Training Resident David Barker Q&A – #ProudtobeParagon

Did you know? We’re not just about providing the best care for your animals – we also provide outstanding training for our vets.

Today’s #ProudtobeParagon blog looks at our role as a training centre for veterinary specialists, which we’re approved to do by the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS).

Specialists in training are called residents and our first resident, small animal surgeon David Barker, finishes his training at the end of this month. He will then be able to sit his board exams with the aim of becoming a veterinary specialist.

We caught up with David for a Q&A on his training programme…

What have you learned as part of your training?

I have learned a great deal, not only about surgical diseases. Working within a multi-disciplinary hospital exposes you to many unusual and obscure pathologies that you might never see in general practice. As a surgeon, I have increased my knowledge of surgical disease and my skill in managing those cases in theatre.

You have trained with our soft tissue specialist Mickey Tivers. What has that been like?

Working alongside Mickey and the rest of the surgery team is great. It’s very nice to work in a supportive environment whilst also being challenged to think outside of the box, and to think of every facet of a case.

The whole experience has been a bit of a rollercoaster – there are good days and bad, like every veterinary job. Thankfully the good far outweigh the bad! As my official training is drawing to an end, I am now looking forward to the exam.

What has your experience of training at Paragon Referrals been like?

Doing my training at Paragon has been very good. We are lucky to have a large array of equipment and technology that assist in the diagnosis and surgical management of our patients.