Healthcare & Medicine

Could you be the next Old Edwardian working in this field to share your story?

By sharing your experiences, you can help current pupils understand the many routes into healthcare and medicine.

A Levels: Biology, Chemistry and Physics

At KES: Before 2000

Current role: Veterinary Surgeon

For Martin, a career in veterinary medicine has provided much more than a profession. It has created opportunities for adventure, lifelong learning and experiences across the world.

After achieving strong A Levels at KES, Martin went on to study Veterinary Science at the University of Bristol before beginning a career that would span decades. A keen rugby player at both KES and Bristol, he credits sport with developing teamwork, resilience and friendships that lasted well beyond his school years. He first worked in Herefordshire before moving to the Isle of Wight, where he helped build a successful companion animal practice while raising a family.
 

Along the way, veterinary medicine opened doors that he never expected.

A six-month sabbatical took Martin and his family to New Zealand, where he worked as a mobile veterinarian in Auckland. Later, he began volunteering on Greek islands, helping manage feral cat populations through trap-neuter-release programmes, work he continues to this day.

“I was lucky to be practising in the ‘James Herriot’ era [British veterinary surgeon and author], enabling me to meet many interesting people.”

Outside veterinary practice, Martin has pursued another lifelong passion: sailing. Having first discovered it through the Combined Cadet Force at KES, he went on to race across the Channel and even compete in the famous Fastnet Race.

Looking back, Martin credits KES not only with providing the qualifications needed for his chosen career, but also with the opportunities that broadened his horizons. Whether through rugby, the Combined Cadet Force, sailing or lifelong friendships, many of the interests that have shaped his life began during his time at school.
 

His advice to current pupils?

"Work and play hard and achieve what you want."

Martin operating on a Greek Island

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