Have you ever wondered who to go to for your pet’s skin concerns? Read this blog to learn about Kathryn Cuddy and her veterinary dermatology clinic @skinvetireland.
'Interview with Skinvet Ireland'
By Kathryn Cuddy
“Hi, my name is Kathryn Cuddy and I am a veterinary dermatologist in Middleton County Cork.” Kathryn is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology and is the founder of Skinvet Ireland. This is Ireland’s first and only veterinary clinic specialising solely in skin and ear problems for pets. Based in Middleton, Co. Cork, Kathryn’s all female run clinic is doing some incredible work! We were delighted to interview Kathryn about her thoughts on how women in veterinary can be supported, the skills needed to succeed in veterinary and the importance of female mentors in this profession.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far is setting up Skinvet Ireland, which is Ireland's only dedicated dermatology clinic for pets. From small beginnings, we now have a fabulous all female team of two vets, a veterinary nurse, an animal care assistant and a receptionist. We have state of the art microscopes, we have video otoscopy and recently we became the first clinic in Ireland to buy a CO2 laser.
What qualities and skills do you think are needed to succeed in the veterinary world?
So in order to succeed in veterinary medicine, you do have to have quite a wide skill set. You need to be an excellent communicator. You need to love pets. You need to be very good at multitasking and you need to be surprisingly good at paperwork!
Can you tell us about the importance of female mentors in your career?
Female mentors have been so important in my career, both as a dermatologist and a business owner. Veterinary has traditionally been very much a man's world, but that is changing now. And I have really been inspired by other female practice owners.
In your opinion, how can women in veterinary be better supported?
Women in veterinary can be better supported by coming together and by figuring out what is best for them. We've recently set up a small group of female practice owners here in Cork. We plan to meet on a regular basis, chat about all things women and all things veterinary and come up with some really, really great ideas.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in veterinary?
My advice for women considering a career in veterinary is go for it! Absolutely! It’s an incredibly rewarding career, I love my job. You will get out of it, what you put into it.
How do you see the future of veterinary?
The future of veterinary care in Ireland is very exciting. There is SO MUCH that we can do for your pet, pet healthcare is advancing at a rapid rate and it's something that we're so excited about.
Learn more about Skinvet Ireland