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Pennard Vets appoints first group clinical director
Serina Filler will lead clinical teams and develop new protocols across the group.
The independent vet group has welcomed Serina Filler to its team.

Pennard Vets, an independent veterinary group in Kent, has appointed Serina Filler as its first group clinical director.

The veterinary surgeon, industry speaker and published author will take on a leadership role at the group.

Dr Filler began her veterinary training in Austria, before completing her final year at Washington State University, USA. During her studies in Austria, Dr Filler ran a cat rescue network and, after qualifying, she worked in private clinics and a teaching hospital in Germany.

She studied for her postgraduate certificate in the UK, spending three years studying under professor Severine Tasker for her PhD in feline hemoplasmas.

Dr Filler went on to work at the London Cat Clinic, where she gained a clinical qualification in feline medicine and supported its transition to a 24-hour hospital. After a stint in a non-practice role, she returned to practice as a clinical lead at a subscription-based start-up.

In her role at Pennard Vets, Dr Filler will be mentoring and leading the clinical teams, as well as developing new protocols across the group. Her role will also involve strategic business planning and workflow improvements.

Dr Filler said: “From everything I know about Pennard Vets, it’s a place where people do the right thing, there is a genuine commitment to its teams, clients and pets to deliver excellence in veterinary care, and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”

Founded in 1890, Pennard Vets is an independent veterinary group consisting of eight practices across Kent.

In 2021, it became the largest practice in the world to transfer into employee ownership within an employee ownership trust (EOT). It also became B-Corp certified in 2022 – meaning it has displayed high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability.

Matthew Flann, from Pennard Vets, said: “Having become an employee ownership trust, B-Corp certified and expanding to eight practices, as well as opening our brand-new state of the art practice in Sevenoaks, all in recent years, we felt now was the right time to create a new role of group clinical director.

“Serina’s qualifications, experience and personality made her the ideal fit for this position, and we can’t wait to see how the changes she implements benefit everyone associated with Pennard Vets.”

Image © Pennard Vets

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.