Vets
Andy Williamson BVetMed MRCVS
Principal & Director
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1987 and spent my first year as an intern working for them at their clinic in Camden Town and the referral centre at South Mims.
I joined this practice in September 1991 having completed a three-year anaesthesia research project at Hammersmith Hospital, London.
Initially my work load comprised an equal mix of farm, horse and pet cases which has gradually changed over the years so that now the majority of animals I treat are farm and horses as well as exotics.
I became a Partner in the practice in 2002 having decided that Norfolk was the place I intended to stay. I took over from Paul as Principal and became Director of the Practice when we evolved into a limited company in March 2006.
Our practice has looked after the animals at Banham Zoo and World Horse Welfare (formerly the International League For The Protection Of Horses) for many years.
Both of these clients provide the most interesting and challenging aspect of my job. In the case of the Zoo it always provides a certain excitement for all the staff involved in handling the animals particularly some of the big cats. World Horse Welfare provides us with a different set of challenges particularly some of the welfare cases that are seen in conjunction with the RSPCA and may result in prosecutions.
Hannah Kelly BVetMed MRCVS
Senior Veterinary Surgeon
I returned home to Norfolk after graduating from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2002 and have been with the Uplands Way team ever since. I enjoy all aspects of this genuinely “mixed” practice, especially orthopaedic surgery, large animal and equine work.
In the past I have Evented and captained the Royal Veterinary College Equestrian team and I am desperate to own my own horse again, but, in the mean time, my hands are rather full with “Rufus” the pesky Pointer, who can often be seen snoozing at the back of reception!
Malia Schmidt BVetMed MRCVS
An American in Norfolk! After completing my training at the Royal Veterinary College, London, I jumped at the chance to start off my career here at Uplands Way. So far it appears I have made the right choice! While my main interests in the veterinary field are small animal and equine work, I look forward to the challenges the exotic side of the practice will present me. In my spare time I enjoy horse riding (western style of course!), kayaking and hiking.
Lis Watson MA PhD BVetMed MRCVS
Before chosing Veterinary Medicine, I completed a PhD in genetics at Cambridge University. After deciding I wanted a more "hands on" approach to animals, I returned to Cambridge to complete my BVetMed, from which I graduated in June 2007. I then started working for Uplands Way and enjoy treating the variety of patients we see here.
In my spare time I enjoy horse riding and (when time permits!) sailing. I live at home with my three dogs and two cats.
Kine Rikstad MRCVS DVM
I first started my veterinary studies in Budapest, and then moved to Kosice, Slovakia, where I graduated in 2007. I then moved from my hometown in Norway to start working in East-Anglia.
My interests are all aspects of the veterinary work, from small animals to large ones. In my spare time I enjoy hiking in the countryside with my two mixed breed dogs Stinki and Maly. If time permits it I would also like to start horseback riding again.
Polly Compston BVetMed MRCVS
After graduating from vet school in Edinburgh I have returned to my native East Anglia to start work at Uplands Way vets, where I am mainly involved in the small animal and equine parts of the practice. I enjoy the variety that general practice offers me, both in my animal patients and the people that they bring in with them!
Outside of work I am looking forward to getting back in the saddle and finding a horse to ride. I am often found walking around the countryside during the day, listening to live music at night, or just relaxing at home with my (disabled!)cat, Dylan.
Nurses
Nicole Williamson RVN
Practice Manager
I joined the practice in September 2001 and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in August 2004. I now work at the Diss surgery, where I am mostly involved in the administrative side of the business.
I have quite a collection of animals at home,which tends to take up most of my spare time; I have three dogs - two German Short Haired pointers and a terrier. I have trained my eldest pointer and compete regularly in agility, and my youngest is now showing a lot of promise in the sport.
Angela Palmer VN
Head Nurse and Trainee Nurse Assessor
I joined the practice in 1992 as a receptionist and nursing assistant. I started training as a veterinary nurse in 1995, and qualified two years later.
Since then, I have enjoyed nursing the variety of patients we see at Uplands Way, and especially enjoy farm and equine work. Aswell as general nursing, I am also responsible for assessing our trainee nurses, having qualified as an NVQ Unit Assessor.
Kate Bunn RVN
Veterinary Nurse
I started working for Uplands Way in 2002, and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in August 2004. I enjoy working with all types of patients, but especially farm animals, horses and exotics. I share my home with my black lab Purdey, my terrier Tarn, and two ferrets - Fresco and Charlie. I married my partner Ollie in February 2007 and our menagerie was joined by George in July - the first two legged addition to our family. Having returned from maternity leave in April '08, I now work part time at the Diss surgery.
Before coming to Uplands Way, I studied Equine Studies to HND level and worked in a point-to-point yard, thoroughbred stud and at the ILPH in Snetterton. My hobbies include horse riding, country sports and supporting my home rugby team – Northampton Saints.
Lynsey Green RVN
Attleborough Branch Manager
I joined the practice in 2002 as a Veterinary Nurse Assistant. I then started my nurses training in September 2004 and qualified in 2006. I mainly work at the Attleborough surgery where I manage the day to day running of the branch. I also run the award winning puppy parties that are held there. These are very successful and great fun! I have a keen interest in cat & dog behaviour and have attended a course to improve my knowledge in this area. My other keen interest is veterinary physiotherapy.
I am a Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor, which enables me to advise you on pet nutrition and formulate the correct diet for your cat or dog.
At home, I live with my mad cat called Smurf! Before I worked at Uplands Way I worked as a Care Assistant with the RSPCA where I took care of many cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, ferrets and much more.
Fran Rogers RVN
Veterinary Nurse
I started working at Uplands Way in March 2005. After 18 months experience of working in-practice, I began my formal nurse training in September 2006 and qualified two years later.
At home I have 3 dogs - 1 labrador and 2 terriers, and a rabbit. In my spare time I love socialising with my friends and meeting new people.
Kelly Edgar
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
I am based mainly at the Diss branch and love seeing the variety of patients we treat there. I am in my second year of nurse training, and enjoy the challenges that provides. At home I have a dog called Winnie and a parrot called Mylo.
Ellie Slowther
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
I began working for Uplands Way at the Attleborough branch in the summer of 2007, as temporary maternity cover for Kate. Since then, my position has become permanent and I started training to be a qualified veterinary nurse in September 2008. So far, I am really enjoying the course and the challenges it brings. At work, I love being involved in the large animal side of the practice and jump at every opportunity to go out on these calls.
At the moment I share a house with Lynsey, Smurf and my labrador Mack.
So what do all the letters mean?!
BVetMed
Stands for Batchelor of Veterinary Medicine. This means the person has qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon at a British approved Veterinary College. If a Vet has qualified abroad they will have different letters, such as DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).
MRCVS
Stands for Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Once a Vet has qualified at an approved college, they must then enter themselves onto the list of Veterinary Surgeons held by the profession's governing body, the RCVS. Without this listing, a vet is not allowed to practise in the UK.
PhD
Means the holder has completed a doctorate in a given subject, and can use the title "Dr.". Not to be confused with MD, denoting a Medical Doctor.
VN
Stands for Veterinary Nurse. This means that the person has met the national standards set by the RCVS, passed exams and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse. It entitles the holder to carry out certain procedures that laypersons cannot. Similarly to Veterinary Surgeons, if a nurse is not on the Register they are not permitted to practise as a Veterinary Nurse.
RVN
Stands for Registered Veterinary Nurse. The holder has undergone the same rigorous examinations as the holder of the VN, and additionally has their name entered onto the supplementary register. This holds Veterinary Nurses accountable for their actions, thus showing responsibility and professionalism.