Gemma Ellse qualified from Cambridge Vet School this year and has joined our veterinary surgeon team. Before starting with us, she worked voluntarily at the Ester Honey Clinic in Raratonga, Cook Islands for 6 weeks. As well as operations, anaesthesia and consulting, she was also heavily involved with fish poisoning cases which are associated with consumption of predatory tropical reef fish that have deadly toxins which can be fatal to dogs. Back in Braintree now, her first year in practice will be closely supported by all her colleagues, in particular director and vet David Garrett. The RCVS who regulates the veterinary profession introduced a professional development phase (PDP) to ensure new graduates are supported and assisted by senior colleagues until they are confident of their own ability to provide a full professional service. We have always fully supported our new graduates in this way, but welcome this formal approach to structure their PDP time. For more information visit http://www.rcvs.org.uk/education/professional-development-phase-pdpVet nurse Alison Warwick has also joined us. Working in practice since 2004, and qualifying in 2011 Alison brings experience of working in a busy mixed practice. She is particularly interested in the orthopaedic referral arm of our practice which she says comes with its own set of in–patient challenges.

Vet nurse Alison Warwick has also joined us. Working in practice since 2004, and qualifying in 2011 Alison brings experience of working in a busy mixed practice. She is particularly interested in the orthopaedic referral arm of our practice which she says comes with its own set of in–patient challenges.