Graduate Vet Laura Copley is looking after the health of her colleagues as well as her patients at Woodward Veterinary Practice in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. Laura runs her own exercise business, LC Fitness, while also working as a veterinary surgeon. Since joining Linnaeus-owned Woodward in September 2021, Laura has led a fitness class for the team every Friday morning before the practice opens.
Laura said: “I love keeping busy in my free time and running my own fitness business means I can combine my two passions for sport and helping others. As part of my business I offer virtual and evening fitness classes, and most days I exercise before and after work. After graduating, I wanted to join a practice that supports a good work-life balance – and Woodward does just that.”
Sam Barton, clinical director at Woodward Veterinary Practice, said: “It’s great to see Laura successfully managing her role as a vet with her fitness business. Just a few weeks after joining Woodward, she had arranged exercise classes to support her colleagues’ well-being. While we’re supporting her development as a vet, Laura’s helping us to become fitter and healthier.”
Laura joined Woodward and the Linnaeus Graduate Development Programme (GDP) after studying at the University of Nottingham.
She added: “I attended careers fairs and compared multiple graduate schemes before applying to the roles that would suit me best. It was important for me to work with a fun team, practise a wide array of skills and use advanced equipment.
“My colleagues at Woodward and Linnaeus have been very supportive in guiding me through weaker areas of clinical practice while encouraging me in areas where I feel most confident. I have loved being part of a larger team because there are so many different people to learn from.”
Linnaeus – one of the UK’s leading veterinary groups – offers mentoring, social events and structured educational days as part of its GDP. Its training covers topics ranging from clinical skills to veterinary business training and time management. Applications to join the 2022 Linnaeus GPD close at the end of May.
To learn about graduate career opportunities at Linnaeus, visit the Linnaeus website. For more information about Woodward Veterinary Practice, visit the website.