UCLan student becomes first person to win vet award for her dedication and professionalism

Natasha Hetzel, Linnaeus Veterinary Education Manager, winning student Alexandra Laws and Dr Peter Holland, Associate Dean within the School of Veterinary Medicine. Pic: UCLan

A vet student from the University of Central Lancashire has been the first person to receive an award which recognised her dedication and professionalism.

Alexandra Laws, an undergraduate on the (BVMS) Veterinary Medicine and Surgery course, is the first recipient of the Linnaeus Professionalism Award.

She was nominated by her peers, academics and placement colleagues for “being a fantastic team player, being caring and considerate, having a fantastic work ethic, and being someone who epitomises what a University of Central Lancashire vet student should be”.

The 27 year-old first-year student said: “I’m never lost for words but I’m absolutely speechless to know I’ve won this award.

“It’s such an honour to be chosen out of a group of so many worthy students, it means the world to me. It’s fantastic recognition for the hard work I’ve put in to pursue this wonderful career and I hope this inspires others that it is never too late to follow their dreams.”

Alexandra undertook a biochemical sciences access course at Newcastle College and then enrolled as one of UCLan’s first cohort of BVMS undergraduates.

The Linnaeus Professionalism Award was sponsored by the highly-respected UK and Ireland veterinary group. Alexandra was presented with her certificate and £400 at an awards ceremony attended by Natasha Hetzel, Linnaeus Veterinary Education Manager.

She said: “It’s fantastic we are working with the University of Central Lancashire to recognise the next generation of vets.

“This award recognises the wide variety of skills required to be a vet. It’s not just about clinical knowledge; it’s about being a team player and having great communication skills to engage both with clients and the whole veterinary team.

“Fundamentally though, as veterinary professionals we have to prioritise our mental wellbeing and take time for self-care to protect our physical and mental health. We are so pleased to be partnering with The University of Central Lancashire to emphasise these important elements of professionalism with vet students at the very beginning of their careers.”

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