Careers Committee

Phil graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, in 2005 and went on to do an internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala, Florida and then an equine surgical residency at Michigan State University. He is a Diplomate of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons and is an American, European and RCVS Specialist in Equine Surgery. He has worked at Oaklands Equine Hospital and Rainbow Equine Hospital and is currently a director at Hambleton Equine Clinic, which he set up with two other directors in 2012. He is interested in all aspects of equine surgery, especially upper airway surgery and orthopaedics. He currently sits on BEVA Council, the BHA Veterinary Committee and the ECVS Exam Committee.

Kate has worked in equine practice for over 15 years both in the UK and multiple stud seasons in Australia. She joined council in 2020 determined to represent the ambulatory equine vet. Her husband is a farm vet and they have young children. Kate has been involved the continue development of the leg up scheme for new graduates. She is expanding the coaching scheme to help support other BEVA members who might require specific coaching and support- especially following return to work.

Roger Smith is professor of equine orthopaedics at the RVC and has particular interests in orthopaedic surgery, imaging, lameness, and tendon research. He qualified from Cambridge University in 1987. After two years in practice, he undertook a surgery residency at the RVC and then a PhD on equine tendons. He remained at the RVC and was appointed professor in December 2003. He holds the Diploma of Equine Orthopaedics, is Diplomate of the ECVS and the ECVSMR, and an RCVS Specialist in Equine Surgery. He was awarded an RCVS Fellowship in 2016 and was ECVS President in 2017. He is currently Junior Vice President of BEVA

Sophie has spent the majority of her career in ambulatory practice in Devon and has always had a keen interest in communication and mentoring junior colleagues. Developing myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/chronic fatigue syndrome) in 2020 added a new set of challenges to work in equine practice. Being forced to work part-time, Sophie enrolled on a coaching diploma; this lead to accepting a teaching position at Surrey Vet School. Having been elected on to BEVA council in 2022, Sophie is passionate about supporting the well-being of equine vets and improving equality, diversity and inclusion within the equine profession.

Helen graduated from the University of Bristol in 2008, spent two years as an intern at NEH and has been in ambulatory first opinion equine practice ever since. She has a particular interest in lameness, sports medicine and vettings and completed a certificate in equine orthopaedic surgery in 2015. She is an FEI permitted treating vet and was team vet for the British team at the CCI3*-S European Cup eventing championships in 2017 and 2019. Helen is currently a clinical director at Valley Equine Hospital in Lambourn. Outside work Helen is kept busy with her two young daughters and their ponies.

Angela graduated from the University of Bristol in 2009. After completing an internship in Pembrokeshire, she worked in a large equine clinic in The Home Counties for 6 years and was the clinical lead in their Berkshire based hospital. She moved to The Cotswolds in 2016, completed a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Equine Medicine in 2017 and advanced to the role of clinical director. Angela is also an FEI Permitted Veterinarian. Angela joined the Equicall team in January 2023, alongside digital content creation for a veterinary flexible working initative. Angela is passionate about flexible working and it's implementation at all levels of the veterinary industry. With the aim of providing practicing vets with the much needed time out required, in order to have the capacity to thrive in clinical practice. Veterinary interests aside, Angela loves running, swimming and yoga. But most of all she enjoys exploring The Cotswolds with her little ones and their dog, George.