Dr Louise Allum

BSc BA VetMB PgC SADOS FHEA Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Dentistry MRCVS

Candidate 1 of 20

Proposers: Dr Paula Boyden, Dr Nathalie Dowgray

Contact details

E [email protected]

W Linkedin: Louise Allum

Candidate biography

I graduated from Cambridge University in 1997 and started my career in a mixed practice (small animal/equine) in Bedfordshire. I moved to the London suburbs in 2000 and then never left. I started in an independent small animal practice in North Harrow and then saw my dream job at the RVC in 2008 at the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital. I became head vet here and enjoyed teaching the final year RVC students the joys and challenges of GP practice. In 2014 I took on the challenge to drive the new Shelter Medicine Programme, working with Charity partners, such as RSPCA and Woodgreen pets charity. I am also passionate about accessible/contextualised care for owners and their pets and set up the accessible care rotation at the Blue Cross.

I love dentistry and trying to improve animal welfare by promoting the use of dental radiography and nerve blocks. I have just become an Advanced Practitioner in small animal dentistry.

I have 3 kids and a husband (married name Ogundere) and in my (limited) spare time I like gardening and also travel the country following AFC Wimbledon, the League 2 football club my son plays for at home and away matches.

Candidate statement 

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

• I am passionate about our amazing profession and want to ensure that it is regulated compassionately.
• There is potentially a lot of change coming up and I would like to be involved with helping to shape the future of our unique profession.
• I would love to help shape the profession to make sure that my students have long and fulfilling careers, as I have.

What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?

I am a positive person, looking for solutions to issues but also enjoy a lively debate on a topic.

• I have worked in a variety of different GP settings from private mixed practice, small animal and charity settings.
• I have worked at the RVC for over 10 years which means I have daily contact with the future members of our profession.
• I currently work full time providing veterinary cover at several different charity settings so am at the coal face seeing and dealing with many of the issues that the cost of living crisis has placed on charities.
• I am a working mum and so understand some of the pressures that many of our profession have to deal with.

What relevant experience do you have?

• Charity Trustee at Dogstrust 2017 ongoing – this is a governance role that aligns with many of the tasks involved in the RCVS council role, such as regular reviews of policies and finances, ensuring that the charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit and contributing towards strategic reviews.
• Trustee Board for Rayners Lane Baptist Church 2018 ongoing – my main focus has been building projects and maintenance to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines. I am responsible for the main church building plus 2 other buildings. I project managed the refurbishment of one of the properties to achieve a quick turn around and optimised rental income to contribute towards the church’s funds.
• RCVS 2021-2025 as a member of Council since 2021. I understand the role the Council plays and feel that I am in a good place to contribute more. Previous experience includes contributing to Standards Committee, Chair of Public Advisory Group, Chair of Mind Matters Committee.
• RVC worked for over 10 years and am now more involved in several relevant areas such as curriculum design and strategic reviews.