Tim Dobbins BVMS CertSAM MRCVS Returns To Clinical Practice
8 years ago 
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Longstanding clients and colleagues alike were saddened back in 2002 when they lost an excellent vet to the ranks of industry. Tim Dobbins BVM&S CertSAM MRCVS, joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where he quickly rose from his initial position as a Veterinary Business Advisor, to Field Sales Manager for the North UK and subsequently Veterinary Affairs Manager for UK & Ireland.
Having qualified in 1990 from Edinburgh, Tim is now returning to general practice in his native North East England, taking on eight newly rebranded and refurbished practices under the My Family Vets name, as Head of First Opinion. He is passionate about his goal to create and maintain a group of practices that provide excellent clinical care with kindness, whilst creating a warm friendly, collaborative environment for the pet’s families. He also strives to build a team that feel valued, support each other and work together to constantly improve the standard of patient care at the heart of the community.
“We have a fantastic team of experienced vets, nurses and customer care staff, across the eight practices. Some have been with us for a long time and others are recent arrivals, but we are already looking for more likeminded vets to join us and enable us to continue expanding the knowledge and support within our group of practices.” said Tim Dobbins.
He continues, “All too often I’ve seen branch vets left out on their own, especially within groups of practices. It can be very demotivating when there’s no one to bounce ideas off or get a fresh perspective on a case. I’ve been keen to ensure that our practices work with each other, not only to the benefit of the animals in our care, but also our staff. The culture here is one of open communication and inclusion at all levels, it leads to happier, more productive staff and just a great place to come to work”
Formally part of the Croft group, the My Family Vet practices, still benefit from the facilities of the state of the art referral hospital in Cramlington, which is now North East Veterinary Referrals. Not only are there specialists available for advice and referrals to Tim and his team, but My Family Vet’s first opinion hospitalised cases are also cared for here.
The dynamics of the relationship with the referral centre and the branch practices has changed since both have undergone rebranding and whilst now considered separate businesses by the teams who work within them, they have found a balance that benefits all.
This works extremely well for Tim and his team of vets, providing variety and an occasional change of scene/pace, but it is clear that the branch practices are where their hearts are. “If you were to look at the staff on paper we have such a mixture of age, experience, full time, part time, even nationality. And it’s great, because we are a family of practices, serving local families in our areas and that’s what drives us”.
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