2010 marks 25 years for myself as a practising veterinary surgeon! At these anniversary dates it is hard not to reflect on that milestone in my veterinary career.

There is no doubt that veterinary medicine has advanced remarkably throughout that period both in terms of it's capabilities and in it's ability to deliver that service efficiently and professionally. At Fairfield, we remain the only veterinary practice in the Hinckley area accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

I like to think that I have ridden that "wave of learning" well throughout that time but appreciate how fortunate I am to be surrounded by colleagues whose thirst for knowledge and pride in their standards at the very least matches my own if not, surpasses it!

On the one hand, when compared with our medical counterparts, I am delighted that when a patient presents to us with a suspected tumour we will commit to identifying the nature of that tumour and it's subsequent treatment within a 7 working day period. Peculiarly, for reasons I have never fully understood that timescale between cancer identification and treatment by our own health system appears inordinately long. My clients expect results for their pets and they expect them to be discussed within a matter of days whilst often accepting to have to wait weeks or even months for their own results.

Perhaps, it is my own lack of patience (one of many absent virtues) that drives Fairfield's service delivery but for whatever reason I am considering offering "work experience" to my medical counterparts in the hope that they may become "acquainted" with my own sense of frustration at not being able to provide appropriate treatment at the very earliest opportunity.

Roll on 2010!

Terry with the "Impact" Award the practice won in 2005

Having graduated from the University of Glasgow in the summer of 1985 my first paid employment as a qualified veterinary surgeon was running a one man mixed practice (large and small animals) whilst the principal was away on holiday. Despite my inexperience I am glad to say that the owner returned from his holidays refreshed and grateful that he still had a practice to run!

Inspired by my first successful venture I then took a position in Bury, Lancashire, (home of the black pudding....and very nice it was too!). Here I worked in a very busy small animal and equine practice. I remained here for three years during which time I learned a great deal and played rugby too for the Bury 1st XV. Throughout this period I also began studying for a postgraduate qualification in orthopaedics (Cert SAO) and was very pleased at the age of 24 to become one of the youngest people ever to attain this award in 1988.

Tempted by the prospect of running my own business I then took a job in Oldham where I worked for a year in mixed practice. It eventually became clear that my destiny lay further afield than Oldham which is when I applied for the position of senior associate veterinary surgeon at the Fairfield Veterinary Group in Hinckley.

The principal at that time was Mr John Crossley who had a particular interest and expertise with horses. Whilst I always had an excellent relationship with John, and in fact still keep in touch, his love of equine work was very clear. This difference in priorities meant that after a year I decided to work in Moseley, Birmingham where I was offered a partnership. After a great deal of thought (18 months worth!) I returned to work in Hinckley and by coincidence at the same time Mr Crossley decided to retire.

In 1996 I completed the purchase of Fairfield and directed the practice towards small animals. Investment in instruments and diagnostic tools quickly followed. I also had the good fortune to have a local veterinary student seeing practice around that time, Geraldine Manship. Impressed by her ability, knowledge and dedication she was offered the job of associate veterinary surgeon one year before she even qualified!

Not too long after a Dutch veterinary surgeon called Ingrid arrived for interview. Selected from over 60 applicants from around the world the interview lasted more than 2 hours in a pub called "The Manor" and Ingrid was appointed. "The Manor" was eventually torn down and so I will have to find new premises for any more in depth interviews!

Further blessed with excellent nursing and reception staff I am proud to say that the Fairfield "team" is the best I have ever known. Locum veterinary surgeons who provide holiday cover at Fairfield regularly endorse that sentiment.

Our reputation continues to grow and we regularly see clients referred from other practices and veterinary surgeons.

I have always believed in a "work hard, play hard" philosophy and consequently try to play regular sport in an effort to "let off steam!". Whilst my efforts on the squash and football pitch can accomplish this with some ease I have found that the golf course can have the opposite effect! "Tiger Woods" need have no worries, however unless the Scottish football and rugby teams start to improve I am considering putting my name forward for selection!

I enjoy the daily challenges that veterinary practice has to offer and the occasional glass of amber fluid for which my homeland is famous is what allows to me unwind in the evening after a hard day's work!