Hi Oli, thanks for taking part in our Life As I See It podcast. We can’t wait to hear all about your temporary new job as a locum in the Yorkshire Dales.
“Thank you for inviting me. I’m just back from volunteering with a wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica, and trying to get used to a Dales winter!
That sounds amazing! What kind of animals were you working with?
“Lots of incredible ones I don’t see at home. I got to treat a male ocelot who can’t be released back into the wild, and he was pretty cool. They were all amazing, really, and I’ll never forget the sloths, they’re a favourite of mine. They’re one of the most common animals that arrive at the sanctuary, often as babies which have been abandoned by their mothers. Most of them are rehabilitated and released back into the wild, which was incredible to be part of.“
So how do you follow that! We’re interested to hear what is the best thing you’ve got going on in your life now?
“Right now I’m working with a mixed Yorkshire Dales practice, which was something I always wanted to do because of the different animals we treat. The weather takes some getting used to after Costa Rica, though! One of my colleagues and I were at university together and it’s brilliant to see how far she’s come in her own career.
You must need plenty of layers! If you were allowed to find out everyone who was secretly in love with you at some point in their life, would you want to know?
“I think I’d want to know about just one person. And I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t tell me.”
Okay, intriguing. Maybe one day you’ll find out! In ten years’ time, will you be proud of what you are doing now?
“I hope so. I’ve been a locum for most of my career, and I love the variety of animals I get to treat. I’d say I’m more at home with companion animals, though, so I’m enjoying the challenge of working with farm animals over winter. You’re right about the layers.” (laughs).
And extra waterproofs, maybe! How cool to know you’re making such a difference to your patients. Okay, so what does your inner voice tell you?
“Usually it’s telling me to go to bed earlier. Those middle of the night emergency calls when I’m working out of hours can be brutal.”
Sounds like good advice! What are your strongest beliefs about?
‘I’d probably say doing the right thing and having the strength and humility to recognise when I’m wrong. I’ve definitely made some mistakes in my life, and I’m learning to be more forgiving.”
What have you done recently that made you feel great?
“Surfing in Costa Rica was incredible, and being surrounded by those views and the wildlife was pretty awesome. It’s definitely become one of my favourite places, and I’d love to go back sometime.”
It sounds amazing, Oli, and quite the contrast to your work now. What keeps you awake at night?
“Other than my phone when I get called out, not much. My job’s very physical and I can always use more sleep.”
So we all have our vices. What’s yours?
“Do bacon butties count? I’m not a great cook because I move around a lot, so I probably don’t eat as well as I should. Erratic hours usually mean grabbing something on the go, and I definitely need to do better.”
What’s important on your to-do list but not urgent?
“It’s got to be a cookbook. Any recommendations?” (laughs).
I cook as well as you, so that’s a no, sorry! Could you achieve more by doing just half as much?
“Definitely not. When it comes to my work. I never cut corners, and even after seven years in practice there are still days when I doubt myself. I’d love to be able to run faster by doing half as much training, but I doubt that’s going to happen!”
Agreed, those miles don’t run themselves! What’s something that no one knows about you?
“I’m not really mad about spiders, so let’s keep that between ourselves in case any of my clients are listening! When I was at university I learned to play a brass band instrument to impress someone I liked. She still doesn’t know.”
Totally between us, Oli, both the spiders and the band! So what instrument do you play?
“Cornet. But it’s been a really long time, I doubt I’d be any good now.”
Don’t worry, we won’t ask you to play! So what thoughts come to mind when you are relaxed?
“That’s a relief! Sleepy ones, usually. I can nod off anywhere.’ (Pauses). “Occasionally I think about my mum and wonder what she’d think of where I am now.”
She’d be very proud, I’m sure. What do you need help with most often?
“Relaxing outside of work. Other than running and listening to podcasts, I’m not great at chilling out, probably because I travel a lot, and make my home wherever I am for the time that I’m there.”
Is there anything missing in your life?
“I’d love to have another dog, but it’s not practical with the travelling I do. Hopefully one day that will change.”
What would you like to be remembered for?
“A great vet who made a difference, and a better man would do. Something to aim for.” (laughs again).
Who do you admire?
“I’d have to say my colleague at the practice, Erin.” (pauses). “She worked incredibly hard at university, and I can see how much her brilliance and total dedication has paid off. She’s an amazing vet and I’m grateful to call her a friend. She’s taught me a lot, and not just about being a vet.”
That’s lovely, Oli. If you were offered the chance to feel happy all the time, would you take it?
“I think that would make life seem too easy, and I probably wouldn’t fully appreciate the wonderful times without the darker days.”
Do you believe that love has to be mutual?
“For sure if it’s going to last, so yes.”
Yorkshire Dales or Costa Rica? Could you pick just one?
‘Oh, that’s a tough one! Much as I love Costa Rica, I don’t think it’ll ever be home. I’m still working out where that might be. The Dales are incredible though, and I’d love to see them in summer.”
What are you still learning about yourself?
“That I could do better, in so many ways. I think I’m still a work in progress, but maybe we all are.”
When you look at the world, what is most fascinating to you?
“As someone who loves animals and has been lucky enough to treat some exotic ones in other countries, I’d say just how rich we are in different species. I wish sometimes we took better care of them. it’s their world too, and there’s so much more we could do.”
When do you underestimate yourself?
“Usually when the phone rings in the middle of the night and I’m thinking about the animal I’m about to treat.”
Is it best to judge people by their intentions or their actions?
“We all fail and get stuff wrong, and I don’t get to choose, to be honest. More forgiveness might be nice.”
Great answer. So what do you hope everyone has the chance to figure out in their lifetime?
“I’m going with the big one. (laughs). How to love and be loved, because what more do we have when there’s nothing else left?”
Deep, Oli, we like it! Where do you feel the most like yourself?
“When I’m examining a patient, and I know I can help. It’s a feeling that never grows old, and I hope I never lose it. It makes all those tough years of studying and the unsociable hours worth it.”
And finally, what are you most excited to do in your lifetime?
“Keep learning so I can be a better vet. And hopefully making a home of my own in a place I love one day.”
Thanks Oli, for sharing life as you see it. You can catch up with everything going on at the Home Farm Vets on their new Instagram. Check out the two practice dogs, Lola and Maud, they’re very cute. As is the rescue kitten, she’s such a sweetheart.
© Suzanne Snow 2025
