Mentoring the next generation of vets: Jan’s Journey
At Medivet, we believe every team member's journey is worth celebrating. We're dedicated to recognising the incredible progress and inspiring careers of our professionals. We share these stories to inspire you, the next generation of veterinary professionals, and anyone looking for a little career inspiration.
Today, we caught up with one of our Graduate Mentors, Jan De La Rey, to get insight into his motivating veterinary journey.
Before Jan tells his story, the following resources can help you learn more about Medivet careers if you’re curious:
The start of Jan’s journey
One of my favourite outings as a small child was a visit to the Transvaal Museum in Pretoria, where I grew up.
The museum had a large collection of animal skeletons and taxidermy specimens, and I could spend hours looking at these. As I grew up and learned more about different professions, veterinary medicine stood out as a great way to combine my love for science, animals, and medicine into a career.
I qualified from the University of Pretoria in 2004, and I spent the majority of my early career in a small animal first opinion practice.
Later on, in more senior roles, I started taking on the responsibility of mentoring new graduate vets, which I found very rewarding.
Joining Medivet
The opportunity to work as a vet in a role that is different from the day-to-day clinical work in practice was what drew me to Medivet. I joined Medivet in 2018, and my first role was non-clinical as a Regional Director.
When Medivet introduced the Graduate Support Mentor role in 2022, I was fortunate enough to be offered one of the positions.
Reflecting back
Everything gets easier the more experience you have.
Experience helps you develop clinical intuition — the ability to recognise subtle patterns, make sound judgments under pressure, and adapt treatment plans to each unique case.
Experience also deepens empathy and communication skills, helping vets build trust with clients and handle sensitive situations with professionalism.
Q&A with Jan: The Medivet Graduate Development Programme
Building on our conversation with Jan about his own professional path, we dedicated time to exploring the Medivet Graduate Development Programme.
The Q&A below is designed to give you a clear understanding of the programme's structure and expectations. This information is key for both mentors supporting our graduates and individuals considering joining the GDP.
What makes the Medivet Graduate Development Programme unique from other graduate schemes in the veterinary industry?
- The Medivet Graduate Development Programme is a 12-month programme compared to many of the other programmes, which are 2 years.
- We offer multiple start dates throughout the year, and our cohorts are smaller with a maximum of 12 graduates per cohort.
How does the Medivet Graduate Programme prepare new vets for lifelong learning and career progression?
The Medivet Graduate Vet Programme is designed not just to help new vets make the transition from university to practice in a supportive way, but also to instil the habits and mindset of lifelong learners.
It provides a structured foundation for CPD, and Graduates attend regular clinical and non-clinical training days that build confidence in key skills, while encouraging curiosity and evidence-based decision-making. Alongside completing their RCVS VetGDVP portfolio, engaging with CPD early in their careers, new vets learn how to integrate ongoing learning into their daily practice.
What are some of the career paths that a vet can take after completing the graduate program?
- They can continue working as a vet
- They can start further studies towards a certificate once their VetGDP portfolio is completed
- They can take the next step in their career to become partners, lead vets, or even move into support centre roles like divisional veterinary directors or become graduate support mentors themselves and support the future veterinary professionals.
Advice for aspiring vets
What personal qualities and skills do you believe are essential for a new graduate to succeed in the Medivet Graduate Vet Programme?
- Being proactive, adaptable, and able to take ownership of their professional development.
- Contributing positively to the practice team.
- Enthusiasm for continuous learning.
- Active engagement with mentoring and graduate development opportunities.
The Medivet Difference
Jan's journey is a fantastic example of the diverse and fulfilling careers available within Medivet. His story shows that being a vet is about more than just clinical work; it's also about continuous learning, mentorship, and finding new ways to apply your skills.
If this sounds like the perfect next step in your own career, make sure to browse the following:
Veterinary insights to your inbox!
Tags
Veterinary insights to your inbox!
Related roles
Salary
Up to £55,000 per year
Location
Darlington, Durham
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Darlington
Description
Your career means more than a rota and a job title, that’s why we offer: Health and wellbeingPrivate Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plan from day one24/7 counselling and wellbeing supportLife Assur
Reference
JR004096
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Kelly Garbett
Author
Kelly GarbettSalary
31,500
Location
Thurnscoe, Rotherham, East Riding of Yorkshire
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Location
Thurnscoe
Description
If you are a passionate RVN looking for your next step in a practice where your growth and contribution truly matter, we would love to hear from you. Medivet Dearne Valley is an established, 24 hour h
Reference
JR004107
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Up to £34000 DOE
Location
Rockbeare, Exeter, Devon
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Location
Exeter
Description
Your career means more than a rota and a job title, that’s why we offer: Health and wellbeingHealth Cash Plan from day one24/7 counselling and wellbeing supportLife Assurance 3 x salaryAnnual leave5 w
Reference
JR004093
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£58,000 to £70,000 DOE
Location
Cardrew Way, Redruth, Cornwall
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Redruth
Description
Medivet Redruth is offering an exceptional opportunity for a skilled Veterinary Surgeon to join our established clinic in a beautiful, central Cornwall location right near the beach.By joining our tea
Reference
JR002448
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rachel SparyAuthor
Rachel SparySalary
Up to 90,000
Location
Kensington, London, City of
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
London
Description
We are looking for a Night Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and experienced team in Kensington.Medivet 24 Hour Kensington is a modern and well-equipped veterinary surgery in the heart of London
Reference
JR003855
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rachel SparyAuthor
Rachel SparySalary
up to £65,000 DOE
Location
Sutton, London, City of
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Sutton
Description
Medivet Sutton is a large, well-established 24-hour hospital providing continuous, high-quality care to our patients.Our daytime service is supported by a dedicated team of five experienced vets, ensu
Reference
JR003721
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rachel SparyAuthor
Rachel SparySalary
£33,072 - £36,500 DOE
Location
Enfield, London, City of
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Location
Enfield
Description
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our friendly team at our busy 24-hour hospital in Enfield.This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a well-equipped, su
Reference
JR003306
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rachel SparyAuthor
Rachel SparySalary
£35,000
Location
Hampstead, London, City of
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Location
London
Description
Are you looking to take the next step in your veterinary career, we are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Hampstead Garden Suburb.The rol
Reference
JR003134
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rachel SparyAuthor
Rachel SparySalary
33,500
Location
Parkstone, Poole, Dorset
Type of Employment
Full-time
Department
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Location
Poole
Description
Your career means more than a rota and a job title, that’s why we offer: Health and wellbeingHealth Cash Plan from day one24/7 counselling and wellbeing supportLife Assurance 3 x salaryAnnual leave5 w
Reference
JR004010
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£43,500 per year
Location
Crosby, Liverpool
Type of Employment
Part-time
Department
Veterinary Surgeon
Location
Liverpool
Description
Your career means more than a rota and a job title, that’s why we offer: Health and wellbeingPrivate Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plan from day one24/7 counselling and wellbeing supportLife Assur
Reference
JR004092
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Related articles
Teaser
Career InsightContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/19/2026
Summary
In November 2025, Medivet attended London Vet Show, and we wanted to take a second to reflect on the event. Events such as London Vet Show offer professionals in the veterinary industry the chanc
by
Staci Hearnshaw
Teaser
The Medivet PartnershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/12/2026
Summary
Here at Medivet, we champion our colleagues, always looking to share their empowering journeys where we can. Today, we sat down with Dr Kishan Vara, BSc MSc, BVetMed, MRCVS, to learn more about h
Teaser
ClinicalContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/12/2026
Summary
Whether you are just starting your journey as a student veterinary nurse or you are an experienced clinician with a special interest, your growth is driven by the community you work with and the
by
Staci Hearnshaw
Teaser
The Medivet PartnershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/22/2025
Summary
Are you a veterinary professional considering the next step in your career? Does owning a share of your local clinic sound like the perfect move? If so, Medivet Partnership could be for you. Our
Teaser
ClinicalContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/19/2025
Summary
At Medivet, our Veterinary Nurse jobs are more than just roles; they’re opportunities to make a real difference every day. Medivet is the perfect place to bring your career, and we’ll expand on j
by
Staci Hearnshaw
Teaser
Career InsightContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/14/2025
Summary
Here at Medivet, we celebrate our team members' unique stories. We know how much it matters to recognise how far someone’s come in their career and share this inspiring journey with veterinary p
by
Donna Cotton
Teaser
ClinicalContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2025
Summary
Are you seeking the next step in your Veterinary Surgeon career? There’s never been a better time to join us at Medivet, and we’ll explain why. Being a Veterinary Surgeon isn’t just about the rol
by
Staci Hearnshaw
Teaser
Early careersContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/28/2025
Summary
At Medivet, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals. This is evident in our multi-year collaboration with the University of Lancashire, where we recently
by
Staci Hearnshaw
Teaser
ClinicalContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/21/2025
Summary
Choosing a career in veterinary medicine is both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re just beginning to ask "What key skills do I need to be a vet?" or you’re already working as a veterinary
by
Staci Hearnshaw
Teaser
Early careersContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/11/2025
Summary
From Student Veterinary Nurses right the way through to Veterinary Practice Managers, no matter where you are in your veterinary career journey, you’ll always find support at Medivet. As a commu
by
Staci Hearnshaw