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A Newry vet who worked as a receptionist at Newry Vets (Newry Veterinary Centre) throughout university has won five awards at her University College Dublin graduation ceremony. Rachael Meehan has now joined the practice full-time as a qualified veterinary surgeon.
The Newry woman is a former Our Ladies Grammar School pupil and worked at the practice as a casual receptionist during university holidays and weekends for the past two years. When she was not needed on reception, she took every opportunity to gain practical experience by undertaking Extra-Mural Studies alongside the practice's veterinary team.
Her dedication, motivation and discipline were rewarded at her UCD graduation with five awards. These were the Veterinary Ireland Student Medal, awarded to the leading student throughout the Veterinary Medicine Programme, and the Interchem (Ireland) Ltd Prize for Veterinary Medicine, awarded to the student who achieves the highest grade in Small Animal Medicine.
She also received the John Freeman Memorial Medal, awarded by the Veterinary Council of Ireland to the student who acquires the highest aggregate grades in Animal Husbandry and Production, Pathology, Microbiology, Parasitology and Pharmacology. The John Hannon Medal went to her as the student who obtains the highest overall grades in Veterinary Public Health and Food Hygiene, while the Moredun Foundation Prize recognised the student who performs best in the area of Farm Animal Clinical Studies.
Newry Vets Practice Manager Shantel Lloyd said: "We could not be more proud of Rachael. She has shown incredible dedication and commitment throughout her studies, balancing a demanding veterinary degree with regular work at the practice.
"Rachael has always been incredibly motivated and keen to learn. Whether she was working on reception or spending time with our veterinary team as part of her EMS, she threw herself into everything. To graduate as a vet is a fantastic achievement in itself, but to come away with five awards is an extraordinary accomplishment. We are absolutely delighted for her."
Having gained experience with the team throughout her studies, Meehan chose to begin her veterinary career at Newry Vets as a new graduate vet. She joined the practice full-time this summer.
Meehan said: "I was shocked to win so many awards but absolutely delighted.
"I'm really enjoying being at the practice full-time. The team is absolutely lovely and I am lucky that I get to work in farm and small animal practice. I enjoy getting stuck into a bit of everything and no two days are the same."
Shantel added: "We have watched Rachael grow in confidence and experience over the past two years and we are absolutely thrilled that she has chosen to start her career with us. She has already achieved so much, and we have no doubt there are big things ahead for this young vet."
The practice team is now looking forward to seeing what the future holds for their newest vet.
