Dr Andrew Clemence

BVMS MRCVS

Candidate 3 of 20

Proposers: Dr Angus Clemence, Dr Robert Price-Jones

Contact details

Address Hollywoods, Dyffryn, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire SA64 0AY

M 07970 883 230

E [email protected]

W www.fishguardvets.co.uk

Candidate biography

I graduated with commendation from Glasgow University in 1986. After an initial role at E C Straiton, Penkridge, as a mixed veterinary surgeon, I then moved to Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, undertaking a mixed role from 1988 to 1990 as an assistant, then as a partner until 2007.

Establishing Fishguard Veterinary Services in 2007, I am driven by a commitment to providing high-quality veterinary care in a remote area. The practice has grown significantly, and into a purpose built premises in 2015. Employing a dedicated team consisting of 6 full time mixed vets, 4 TB testers (including 1 ATT) and 4RVNs (soon to be 5). We have remained independent and family owned with my son, a vet slowly taking on the business. We have proudly managed to fully recruit vets with a supportive graduate scheme, work/life balance whilst maintaining an in-house out-of-hours service.

Beyond clinical work, I have been actively involved in the community, serving as Chairman of the local Round Table and President-elect of the North Pembrokeshire Farmers Club. I am passionate about environmental issues and have chaired a local environmental group.

In my spare time, I enjoy competitive squash, waterskiing, swimming and spending time with my family.

Candidate statement 

Why do you want to stand to be a member of RCVS Council?

My veterinary career has spanned a period of significant change within the profession. While public perception has generally been positive, the sector now faces unprecedented challenges. These include a severe recruitment and retention crisis, rapid corporate consolidation, the ongoing CMA investigation, and increasingly negative media coverage. These factors, coupled with a rise in mental health issues amongst veterinarians, necessitate a proactive and considered approach to navigate this complex landscape.

If elected to the RCVS Council, I would prioritise a balanced perspective on these critical issues. My focus will be on advocating for the well-being of all veterinary surgeons, regardless of their employment setting, while ensuring the highest standards of animal care and client satisfaction. I believe the CMA investigation presents an opportunity to shape the future of the profession in a way that may or may not support both the needs of veterinarians and the evolving demands of the veterinary market. I will strive to ensure that any proposed changes are both practical and beneficial for our clients and sustainable for the profession.

What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?

With nearly four decades of experience in mixed practice, I possess a deep understanding of the industry and the challenges facing veterinary professionals today, including the rise of corporate practices. I have successfully implemented a graduate training program within my own practice, demonstrating my commitment to staff development and retention.

This role demands strong listening and communication skills, as it involves navigating diverse perspectives from various stakeholders. My daily interactions with veterinarians, nurses, clients, farmers, and equine professionals provide me with a unique and valuable insight into the realities of modern practice.

I believe my experience offers a realistic and balanced perspective, grounded in the experiences of veterinarians working in general practice. I will champion the well-being of all veterinary professionals, regardless of their employment setting, while ensuring the highest standards of animal care and client satisfaction.

The profession has a concerning record regarding the mental health and well-being of its members. If elected, I will actively advocate for improved support systems and initiatives to address this critical issue.

What relevant experience do you have?

My 35 years of experience running a veterinary practice have honed my skills in active listening, managing expectations, and developing forward-looking strategies.

I have a proven track record of successful leadership, having served as Chairman of our local Round Table, where I successfully led fundraising initiatives and collaborated with diverse stakeholders. I am the President-Elect of the North Pembrokeshire Farmers Club, a testament to my commitment to and engagement with the local farming community.

Furthermore, I chaired a local environmental group for five years, successfully leading a campaign to protect our environment. This involved navigating complex stakeholder relationships, including meetings with local politicians, council officials, and opposing groups, ultimately achieving a positive outcome. This experience included high-level engagements, such as chairing meetings with the Welsh First Minister in the Senedd and in the Irish Dail.

These experiences have equipped me with the crucial ability to listen attentively to all concerned parties, including veterinarians, clients, and the wider public. I believe this is paramount in developing and promoting policies that effectively advance animal welfare while fostering a motivated and engaged veterinary profession.

Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your candidacy?

I believe I can offer the Council a unique perspective, representing the views and concerns of the average veterinary surgeon while also deeply understanding the diverse needs of our clients. My experience allows me to be a champion for both independent and corporate practice settings, and advocate for the well-being of all veterinary professionals.

My primary objective will be to ensure the welfare and professional satisfaction of our members while embracing the necessary changes facing our profession. I will advocate for a balanced approach that prioritises the practical implications of any proposed changes, particularly in light of the pressures arising from the CMA report.

I will actively encourage open dialogue with veterinary professionals, including both veterinarians and veterinary nurses, to ensure that their valuable insights are considered in the decision-making process. By fostering this collaborative approach, we can ensure that any changes implemented by the RCVS are both beneficial and sustainable for the profession.

Candidate answer to question from the profession

Question: As a vet in general practice who graduated less than two years ago, I have some concerns
about how the CMA inquiry outcome will affect the profession for newer vets. How would you
act to make sure there are career progression and advancement opportunities despite this?

Answer: My decision to stand for election was significantly influenced by the potential impact of the CMA inquiry, particularly on the career trajectories of our newer veterinary colleagues. I share concerns about the balance of perspectives within the inquiry process, given the involvement of unelected, non-veterinary academics and selected advisors. This mirrors, to some extent, the RCVS's own proposals regarding council appointments, raising questions about representation.

It is crucial that the inquiry's proposals undergo thorough analysis and scrutiny by experienced, practicing veterinarians before any changes are implemented within RCVS legislation. This is where I aim to contribute meaningfully, ensuring that any modifications are grounded in practical reality.

My primary concern is the potential for adverse effects on practice profitability, which could disproportionately benefit large corporate entities with vertically integrated supply chains. Simultaneously, clients may face increased financial burdens due to higher professional fees, intended to offset revenue reductions from prescription-based medicine dispensing. Ultimately, this scenario presents a challenging landscape for all stakeholders.

However, it is our younger veterinarians who stand to be most significantly impacted. Diminished practice profitability could restrict both financial and career advancement opportunities, exacerbating existing concerns regarding job satisfaction, mental health, and retention.

As a practicing veterinarian with a deep appreciation for this profession, my overarching goal is to foster an environment where our younger colleagues can thrive and experience the fulfilling career veterinary medicine offers. My extensive experience in managing an independent practice, coupled with my personal connection to the experiences of younger vets through my son and his network, provides me with a unique understanding of their needs. I am committed to advocating for their professional development and ensuring they have the opportunities to reach their full potential.