Meet the BVA Young Vet of the Year finalists: Jade Urquhart-Gilmore

I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2021 and am now the Lead Vet at an incredible small animal practice. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Animal Behaviour to deepen my knowledge in my key clinical interests: behaviour and pain management.

Outside of being a vet, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking my two Labradors, and caring for my rabbits. I’m passionate about sustainability, having volunteered for several years with Vet Sustain before serving as a Director. Another strong interest of mine is chronic illness and disability within the veterinary profession. I’ve lived with arthritis since my teenage years and learned about my neurodiversity at university. These experiences have shaped my perspective, strengthened my skills, and enhanced my ability to connect with both clients and colleagues. I firmly believe the profession must become more accepting of disability and chronic illness, recognising the value of diversity.

Why I chose this career path

From a young age, I knew I wanted a career in science and with animals. Over time, I realised that what I enjoy most is building meaningful relationships and connections with people. When exploring veterinary medicine as a career, I was fortunate to learn from many talented vet teams. One mentor in particular not only offered me my first job but taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassionate client care, and the importance of caring for the owners as much as their pets. He also taught me to spay cats left-handed – which has confused every nurse I’ve worked with since.

Overcoming challenges

Before and during vet school, I faced a lot of discrimination due to my disability. Learning to build resilience took time, but my condition has also given me skills to empathise with the needs of clients and animals with different requirements. More recently, I have faced an unexpected challenge in the form of a significant brain injury. There were moments when I wasn’t sure I could continue my career, and I am still recovering. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have had from my friends and family, colleagues and clients, but most of all my partner, without whom I wouldn’t have progressed this far with my recovery.

Leading with compassion

My proudest achievement so far, is the development that both myself and my team have gone through since I became Lead Vet. When I joined there were some noticeable differences in the team’s attitudes towards each other. We have since worked together on improving our recognition of other people’s needs. They have taught me about the importance of compassionate leadership. I’ve helped raise clinical standards through regular clinical meetings, morbidity and mortality discussions, CPR training, and encouraging new ideas at practice meetings. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing my team succeed – a fact that was particularly evident when they supported one another while I was in hospital.

My advice for aspiring vets

• Reflect openly with colleagues: learning from others’ experiences, especially when things don’t go to plan, helps you develop both confidence and knowledge.
• Be kind: to clients, colleagues, and yourself. Considering other perspectives benefits your patients, your team, and your own wellbeing. Protect your health and avoid burnout.
• Respect your support staff: nurses and support staff are the backbone of your practice and will help you navigate the toughest challenges.

Becoming a Young Vet of the Year finalist

Being shortlisted for the BVA Young Vet of the Year Award alongside two incredible finalists is a true honour. I’m incredibly grateful to those who nominated me and thrilled that my passion for serving both my team and my clients has been recognised. Should I be fortunate enough to win, the mentorship and opportunities to actively participate within BVA would be extremely rewarding.