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For many students, figuring out what comes next can feel like a daunting puzzle. But for RMS alumna Charlie Butcher, the passion was clear from the very beginning. Today, Charlie works as a mixed-practice veterinarian – a role where no two days are ever the same, whether she’s vaccinating a rabbit in the morning or performing a cow caesarean in the afternoon.
We recently caught up with Charlie to talk about her journey from RMS to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), how she tackled the intense application process, and her advice for the next generation of aspiring vets.
The Spark: Connecting Animal Care & Sustainability
Like many who pursue veterinary medicine, Charlie’s love for animals started early. But during her time at RMS, that passion expanded into something even broader.
“Along the way, I realised that I have an equally strong interest in sustainability and the environment, which was supported and channelled by my brilliant geography and biology teachers at RMS. The MedVetDent Club provided a great basis for me to further explore the border between human activity and the natural world, as this is exactly where veterinarians sit.”
Gaining Experience: Jumping In Early
Getting into veterinary school requires dedication long before sending off a UCAS form. While at RMS, Charlie spent her weekends and holidays building up a diverse portfolio of hands-on experience:
- Horse stables & dairy farms
- Catteries & exotic animal shops
- Local veterinary practices
This variety didn’t just boost her application; it helped her realise that she wanted to work with creatures of all shapes and sizes.
Navigating the Application & Academic Journey
The path to veterinary school is famously competitive, but Charlie’s top tip for applicants is to stay authentic throughout the process.
- Tailor Your Applications: Each university looks for slightly different qualities and often requires individual applications alongside UCAS personal statements.
- Stay True to Your ‘Why’: Admissions teams want to see what uniquely drives you – don’t try to fit a generic mould!
- Overcoming the Hurdles: Transitioning to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) brought a heavy academic workload, further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Charlie credits perseverance and building a strong support network of friends as key to getting through the tough early years before reaching hands-on clinical training in Year 3.
A Day in the Life of a Mixed Vet
What does life actually look like on the front lines of veterinary care? For Charlie, it’s fast-paced, dynamic, and endlessly varied:
- Varied Shifts: Rotating between operating theatres for small animals and visiting farms for blood sampling.
- Long Hours & On-Call: Days typically run from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, alongside two night shifts a week to handle overnight emergencies.
- Teamwork: Supported by a fantastic clinical team and wonderful clients who make the steep learning curve manageable.
Charlie’s Advice for Current RMS Students
If you’re dreaming of a career in veterinary medicine, Charlie’s message is simple: Jump in.
“Try to get as much experience from as many places as you can… The more you do, the more people you meet, and the more your communication will improve. To be a vet is to be a communicator, and the ability to talk to people with confidence, kindness, and compassion is a must that will absolutely make you stand out.”
What’s Next for Charlie?
As she navigates her first years in practice, Charlie is focused on providing the best care possible for her patients and clients. In the future, she hopes to get involved in research to help the veterinary field reduce its impact on the natural world.
Thank you to Charlie for sharing her journey with us! Are you an RMS student interested in medicine or veterinary science? Reach out to the Careers Department to learn more about work experience opportunities.