Meet the Vet: Michael Messham
Veterinary surgeries and practices across the UK are always keen to support the work The War Horse Memorial does in helping animal charities. They take our boxes of pin badges and knitted poppies and encourage their clients to buy.
As pet or livestock owners we only call on them when our animals are in need of attention. Yet they are at the forefront of great animal welfare. The healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat injuries and illness. They use medical tools and diagnostic equipment like X-ray machines, and perform surgeries when necessary.
We are putting the spotlight on some of the individuals or teams who make the difference, starting with newly-qualified vet, Michael Messham who works as a mixed farm veterinary surgeon with Hird and Partners in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
How did it start? Well not as many might imagine. After completing my O levels I had the option to move schools and was aware my current school wasn’t the best for A level results. I was aware that you tended to get better teaching if you suggested a career path in medicine dentistry or veterinary. This isn’t ideal but it is what it is, so on this basis I chose veterinary.
My parents always had pets and religiously bundled me and my brother off to the Shire Horse Show in Peterborough. The weather was always freezing and the wind epic, but once inside the stables admiring these magnificent animals I could see the appeal. My dad had been to a number of ploughing matches including world championships at a muddy Horncastle. He knew a few old ploughmen, hence the introduction to Shires.
This was the start of my journey, I studied hard and applied to Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bristol and Sutton Bonnington , in Nottingham. I should also mention I love rugby and have played since I was seven, so initially wanted to go to Edinburgh as it was close to Scotland's grounds. But it was not to be and I had offers from Liverpool and Nottingham.
My results came through and I plumped for Nottingham, a lovely campus with a great feel and at the time a new methodology of teaching. In the prospectus it said that you work hard to become a vet and they weren’t joking. As a trainee, you go out with vets prior to applying for the course. The workload was high but very interesting. I was on campus for the first year and enjoyed the social side. I joined the rugby club with all its benefits, including 'what goes on tour stays on tour!’
The workload was intense and came as a slight shock. I learnt my first valuable lesson – study harder the things you don’t like as you need these to pass exams. It’s so easy to just study the things you enjoy, but it will catch you out. I had to resit one of my first year exams, a sobering experience.
Fourth year done it was the final year which everyone said was great and went really quickly as you are on placements, some arranged by the University and others by yourself. I had already decided I would like to do mixed veterinary work, i.e. small animals and farm. I worked around the country with both small and large corporate practices from Alnwick in Northumberland to Dick Whites in Cambridge. All great experience and an eye opener for what was to come.
Finals arrived quickly and I started the long process of revision. Finals can include any problem with any animal, but in short it all went well and I passed. That first year hiccup did teach me a lesson.
Now time to find a job. Luckily veterinary opportunities are many, but I wanted mixed and independent if possible. I plumped for Hird and Partners of Halifax, which also has an equine hospital and several branches. Also friendly staff and bosses that were kind enough to except that I had tickets for the rugby World Cup in France and agreed to honour these after I started.
So, how has it been? Really, really enjoyable. Weather not so great, but it is Britain after all. I delivered my first calf alone which was mal presented – not facing head down. The farmer said he would have me back, so a win. I have had great support from the senior staff and a nice house provided for me which I share with another new graduate, Alex. We can bounce problems off each other in the evening if we’re not too tired.
Nights on call and locations of farms can be interesting, but I’m loving it so far. It's hard but satisfying work. So, should you want to be a vet, my advice is go for it. It's worth the effort without a doubt. It’s fun, interesting and certainly challenging. You meet some great people and characters and, most importantly, make wonderful animals better.