Get to Know Dr Laura Cole: Navigating the Pressure of Emergency and Critical Care
Dr Laura Cole is a Lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at the Royal Veterinary College, with dual diplomas in ECC and a strong background in clinical practice and education. Her interests include acute kidney injury, endocrinological emergencies, and point-of-care ultrasound. In this Q&A, she shares her journey, clinical passions, and perspectives on the future of ECC.
Q: Hi Laura, what inspired you to pursue a career in the veterinary industry? And how did you choose to specialise in Emergency and Critical Care?
A: It was a childhood dream that never went away but evolved over time. I wanted to work with wildlife while I was a student and do some overseas charity work. I got the opportunity to do some overseas charity work with donkeys, dogs, cats and cows when I graduated, and then settled into work at a mixed practice. My first DKA made me specialise in ECC. Seeing a cat in a critical condition recover with our help was amazing and so rewarding.
Q: What is the most challenging part of lecturing in this field?
A: I'm super lucky to have a large, dedicated ICU nursing team, and often our clients have the finances to enable us to provide the care we want. When lecturing I like to show what we have to offer but I also make sure to provide relevant, accessible tips for smaller teams. Feedback and questions from delegates really help us tailor future talks.
Q: How do you handle and communicate with pet owners/clients in high stress situations?
A: This is challenging and one of the biggest stressors of ECC. I often find that regular contact when a pet is critically ill helps, as things can change rapidly. When making treatment decisions I often find face to face discussions and owner visits helpful, as they allow owners to better understand the situation and be part of the shared decision-making process.
Q: Who inspires you in this field?
A: Many of my wonderful colleagues at the RVC, whom I have the privilege of working with day to day, and colleagues from other educational institutions. A special shout-out to Soren Boysen from the University of Calgary who has previously been recognised for his contribution to teaching of point-of-care ultrasound. It's often difficult to beat my enthusiasm for ECC and teaching, but he puts up a good contest!
Q: Finally, what piece of advice would you give to aspiring vets?
A: Enjoy the journey, including the bumps in the road! Keep your mind open and enjoy everything the profession has to offer.
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