Building community and embracing every opportunity

From organising social events and whole school balls to representing peers across several boards and groups, final year student Maddy Shorthouse has helped to build a supportive and social community in the Harper & Keele Veterinary School (HKVS). 

Part of the first cohort of veterinary students set to graduate in summer 2025, Maddy has reflected on her journey to vet school and beyond: “I have always loved animals and enjoyed science at school, so I decided to pursue the perfect combination of both, veterinary medicine (even before I really knew what a vet did!).  

“I followed the very traditional route straight from A-levels to uni, and chose HKVS after visiting on the Offer Holder Day where everybody I encountered was friendly and supportive and instantly made me feel welcome. I left HKVS with a gut instinct that I would fit in well there and loved all the practical elements of the course. Despite the building site at the time, I was excited to see the vet school plans and the staff enthusiasm for the project!” 

Maddy has held several roles during her time at HKVS, including spending two years as a representative for the Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) and being appointed as a student representative on the HKVS Joint Academic Board. Talking about her role on the Board, which provides independent guidance and direction for the academic programme, Maddy said: “It has been amazing to see how cohort opinions genuinely shape the course with regular adaptations made based on feedback received. It is incredibly motivating to feel as though your voice matters and has the ability to shape the wider student experience. 

“Whilst at Vet School I have really thrown myself into every opportunity offered to me within the HKVS community. During my second year, I founded the Veterinary Society with a small group of fellow students. Going on to be President for two years and overseeing several whole school balls and cross-campus social events including sports day and a Moo Mixer...obviously dressed as cows! 

“Another highlight was organising the first HKVS Halfway Ball – an amazing night to celebrate the halfway landmark and achievements as a cohort, especially after starting our studies during the coronavirus pandemic with the accompanying social distancing and lockdown restrictions. 

“Though it is somewhat demanding to take on these roles alongside full-time studies, it is a fantastic opportunity to develop transferrable skills and organise events for everyone to be able to come together and celebrate how far we have all come.”  

Reflecting on her time at HKVS, Maddy said: “There are too many highlights to list! From my time as AVS rep, VetSoc President, and several amazing EMS placements – including working with the Veterinary Policy Research Foundation at the House of Lords - to the amazing experiences on our final year rotations, including honing my surgical skills, connecting with the clients at Garden Vets at Keele, and my elective split between RSPCA Stapeley Grange in Nantwich and Chester Zoo!”

Maddy has already secured a role in a small animal first opinion practice which she is set to start this summer. “Further down the line I am also curious about completing a certificate, currently I am most interested in internal medicine and orthopaedics, but who knows where I’ll end up!” 

Her advice to anyone considering a career in veterinary medicine: “Even though it is hard work, often long hours, and plenty of days where you get home smelling of something horrendous, it is so rewarding. If you truly love it, go for it!  

“Vet School provides some really amazing opportunities and opens doors to so many cool experiences, and chances to genuinely make a difference. The wider veterinary community is also very supportive, whether looking for placements, accommodation or just advice. Even just in the five years I’ve been at HKVS I have had some real once in a lifetime experiences, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”