91ÇÑ×Ó

Next week, the first cohort of Veterinary Medicine students from the  will graduate. As we build up to the big day, we’re focussing in on some case studies of this year’s graduands.

Jess Varney always dreamt of becoming a vet. Her path to vet school wasn’t straightforward, and after completing her first degree in 2019, she joined 91ÇÑ×Ó & Keele Veterinary School as part of the pioneer cohort.

Set to graduate in summer 2025, Jess reflects on her time at HKVS and, whilst not from a farming background, how her love of farm veterinary work led her to form the 91ÇÑ×Ó & Keele Farm Animal Veterinary Society (HKFAVS).

“Starting at a brand-new vet school meant that we didn’t have the pre-existing societies that other vet schools have. In second year, I heard about the Farm Animal Veterinary Society Congress being held at Edinburgh. Despite us not having our own Farm Animal Veterinary society at that point, Edinburgh’s society invited myself and three friends to attend. We didn’t know what to expect, but it was so much fun. My friend and I then liaised with 91ÇÑ×Ó Adams Students’ Union to get HKFAVS off the ground – and now, three years later, we’ve got over 145 members!” 

A group for students from around the UK and Ireland, the  hope to encourage more veterinary students to pursue a career in farm animal practice, providing additional opportunities, trips, and information about life as a large animal vet. Each year, FAVS Congress is held at a different University, with HKVS hosting the 2025 event. 

“One of my proudest HKFAVS milestones was our very first event – a lambing talk with an amazing turnout. And of course, hosting the annual FAVS Congress this year was a huge moment – it is the biggest student-led event HKVS has had! Seeing how the society has grown over the years has been amazing.” 

“My journey to vet school was not a streamlined one. At college, teachers steered me away from applying to vet school, instead I chose to study Animal Science – I graduated in 2019.  

“I applied for vet school in my final year of uni, and I did not get in. It really felt like the world had ended. I then took that year out to save some more money and gain more hands-on experience to boost my application. And then I applied again and was delighted to be accepted.” 

“HKVS stood out to me as a brand-new vet school with a refreshing hands-on approach to teaching from day one. I still remember my interview like it was yesterday – it was my favourite interview. The course structure was innovative, and I loved the idea of being a part of something new, helping to shape the future of the school itself.” 

Fast-forward five years and Jess has just completed her exams and Intramural Rotations (IMR) - 30 weeks of clinical placements. Jess said: “My final rotation at Garden Vets at Keele really stands out. I was in consultations and it all just clicked – everything I had learned over the past five years came together. I could feel how far I had come since day one. I recently found my first-year notes where I was learning about long bones and short bones, and now here I was, advising clients on managing their dog's osteoarthritis, talking about pain relief options, home adjustments and diets!” 

Her advice to anyone considering a career in veterinary medicine: “Don’t let negative voices dampen your dreams. Also, don’t be put off applying to vet school as a graduate. Yes, it is the expensive route to vet school, but I wouldn’t have changed it. It is difficult to gather the funds, but it is not impossible. Whilst studying my first degree, I had three part-time jobs, and since starting at HKVS I researched and applied for different grants and bursaries which helped tremendously.”