, and it varies between universities. So, my top tip is to make a spreadsheet and get a clear idea of what each vet school requires. Finally, never give up! There will be hurdles along the way but try to remember the end goal.
THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A VET IS…
Not knowing the answer to everything. There is so much to know that it is impossible to always know the answer. Being a vet is a continual learning experience which is both fascinating and exciting, but it can also be occasionally demoralising. Try to remember that you don’t need to be the most knowledgeable vet to be the best vet. Communication skills, confidence and empathy go a long way.
WHAT IS MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
Sea turtles!
MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL RELATED STORY IS…
Four years ago, a little kitten came into the vets I was doing work experience at and needed fostering. He was only about three weeks old, so he needed bottle feeding every couple of hours. He very nearly didn’t make it but four years on and he’s such a happy healthy cat (of course I kept him!). He’s also ginger and a polydactyl which makes him instantly cool.
MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL PHOTO I HAVE TAKEN IS…
Technically my friend took this photo, but this was one of my favourite experiences with an animal.
