LGBT+ History Month role models: Ben Curnow

What inspired your path into the veterinary profession?

I was very lucky growing up, and was surrounded by dogs and horses. My mother was quite excited when I said I might want to be a doctor, but the whole family was even more excited when I said I wanted to be a vet about a year later. Since then, I found that my interest towards the veterinary profession was more about my desire to solve problems and be busy.

What has been the most challenging part of your career?

The most challenging parts of my career have been at the beginning, when I felt completely clueless, and when I was working much longer hours on a 1 in 2 rota. I learnt a lot, but it also inspired me to become an educator and be an example of someone I wish I had been able to look up to at university.

What has been the best part of your career so far?

The best part of my career was the realisation that I was finally comfortable and confident in my work. This happened about 5 years after I graduated, and I had worked in the same practice for about 3 years. I knew the clients well, my skills were vastly improved, and I loved the team I worked in. In fact, I continue to work in the same practice 7 years down the line.

What are your proudest achievements of your career?

My proudest achievement is the vet students who graduate to become equine vets and tell me that I inspired them to choose that career path. That is proof that I clearly enjoy my job and I wish them all the best in the future.

What advice would you offer to someone experiencing difficulty with their sexuality or gender identity?

For those in the BVLGBT+ community, if you are struggling, my advice is to speak to someone. I have often internalised my problems, and they have never gone away. Talking to someone will always help, and can provide the guidance you need to fix a situation.

If there is one piece of advice you would give your younger self, what would that be and why?

Younger Ben should have come out sooner. Although I was 18 at the time, I knew I was gay at a much younger age. My parents have been amazing throughout, but there have been times where they have been saddened that I didn't tell them sooner. I feel that my time at school and at university would only have been enhanced by being true to myself.

Further reading on LGBT+ History Month, BVLGBT+ and Vetlife

Head to LGBT+ History Month and British Veterinary LGBT+ Society to learn more.

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