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:

List #1

Related roles

Veterinary Nurse

Salary

33145.63

Location

Whitchurch, Shropshire

Type of Employment

Full-time

Department

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Location

Whitchurch

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

JR003842

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Salary

£24,400 - £30,500 per annum

Location

Lawley, Telford, Shropshire

Type of Employment

Part-time

Department

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Location

Telford

Description

Medivet Lawley is a kind and caring team who are able to offer a full range of veterinary services and facilities, including nurse clinics and dental procedures, ECG, in-house laboratory, Orthopaedic

Reference

JR003683

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Author

emma horne

Author

emma horne

Veterinary Nurse

Salary

30500

Location

Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire

Type of Employment

Full-time

Department

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Location

Preston

Description

Medivet Bamber Bridge is looking for a passionate and proactive Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our friendly, experienced and supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoy

Reference

JR003697

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Veterinary Surgeon

Salary

£50,000 to £55,000 per year

Location

Stamford Hill, London, City of

Type of Employment

Full-time

Department

Veterinary Surgeon

Location

London

Description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our talented and friendly team at Medivet Stamford Hill.Our practice is well-established in London, with a loyal and devoted client

Reference

JR002265

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Night Veterinary Nurse

Salary

34,923

Location

Thurnscoe, Rotherham, East Riding of Yorkshire

Type of Employment

Full-time

Department

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Location

Thurnscoe

Description

Excited to grow your career? We value our talented colleagues, and whenever possible we want to support you to grow professionally. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourag

Reference

JR003849

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Part-time Veterinary Surgeon

Salary

Up to £41,000 per year

Location

Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Type of Employment

Part-time

Department

Veterinary Surgeon

Location

Northallerton

Description

Medivet Northallerton are seeking a part-time Veterinary Surgeon to join their team. Ideally two or three days per week.Your career means more than a rota and a job title, that’s why we offer: Health

Reference

JR003850

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Author

Kelly Garbett

Author

Kelly Garbett

Veterinary Surgeon

Salary

32,5000 Per annum

Location

Bromley, London, City of

Type of Employment

Part-time

Department

Veterinary Surgeon

Location

Bromley

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

JR003844

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Veterinary Surgeon

Salary

Up to £55,000 per year

Location

Danbury, Essex

Type of Employment

Full-time

Department

Veterinary Surgeon

Location

Chelmsford

Description

The TeamYou'll be supported by a knowledgeable and collaborative team including experienced vets, RVNS, VCAs and CCAs creating a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone's contributio

Reference

JR003833

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Veterinary Surgeon

Salary

65,000 Per year DOE

Location

Bromley, London, City of

Type of Employment

Full-time

Department

Veterinary Surgeon

Location

Bromley

Description

Reference

JR003516

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

Salary

up to £35,000 per year

Location

Bromley, London, City of

Type of Employment

Full-time

Department

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Location

Bromley

Description

Medivet Bromley is on the lookout for an inspiring and passionate Head RVN to lead our talented nursing team and play a key role in shaping the future of our practice.Nestled in the heart of Bromley—a

Reference

JR002479

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

View all

List #1

Medivet at the London Vet Show 2025

Teaser

Career Insight

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

In November 2025, Medivet attended London Vet Show, and we wanted to take a second to reflect on the event.

Laura Buss

From Graduate to Partner: An Inspiring Medivet Journey

Teaser

The Medivet Partnership

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Today, we sat down with Dr Kishan Vara to learn more about his veterinary journey!

Laura Buss

Group of vets and nurses smiling together

Career Boosting Clinical Communities at Medivet

Teaser

Clinical

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

We launched our Clinical Communities to bring Medivet colleagues together across the country.

Staci Hearnshaw

More Than a Vet, a Partner: The Medivet Partnership

Teaser

The Medivet Partnership

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Are you a veterinary professional considering the next step? Does owning a share of your local clinic sound like the perfect move?

Laura Buss

Inside the Profession

Two veterinary professionals examining a cat

Veterinary Nurse Jobs With Medivet: Always Committed to Care

Teaser

Clinical

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

At Medivet, our Veterinary Nurse jobs are more than just roles; they’re opportunities to make a real difference every day.

Staci Hearnshaw

Inside the Profession

Image of Jules in a veterinary surgery setting

Beyond the Textbook: Jules’ Veterinary Journey to Graduate Mentor

Teaser

Career Insight

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

Curious about different career pathways at Medivet? Read Jules' unique journey today!

Donna Cotton

Colleague Stories

Deliver exceptional care: Veterinary Surgeon jobs at Medivet

Teaser

Clinical

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

Curious about what makes our veterinary surgeon jobs stand out at Medivet?

Staci Hearnshaw

Inside the Profession

Medivet and University of Lancashire summer school students

Future Vets in the Making: University of Lancashire x Medivet's Summer School

Teaser

Early careers

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

Curious about how Medivet looks to inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals? Read on!

Staci Hearnshaw

The common skills we look for at Medivet

Teaser

Clinical

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

Curious about Medivet Careers? Find out about the skills we look for in our applicants!

Staci Hearnshaw

Inside the Profession

Supporting The Next Generation of Vets

Teaser

Early careers

Content Type

Blog

Publish 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

Teaser

We proudly support the University of Lancashire (UCLan) School of Veterinary Medicine!

Staci Hearnshaw

View all

Employee experience is our passion

Heading here

Employee experience is our passion

Mentoring the next generation of vets: Jan’s Journey

The start of Jan’s journey

Joining Medivet

Reflecting back

Q&A with Jan: The Medivet Graduate Development Programme

What makes the Medivet Graduate Development Programme unique from other graduate schemes in the veterinary industry?

How does the Medivet Graduate Programme prepare new vets for lifelong learning and career progression?

What are some of the career paths that a vet can take after completing the graduate program?

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?

The Medivet Difference

Tags

Welcome to your next role

Employee experience is our passion

Heading here

Employee experience is our passion

Mentoring the next generation of vets: Jan’s Journey

The start of Jan’s journey

Joining Medivet

Reflecting back

Q&A with Jan: The Medivet Graduate Development Programme

What makes the Medivet Graduate Development Programme unique from other graduate schemes in the veterinary industry?

How does the Medivet Graduate Programme prepare new vets for lifelong learning and career progression?

What are some of the career paths that a vet can take after completing the graduate program?

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?

The Medivet Difference

Veterinary insights to your inbox!

Tags

Welcome to your next role

Veterinary insights to your inbox!