Dr Lara Wilson

Telephone: 028 37 510 784

Address: 18 Victoria Street, Armagh, Co. Armagh BT61 9DT

Proposers

Dr Niall Connell FRCVS

Dr Rachel Dean MRCVS

Candidate biography

I grew up in Scotland and the Seychelles and graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 1996. I entered mixed practice in Northern Ireland, then joined Vets Now in Belfast progressing to District Vet, supporting clinics in Scotland and in South-East England. This role emphasised the value and complexity of team-work allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the veterinary practices we served, their concerns and aspirations. Alongside working shifts I provided clinical training, mentoring and support to clinic teams.

In 2020 I moved to the Pet Emergency hospital in Glasgow, leading the OOH Team and supporting rotating interns. I gained a strong understanding of referral practice and developed my ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and my teaching skills.

Returning to first opinion practice as a Regional Clinical Lead for CVS in 2022. I provide clinical support to individuals and teams across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Continuous personal development is important to me. I earned an MBA from the OU and study Applied Linguistics. My interests include emergency medicine, surgery, and client and colleague communication.

I live in the City of Armagh with my husband, our children, a pony and a scruffy schnauzer.

Candidate statement

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

I am standing for RCVS Council because I care deeply about our profession. I believe that strong, open communication is essential for working together, and with our clients and patients. I have a strong desire to keep learning and developing, and I believe we should help others achieve the same, never pulling up ladders behind us, but extending a hand.

In my everyday role I work hard to make a positive difference and build relationships. I feel ready to contribute more broadly. Following the CMA investigation, with a new Veterinary Surgeons Act imminent, we have an opportunity to shape thoughtful, constructive, change. I want to ensure that future RCVS decisions and contributions to regulatory change reflect the realities of practice while protecting animal welfare and public trust.

I believe in upholding standards for our patients and clients and this can only be done as part of a well-regulated team. I would push to have the title Veterinary Nurse protected. I am committed to the idea that regulation can be delivered with compassion as well as rigour. I would bring pragmatism, fairness, and a collaborative mindset to Council.

This is a volatile and uncertain time for the profession. I can help.

What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?

I am a corporate employee however, I am firstly a veterinary surgeon and that is the basis on which I would serve on Council. I have a strong moral compass and stand up for my principles and values. Today, the majority of vets work within corporate practice. As new regulations and Veterinary Surgeons Act are developed, I feel it is important that employed corporate vets are heard. I will bring balance to Council.

There are few Vets in Scotland and Northern Ireland currently on Council and they face different challenges to more densely populated, urban areas. I will bring knowledge of practice in these areas to Council.

I value compassionate leadership, being honest, whilst being kind. I am comfortable challenging in a constructive and respectful manner. I ask questions and expect answers.

I have a sound understanding of and interest in, the Code of Conduct. I have lived the on-call life, worked in dedicated OOH, primary-care and referral practice.

I am honest, hardworking and reliable. I will uphold the principles of the profession, always striving to reach the best achievable outcome whilst building strong and effective relationships.

What relevant experience do you have?

I am approaching 30 continuous years in practice, excepting maternity leaves. I have an excellent knowledge of the Code of Conduct, sharing and clarifying it to others in my role as mentor.

I have wide experience of decision-making in practice, analysing information, deciding on best action, creating and editing clinical guidelines and non-clinical policies including resolving complaints. These experiences will support my work on Council.

I have effectively participated in boardrooms and committees in both corporate practice and voluntary organisations, including the BVA and the Vet Trust; organising conferences and support materials, working as an engaged team member to achieve our goals. I have experience in independent and corporate practice as well as experience of transitioning between the two whilst an employee. I will bring this experience with me to support the work of the RCVS.

I have worked in practices in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England; mixed, small animal, independent, corporate, referral and dedicated out of hours. I understand the worry of returning to work after a career break and my experiences combined with the work I do with new/recent graduates means I truly understand the challenges faced by many sectors of our profession.