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A talented student from Harper & Keele Veterinary School has been named as an emerging leader within the veterinary profession. 

Leah Griffiths, a third year vet student, has been included in the  initiative – a group of young professionals identified by the London Vet Show and Pioneering Veterinary Products as those who are shaping the future of the veterinary industry. 

This year’s cohort includes veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, students, practice managers, entrepreneurs, and specialists working across clinical practice, academia, animal health leadership, and industry. 

Reflecting on her achievement, Leah said: “I entered VS30 as a passionate advocate for calf welfare, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the future of veterinary care in British agriculture. Through my experience in farm animal practice, farm work, and my leadership as the National Farm Animal Veterinary Society (FAVS) President 2024/25, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in research, outreach, and education about the importance of youngstock welfare.” 

After graduating from the Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management degree at ÎÞÂ붯»­ in 2020, Leah worked as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) in small animal practice. Leah said: “This helped me to develop my clinical skills. However, it was my exposure to the agricultural community at Harper Adams that sparked my passion for farm animals. People's enthusiasm was contagious.  

“At university, I took courses in AI, pregnancy scanning and became an SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) enabling me to prescribe and advise on specific veterinary medicines. My Honours Research Project during my nursing degree focused on farmers’ perceptions of calf management post-dystocia – complications that can occur following a difficult birth. 

“After qualifying as an RVN, I quickly shifted my focus towards large animal practice. I worked as a TB tester and in pharmacy, which gave me more hands-on experience with farm animals. Following this, I spent three years as Head of Youngstock on a high-welfare dairy farm and I gained a deep understanding of the industry and honed my leadership skills. The work was dynamic, the challenges were unique, and I knew this was where I wanted to focus my career. I am not from a farming background, and I have never seen this as a drawback.” 

Leah joined the Harper & Keele Veterinary School (HKVS) in 2023, commencing the five-year Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) degree. Reflecting on her decision to join HKVS, Leah said: “Returning to university meant a huge amount of sacrifice, however pursing this career was driven by my desire to make a difference in the way the agricultural industry views calves and youngstock. Whilst Head of Youngstock, I implemented new health protocols to help improve efficiency, health and welfare, and reduce spending on the farm. I created my own fully comprehensive ‘Calf Rearer Training Plan’ for new starters and to provide to other trainers – I was really pleased to be announced as Wynnstay's Top 3 'National Calf Rearer of the Year' in 2024.    

“One of my highlights from my time as National FAVS President was playing a crucial role overseeing the organisation of the annual National FAVS Congress, which was held at HKVS for the first time. This was a jam-packed weekend of talks, workshops, practicals and social events, as well as a careers fair to support and inspire students to pursue a farm animal veterinary career. All made possible by our incredibly generous sponsors and fellow vet students. We also raised over £1000 for our chosen charity, Yellow Wellies, a UK-wide charity passionate about changing attitudes and behaviours around farm safety and mental health among the next generation of farmers.” 

Head of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, Professor Matt Jones, said: “On behalf of HKVS, I want to share our congratulations with Leah for this great accolade. I’m extremely proud that we have played a part in her ongoing career development and that she has been able to embrace the opportunities at vet school to broaden her skills and experiences. Leah’s story is evidence of the diversity of routes into the profession and chance to bring impact and influence as a vet in training.” 

The VS30 Class of 2025 will be celebrated in a dedicated ceremony at the LVS in November and invited to contribute to industry-wide initiatives over the coming year.