The MacVet Podcast

If you’re interested in communication, cows and coffee, this is the podcast for you! In each episode, we speak to people who live and breathe at least one of these topics. Sometimes all three!Listen in to learn about their experiences, insights and advice.

The MacVet Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Dr Fiona MacGillivray MRCVS, with 77 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Dr Fiona MacGillivray MRCVS hosts The MacVet Podcast, a education show with 77 episodes published.

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  Episode #9

  Sharing evidence, supporting farmers

  Sep 17, 202649 minS4

  In this episode of The MacVet Podcast, Fiona welcomes back Sarah Tomlinson, Lead Veterinary Science Expert with AHDB, for a wide-ranging conversation about bovine TB, farmer support, veterinary communication and the importance of sharing science and evidence in ways that are practical, accessible and compassionate. Sarah reflects on changes at home and at work since appeaaring in Season 1; in her role with AHDB, she currently works across ruminant health, welfare and disease, while continuing to play an influential role in conversations around bovine TB. Takehome messages: Clear, evidence-based communication is essential Sarah explains the importance of tailoring messages for different audiences — from farmers and vets to government and industry bodies — while keeping the science simple, accurate and useful. Bovine TB remains complex, but progress is being made The conversation explores TB control across England, Wales and Scotland, the latest English TB strategy recommendations, testing options, cattle vaccination prospects and the value of giving vets and farmers more tools to manage disease risk. Empathy matters when delivering difficult news Fiona and Sarah discuss the emotional impact of infectious diseases and wider pressures facing farmers, highlighting the importance of listening first, acknowledging the situation and then offering practical support. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation about communication, cows and coffee — and why sharing knowledge with clarity and compassion can make a real difference. Links: TB Hub https://tbhub.co.uk/ TB Advisory Service https://www.tbas.org.uk/

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  Episode #8

  Representation and regulation: animal medicines in the UK

  Sep 17, 202652 minS4

  In this episode, Fiona chats with Donal Murphy, Deputy CEO and Head of International and Regulatory Affairs at the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH). NOAH is the trade organisation representing the UK animal health industry, and in this conversation, Donal shares a detailed look at how veterinary medicines are developed, regulated, monitored, and supplied. Donal, who spent his early career working in veterinary practice, provides details on the scale and structure of the UK and European animal health sectors, the responsibilities of regulators and manufacturers, the importance of pharmacovigilance, environmental considerations around parasiticides, and the challenges involved in maintaining reliable medicine and vaccine supply chains. Key take outs: Veterinary medicines are highly regulated: products must meet strict standards for safety, quality, and efficacy before they are authorised, with extensive data submitted to regulators such as the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Reporting suspected adverse events matters: Pharmacovigilance relies on vets, farmers, and animal owners reporting concerns, including suspected lack of efficacy, side effects, human exposure, or residue issues, so regulators can identify trends and act when needed. Medicine supply chains are complex: Global manufacturing, batch testing, rising vaccine demand, Brexit, and emerging diseases all influence availability, making forward planning and ordering crucial for practices and farms. A must-listen for vets, farmers and animal owners if you want to know more about medicines in the UK! If you enjoyed this episode, please share with your friends, colleagues and network. It really helps us reach a wider audience - thank you! Notes: If you use, prescribe, or advise on veterinary medicines, please take the time to report any suspected adverse events or suspected lack of efficacy through the appropriate reporting routes. Your reports help strengthen product safety, improve guidance, and support the responsible use of medicines across the animal health sector. National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) https://www.noah.co.uk/ Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterinary-medicines-directorate European Medicines Agency (EMA) https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/who-we-are/veterinary-medicines

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  Episode #7

  Falling into place

  Sep 3, 20261h 8mS4

  We've all heard of the common saying 'practise makes perfect'. In this episode, clinical vet James Farrell explains how he likes to relate perseverance in developing skills in small animal practice to the experience of replacing a prolapsed uterus in a recently calved cow! Now a managing clinical director at Woodcroft Vets, a companion animal practice in Greater Manchester, James shares his journey since graduation with fellow Royal Veterinary College graduate, Fiona. Having gained a solid foundation working in mixed practice, he chose to specialise in small animal surgery and recently competed Masters level training in Counselling and Psychotherapy, regularly supporting bereaved family members at a local hospice. He reflects on how early experiences in mixed practice and PDSA work shaped his confidence, surgical ability, resilience, and practical approach to problem-solving. He also explains how counselling training deepened his self-awareness and strengthened skills such as empathy, reflective listening, and giving people time to process difficult experiences. James also discusses the emotional demands of veterinary work, particularly around complaints, end-of-life care and supporting teams under pressure. Highlights shared in this conversation: Communication is a core clinical skill — listening, curiosity, empathy and reflection can transform interactions with clients, colleagues and teams. Supportive leadership matters — making time for hands-on mentoring, peer discussion and psychological safety helps people learn and cope with pressure. Self-compassion is essential — veterinary work is emotionally demanding, so it's important to develop a strong support network, which of course can include our pets. If this conversation resonates, you could take one practical step this week: check in with a colleague, create space for a proper team conversation, or explore communication, counselling or coaching resources that could support you and your practice. Notes: James can be contacted via his LinkedIn profile linkedin.com/in/james-farrell-00216876 Vetamorphosis is an organisation that provides therapy and therapeutic coaching for veterinary professionals www.vetamorphosis.co.uk British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) www.bacp.co.uk

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  Episode #6

  Farming, food and gut health

  Aug 20, 20261h 7mS4

  In this episode of The MacVet Podcast, Fiona speaks with Lucy Williamson, a vet who moved careers to become a registered human nutritionist. Lucy is passionate about helping others learn about the links between nutrition and our whole body health and wellbeing. She is the author of Soil to Gut , a book full of practical guidance that teaches readers about about the vital connections between food, farming, gut health and the planet. Lucy shares insights about soil health, regenerative farming, dairy and meat in the diet, autoimmune disease, coffee and the power of storytelling in science communication. She highlights the importance of diversity, resilience and connection — from the microbes in our gut to the farming systems that produce our food. Key points you'll hear in this episode include: Why food choices matter for personal health, farming systems and climate resilience. How gut health, microbiome diversity and lifestyle can support wellbeing and immune health. Why clear, positive communication helps people reconnect with food, farmers and meaningful behaviour change. You can find out more about Lucy’s work at www.lwnutrition.co.uk, follow her on social media, and look out for her new book, hot off the press, Soil to Gut: How to Regenerate Your Health With Food , available from 5m Books https://5mbooks.com/product/soil-to-gut If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and share the episode with friends, colleagues or anyone interested in communication, cows and coffee!

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  Episode #5

  Chewing the cud

  Aug 6, 20261h 20mS4

  In this episode of the MacVet podcast, Fiona speaks with Andrew Jones, an independent dairy and beef nutrition advisor based in the southwest of England. During the conversation, Andrew reflects on his dairy farming experiences in the UK and Australia, where tick control could be very challenging! We learn how his passion for genetics evolved, reaching a pinnacle with the champion cow he bred, the world-famous pedigree Holstein, Page-House Shottle Noni. Andrew is also the co-host and producer of the globally successful podcast, ChewinTheCud. Topics covered on the show range from forage production, fertiliser, feed and nutrition, emerging technologies, people management, and the perpetually difficult topic of bovine TB. Andrew talks about how his podcast has evolved and how podcasting has helped him create meaningful conversations across the dairy industry, not only in the UK but across the world. Listeners of this episode can expect to hear lively stories of farming in Somerset and Australia, Andrew's admission of how what was once felt like a chore turned into a passion for working with cows, we discover who his all-time favourite cow is (spoiler alert - she's a Holstein!) and discover his best piece of advice for everyone working in the dairy industry (and beyond). Links: ChewinTheCud Podcast: https://www.chewinthecud.com/podcast/ Independent Nutrition Services: https://www.chewinthecud.com/

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