MISSION STATEMENT (SUBMITTED ON MY APPLICATION TO UK UNIVERISTIES)

The whistle blew loud. A hard knock to the gut and Mucassa had plummeted into deep shock.

One of the world's best polocrosse horses was dying. Being in a position to help save this mare was an experience I will never forget. Her rehabilitation was long and tentative. It involved 3-hour interval check-ups; stomach taps to determine protein levels and PCV & plasma transfusions. The diagnosis was PDJ/Enteritis. She developed laminitis & may never play again, but is being considered for AI. Determined not to be influenced by the public perception of Vet work, I asked (& continue to do so) to be indulged in the toughest, most challenging aspects of the job. I was allowed to assist in dystocia in a beef cow, malpresentation of a calf and a prolapsed uterus in cow post-calving & a bovine necropsy. We carried out an eye ablation in a prized camp-drafting stallion. Euthanasia in beef/dairy cows, racehorses, cats and dogs. Scanning mares and the eventual foaling season allowed me to explore reproductive study and neonatal care, whilst monitoring the progress in cases of colic, septic joints and plasma transfusions.

I yearned to learn more about the modern procedures, equipment, practices, ethics and medicines adopted in Veterinary practice today. I pestered Dr. Tim Hill and Dr. Paula Williams in Oakey Veterinary Hospital in Queensland, Australia and was introduced to equine rhinoscopies, arthroscopies, laparoscopies and X-rays.

For 2 months I drenched, tagged and lambed on a cattle/sheep farm in New Zealand.

I continually seek out experiences that will enhance my understanding of diagnoses, illnesses & diseases. I regularly assist the Zoo Veterinarian in Dublin Zoo to get a greater insight into animal welfare, behaviour and the handling of exotic animals. I studied the chimpanzees diet to create a nutritional plan that could be used as a template to improve their health. I also spent one day in an abattoir. Having spent 6 months managing a yard with 24 horses, following the equine dentist on his visits whilst training and starting yearlings, I felt I needed to spend more time in the clinic environment to see how a practice is managed and how best to deal with owners. So I am currently working fulltime in a progressive Small Animal Referral Hospital whilst sitting GCE A-Levels in Chemistry & Biology as an external candidate.

Throughout my undergraduate degree in Computer Science I learnt the importance of being a conscientious student. It taught me how to think laterally and the ability to look at scenarios from different angles to appreciate their complexity. Unfortunately due to a riding accident two months prior to my final exams, I broke my back and was unable to achieve the grade I had worked so hard for. My study in Psychoanalysis has moulded my intellectual perspectives in an analytical respect. With this unique educational background, I feel suitably equipped with the skills necessary to prepare me for the demands of academia in Veterinary Medicine.

My hobbies include:

Polocrosse - a county, national and international player and fully addicted! (See picture at the top of this letter)

Surfing - a no mean feat in the icy waters of the Atlantic!

Netball - my favourite sensible sport and have played in Ireland, Australia & New Zealand. Judo - I attained a brown belt at age 14.

Reading - I absorb myself in reading. Texts I enjoy range from the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud to New Scientist magazine & the Veterinary Times.