Speaker bio page for Claire Hodgson

I have been in clinical practice for 20+ years and have worn many hats starting in mixed practice, then equine only where I studied to gaining my CertAVP (EM). For the last 3 years I have been working as a small animal locum as this gives me autonomy over my time and hours worked allowing me to better balance my health needs.

Six years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), it was in some ways a relief to finally have an explanation for many problems I had been having for some time. This was the start of a journey to understand how best to manage my health and work.

In 2018 I cofounder the Facebook community I provide a safe space and peer-peer support for all those in the veterinary profession with chronic illness and disability. From this group we have launched the charity BVCIS (British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support) whose aims are two fold.

1. To provide resources, support and signposting for individuals with Chronic illness and disability and those that employ or work with them

2.  To provide a formal voice to advocate for those with chronic illness and disability and raise awareness of the challenges and barriers they face