Sarah Dorling BSc (Hons) PhD
Practice Manager
In January 2010 I took over from Nicole as Practice Manager. I am based at the Diss surgery, where I am mostly involved in the administrative side of the business.
My background is research science. Having obtained a degree and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Sussex, I traveled and worked in New Zealand as a lecturer and research scientist. I really enjoyed my time in New Zealand but after three years it was time to move home to Norfolk.
I have a beautiful black lab called Jake, whom I am busy training to be a gundog, and I regularly get roped into helping on the family beef farm! In my spare time I enjoy swimming, netball (previously I have been the chair South Norfolk Netball League) and generally keeping fit.
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
After completing my training at the Royal Veterinary College in 2004, I jumped at the chance to start off my career here at Uplands Way.
My main interests in the veterinary field are small animal and equine work, and I have recently taken several courses to improve my skills with the ultrasound scanner. I am now able to detect various disease processes in a range of species, which may help us to reach a diagnosis without having to rely on invasive surgery. In particular, I have enjoyed the cardiology side of ultrasound scanning, where I am able to detect problems with an animal's heart. In addition to this, I also enjoy the challenges that the exotic side of the practice 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 have continued to enjoy treating the variety of patients we see here. In particular, I enjoy the farm animal and equine work, which I find both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
In my spare time I enjoy horse riding and (when time permits!) sailing. My husband and I share our home with two horses, two dogs and a cat.
Rachel Phillips BVet Med MRCVS
I joined Uplands Way in August 2009 after having graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in July. I grew up in the London Borough of Hillingdon, so studying in Camden seemed the obvious choice!
I have two old labradors at home called Bonnie and Clyde, whom I adore, along with four Indian Runner ducks. In my spare time I enjoy all sorts of sports, especially swimming. I enjoy working with all the animals and their owners in this truly "mixed" practice.
Rebecca Flynn BVSc MRCVS
I was brought up on a game farm in Zambia and was taught at home until I was 13, when I went to boarding school in Norfolk. After graduating from Bristol University in July 2009 I returned home and worked at my local vets', assisting with everything from small animal work to wildlife. I began working for Uplands Way in November 2009 and although my bias is towards small animal work, I very much enjoy being involved in all aspects of veterinary practice.
In my spare time I enjoy running, riding, gardening and painting.
Sarah Flanagan BVetMed MRCVS
I was brought up in Belfast and came to study in London in 2005. I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in July 2010 and came to work at Uplands Way in the September of that year. I am mostly involved with small animal consultations and surgery, and enjoy seeing the variety of patients and clients that we see at Uplands Way.
At home in Belfast I have two dogs; Holly a beautiful Springer Spaniel and Ben, a cheeky but adorable Border Collie. I also have a cat Bobbins, who is most definitely the boss!
In my spare time I enjoy baking, horse-riding and dog agility and obedience. I also love traveling, especially to France to practice my French speaking.
Nurses
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.
Nicole Williamson RVN
Veterinary Nurse
I have been at Uplands Way now for nine years. I am a qualified Veterinary Nurse, and work at all three of our branches whenever I am required!
At home I have three dogs, one horse and four tortoises, which tend to take up most of my time. In my free time I love to go sailing with my husband, and our three dogs.
Kelly Edgar RVN
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2009 after two years of training. I am based mainly at the Diss branch and since then have become a Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor. This has allowed me to run more nurse clinics and give taylored advice to meet your and your pet's needs. I have also started running Puppy Parties at the Stanton surgery, which are proving very popular.
In my spare time I have gained a City & Guilds certificate in dog grooming, which has allowed me to set up my own grooming parlour in Pakenham called "Dashing Dogs". Any other time I have spare is spent looking after Percy, my naughty cocker spaniel!
Ellie Slowther RVN
Veterinary Nurse
I began working for Uplands Way at the Attleborough branch in the summer of 2007, and I started training to be a qualified veterinary nurse in September 2008. I qualified in August 2010 and in addition to my general nursing duties, I am also responsible for the day to day running of the Attleborough surgery.
Hannah Shadwell
Student Veterinary Nurse
I joined Uplands Way in October 2007 where I initially worked at the Stanton branch. I am now based mainly at the Diss branch and started my official Veterinary Nurse training in September '09. I enjoy working with all animals, but especially like the large animal/equine and exotics.
Before working for Uplands Way I studied at Writtle College where I gained a degree in Animal Science. I have two dogs - a terrier called Buddy and a working border collie called Tink. In my spare time I enjoy horse riding; also working, training and trialling Tink and visiting my family back home in Nottinghamshire.
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.