Anthony left St James and spent six years at university training to become a veterinary surgeon. Upon graduation, he worked for two years as a vet providing medical and surgical veterinary care for pet animals.  He then moved to London to take up a two-year internship position at the House of Lords in Westminster. In this job, he was employed to assist the only vet in the UK Parliament (Lord Trees). He made use of his veterinary knowledge and skills to understand and research policy issues which affect animal health, animal welfare and the veterinary profession at a national level. He also worked as a wildlife vet for a charity providing medical and surgical care for sick and injured wild animals from hedgehogs to herons. He finished his Parliamentary internship at the end of October and is about to start a new role working as a senior veterinary inspector for the Government.

He says, ‘I have always had a passion for animals. I am continually inspired by seeing the positive impacts that animals have on the lives of people from all walks of life and my veterinary training helps me to support and improve these relationships. I have been able to try a range of different types of work and I am able to continually learn and to teach and inspire others.’

‘I started my training with a desire to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of animals and the people who depend on them. As I have progressed through my career I have been pleased to find that there are many ways to achieve this including clinical practice, industry, academia, charity work and the public sector. I particularly enjoy public sector work and, in the future, would like to have a role providing veterinary advice to policy makers.’

‘St James formed a very significant part of my childhood. A lot happened to me whilst I was there from developing my initial moral sense of right and wrong through to learning essential life skills such as the ability to ask questions, solve problems and communicate confidently. My time at St James stimulated and nurtured my interest in science and gave me the education I needed to pursue my current career path. It also left me with many fond memories and a great network of friends who I remain in touch with to this day.’