Dr Jennifer Simmons

BVSc CertAVP MSc in Advanced Practice (Veterinary) MRCVS

Candidate 16 of 20

Proposers: Dr Beverley Dolan, Dr Amelia Roper

Contact details

E [email protected]

Candidate biography

I studied veterinary science at the University of Bristol, and worked at a nearby independent small animal practice in Somerset after graduation. After five years there seeing general practice and out-of-hours work, I moved to my current practice in Newport, where I have been for three years; I remain solely small animal first opinion, with some emergency work. Alongside clinical work, I gained a CertAVP and MSc in Advanced Practice (Veterinary) from the University of Nottingham; this has developed my passion for evidence-based medicine, and fostered my drive to improve clinical standards across my practice sites.

In my current role as clinical director of a multi-site group, my priority is ensuring our patients, staff and clients have access to high-quality veterinary care, which is tailored to their wants and needs. My role comprises an exciting and dynamic mix of leadership and clinical work, demanding a balance of patience, motivation, and dedication to ensure we provide the best care we can as a group.

Outside of work, I love being active – hiking, running, and refuelling with good coffee and even better cake! Travelling makes me happy, and I'm always grateful for opportunities to explore with my partner, friends and family.

Candidate statement 

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

I would love to sit on the RCVS Council as I really want to help our profession be more progressive, adaptive, resilient, and better understood. I want to play a part in making the RCVS more accessible, inclusive, and transparent to not only those within it, but also those outside of it who may not be aware of all that we do.

Our industry is changing at pace, and maintaining the well-respected values of traditional practice amongst this rapidly-developing landscape represents a huge challenge, but one I am excited to take on.

I want to advocate for our patients, our owners, and our staff. I am so motivated to make modern veterinary practice the best place it can be for all our colleagues who work tirelessly to provide the best care for our clients, and the animals that make their worlds go round!

What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?

I feel I represent the normal people in practice: those who want to give everything to their patients, colleagues and career, but also have fantastic families and friends to spend time with, hobbies that take commitment and discipline, their own furry beasts that need feeding/walking, and lives that carry on at full speed regardless of how difficult the work day (or night!) has been.

I strive to be open-minded, reflective, and fair; I respect other people's opinions, but am not afraid to offer my thoughts on issues after consideration. I am motivated, driven, and curious – I want to know how other people view things, and do things, and how we can make things work better.

I love efficiency, and optimising the ways we work so we can continue to deliver our best to more clients, and more patients, whilst still respecting the staff who ultimately drive our profession and make us proud to be a part of it.

What relevant experience do you have?

I have been in different types of practice, from sleepy sole-charge branches, to bustling hospital hubs, and a few places in between! I have worked in very routine day practices, and in very non-routine emergency clinics; I have seen practice in referral centres, and have a background in out-of-hours work. Leadership is a key aspect of my current role, and I have been in other leadership roles outside of veterinary in the past.

Having friends and regularly speaking to colleagues working in varying types of practice means I have appreciation for aspects of veterinary aside from my own. We are a fiercely diverse profession: corporates, independents, referral hospitals, mobile clinics; interns, residents, locums, those taking career breaks and others in further education; some in leadership roles, and some on the clinical front line. This diversity offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the similarities and differences of the issues that affect us, and good communication is the key to achieving successful outcomes.

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

I'm probably one of the most square people you could meet, so if I get elected to Council I will revel in learning more about background governance of our industry, and pushing for maintenance of high standards which are actually achievable for the average vet; I will advocate for you as best as I am able.

I really want to ensure the profession grows as a space we want to be in, and a place we are proud to be a part of.