Pain Awareness Month: Natalie Duffy (BVSc 2012)
September is Pain Awareness Month and the University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association caught up with alumna Natalie Duffy (BVSc 2012), European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
After qualifying, Natalie worked at the RSPCA for a year, followed by 18 months in private small animal practice before returning to the University of Liverpool to complete her anaesthesia specialist training. Natalie obtained the European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2021 and remained working at the University as an anaesthesia clinician and lecturer until 2023. Natalie started working at Northwest Veterinary Specialists in November 2023 and as well as being interested in all aspects of anaesthesia, she is interested in chronic pain management and runs the Pain Clinic there.
Did anyone inspire you while you were a student at the School of Veterinary Science?
Briony Alderson (Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Anaesthesia) was my biggest inspiration as a student. She is an excellent teacher and inspired my great love of anaesthesia!
When did you know you wanted to specialise in anaesthesia and analgesia?
During my final year at vet school after completing the anaesthesia elective. I went into general practice for two and a half years but decided to return to the University of Liverpool in 2015 to complete an anaesthesia internship and I have not looked back since!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
I would recommend working in first opinion practice before undertaking an internship and residency to develop your general veterinary skills before specialising.
Can you give your fellow alumni one top tip for Pain Awareness Month?
Do not underestimate the impact of chronic pain on animal welfare and emotional state. Owner recognition of chronic pain (particularly with osteoarthritis) is variable and remains a challenge in some cases. Chronic Pain Clinics (either in house or referral to a specialist hospital) can be an extremely useful way to allow you the time to talk through the management of these cases from weight reduction to exercise and environmental modification as well analgesic medications.
How can alumni follow what you're doing?
You can find out more on the Northwest Veterinary Specialists website, or you are welcome to check-out my ResearchGate profile.
Thank you, Natalie, for helping us celebrate our alumni with careers in anaesthesia and analgesia for Pain Awareness Month.
Have you got an update you would like to share with your fellow alumni? Send your updates to ulvaa@liverpool.ac.uk.