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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
For veterinary student Jade, being diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) brought her life and career plans to a halt. POTS, a condition that causes sudden drops in blood pressure and frequent fainting episodes, left her unable to attend classes safely, travel alone, or take part in the busy, hands-on world of vet school.
Like many students with chronic illnesses, Jade faced an uncertain future. “I didn’t know if I’d be able to finish my degree,” she admitted during her interview on The Consult Room podcast on Spotify. “I worried about whether there was a place for me in the profession.”
But everything changed when she was matched with Jules, a medical alert assistance dog trained by Medical Detection Dogs.
The Challenges Disabled Students Face
Veterinary medicine can be physically demanding. Clinical rotations often involve long hours, emergency shifts and unpredictable schedules. Students with chronic illnesses or disabilities can find these demands particularly challenging, especially if they need reasonable adjustments.
Jade experienced the additional emotional weight of feeling “different” from her peers. “When you’re dealing with a health condition, you don’t want to be seen as a burden. It can be isolating,” she explained.
How Jules Made a Difference
Jules, a fox red Labrador, trained to alert Jade minutes before she faints, giving her enough time to sit or lie down somewhere safe. He also retrieves items and provides comfort when she’s recovering from an episode.
This support has allowed Jade to return to university and participate fully in her training. “I’m back at vet school, finishing the degree I thought I’d have to give up. Jules has made that possible,” she said.
Why Inclusion Matters in the Veterinary Profession
Jade’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion in veterinary education and beyond. With the right support, students with chronic illnesses and disabilities can thrive in the profession.
Colleges and workplaces can support inclusion by:
- Providing reasonable adjustments, such as flexible scheduling or adapted clinical tasks
- Building a culture where students feel able to ask for help without stigma
- Highlighting role models with diverse experiences
In Jade’s case, having an assistance dog has been life-changing, but it also took understanding from her university to integrate that support effectively.
Looking Ahead
Now preparing for her final exams, Jade hopes her story will inspire other students facing similar challenges. “I want people to know that a diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of their career plans,” she said. “With the right support, there’s always a way forward.”
You can hear Jade’s journey in her own words, and see how Jules works alongside her every day, in our full podcast episode on YouTube.
