Episode 11 Sam Fontaine RVN - Giving Vet Nurses a Seat at the Table

Episode 11 Sam Fontaine RVN - Giving Vet Nurses a Seat at the Table

Author: maryvy May 31, 2024 Duration: 41:12
In this episode we meet Sam Fontaine MSc PGCAP BSc DipAVN(Med) RVN FHEA SFRET Sam qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002 and after a short time in general practice, joined the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital as their first dedicated oncology nurse in 2003. She spent 16 years in the SAH working both in the oncology service, and latterly as the deputy nursing services manager, where she co-led a team of over 50 veterinary nurses and veterinary care assistants. During her time in clinics, Sam gained her RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing in Medicine and an MSc in Veterinary Clinical Studies, where she investigated the role of the serum biomarker C-reactive protein in dogs with lymphoma. In 2017 Sam launched the MSc, PG Diploma, and PG Certificate in Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing, and the PG Certificate was accredited by the RCVS in 2019 for the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing. This fully online postgraduate programme has evidence-based veterinary nursing and quality improvement at its core, and Sam and her team have welcomed students from across the globe. She enjoys seeing veterinary nurses on the programme becoming empowered as they develop a skill set that supports them to become champions of change within their practice. Sam was awarded an RCVS Knowledge Award in 2021 for promoting Quality Improvement within veterinary nurse education. She has a keen interest in research, having published on a range of topics, and she is currently undertaking a professional doctorate in education. Sam is a strong advocate for the advancement of the profession and believes that veterinary nurses can contribute significantly to improving patient safety and to expanding the veterinary nursing evidence base.     Links to further information Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing PGCert / PGDip / MSc   RCVS Knowledge Natter   An Introduction to the Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing Online Programme

What does it truly mean to care for an animal, whether it's a beloved pet at home or a species on the brink in the wild? Animal Welfare Conversations digs into that question through candid, often surprising discussions with the people on the front lines. Hosted by maryvy, each episode brings you directly into dialogue with veterinary surgeons and nurses making critical medical decisions, conservationists designing field interventions, and animal owners navigating daily ethical choices. The scope is deliberately broad, covering pets, domestic animals, farm residents, zoo inhabitants, and wildlife, because the principles of compassionate care connect them all. You'll hear concrete stories about decision-making and the realities of providing a good life, not just abstract theory. This is a podcast built on curiosity and a willingness to re-examine what we think we know, challenging assumptions about standard practices and long-held beliefs in the pursuit of tangible improvement. It’s for anyone-families, science enthusiasts, or nature lovers-who believes animal welfare is a complex, evolving conversation worth having. Tune in for perspectives that are both deeply personal and rigorously practical, reminding us of our shared responsibility toward the creatures in our care.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 41

Animal Welfare Conversations
Podcast Episodes
Episode 18: Nora Smith and the work of the USPCA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:22
In this episode we focus on the work of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, otherwise known as the USPCA. Established in 1836, the USPCA is the second oldest animal welfare charity in the world,…
Announcing a new award for animal welfare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:10
Sneak preview! We are still finalising things, but I wanted to let you know that Animal Welfare Conversations is launching a new award for Animal Welfare. The Alex Fraser Medal for Animal Welfare will be awarded on an an…
Episode 15 - Dr Bronwyn Orr - Animal Welfare Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
Welcome to the next episode of the Animal Welfare conversation. This week we’re joined by Dr Bronwyn Orr, who is a veterinary surgeon in Australia. Dr Bronwyn Orr has a particular interest in animal welfare, completing a…
Episode 14 - Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Campaigning for lasting change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:18
In this episode we catch up with Dr Marc Abraham OBE, BVM&S MRCVS, or ‘Marc the Vet’ as he’s usually known, a multi-award-winning veterinary surgeon, author, broadcaster, and animal welfare campaigner. Marc qualified fro…
Episode 12 - Beverley Cuddy, Editor, Dogs Today Magazine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:23
In this episode we catch up with Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today Magazine. Beverley Cuddy has been the editor of Dogs Today magazine since in launch in 1990 when it was part of the Daily Mail group. From childhood s…
Episode 10 - Emma Ruggles RVN - Hydrotherapy and Animal Welfare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:11
In this episode we meet Emma Ruggles RVN CertVNECC APVN (Wildlife and Zoo Animals) L3CertSAHydro. Emma has worked in the veterinary industry for 10 years and qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2016, and has al…
Episode 9 - Veterinary Nursing with Lacey Pitcher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:50
In this episode we chat to Lacey Pitcher RVN about the world of veterinary nursing, and that impact of that on animal welfare. We consider the importance of understanding socio-economic factors in animal welfare, sharing…