May I Introduce Myself – My Journey to Becoming a Small Animal Vet

Hi, I’m Hoi Lam (Katrina) Tang—and I’ve wanted to be a vet for as long as I can remember.

Growing up in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, I was always drawn to animals, but it wasn’t until high school that things really clicked. I started volunteering at a veterinary clinic, and that experience completely hooked me. It was the first time I saw what being a vet actually looked like day-to-day—problem-solving, hands-on care, and supporting both animals and their owners. I knew then that this was exactly what I wanted to do.

At the time I finished my DSE exams, there wasn’t a veterinary school in Hong Kong, so I started looking overseas. It was a big decision—not just for me, but for my family too. Studying abroad is expensive, and naturally they had concerns. But in the end, my dad encouraged me to go for it, and that support meant everything.

So I packed my bags and moved to New Zealand.

It was a huge change. I went from the fast-paced life of Hong Kong to a much quieter town, where public transport wasn’t as convenient and everything felt a bit more spread out. Starting from scratch in a new country was exciting—but also pretty overwhelming at times. Suddenly I had to juggle full-time study with cooking, budgeting, and just… life.

Studying veterinary medicine in English was another challenge. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also made me more determined. Outside of lectures, I learned how to cook properly (eventually!), meal prep, find student deals, and live with flatmates. I also learned something a bit harder—how to cope with tough days on my own, and when to reach out for help. Being far from home made me realise just how much I value my family and friends.

Despite all that, my time in New Zealand ended up being one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. I completed five intense years of vet school, got through all the exams (somehow!), and came out not just with a degree, but with a lot more resilience and confidence.

After graduating, I stayed in New Zealand for my first job, moving from Palmerston North down to Dunedin. That was also when I finally learned how to drive—something I had put off for years! As a student, I couldn’t afford a car, so I relied a lot on friends for lifts, especially during farm placements. Learning to drive felt like a small but important step towards independence.

My first role was at the Animal Welfare Office at the University of Otago, where I worked with laboratory animals like mice, rats, and sheep. I helped develop training modules, ran anaesthetic and surgical workshops, and coached students and staff. It was a really meaningful role, and it gave me a different perspective on veterinary medicine—focused on ethics, welfare, and supporting research.

After that, I moved back up to Auckland for a small animal rotating internship at Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa. This was where things really stepped up. I had the chance to work in a referral hospital, learn from experienced specialists, and build my skills in surgery, imaging, and emergency care. It was intense, but I loved it. That experience really shaped me as a clinician and confirmed my passion for small animal work.

Next came another big move—this time to the UK.

I joined the University of Glasgow as a junior clinician, which opened the door to both clinical work and research. One of the highlights was having my research on a novel liver disease in cats accepted for presentation at the WSAVA World Congress in Lisbon. That was a proud moment for me.

Living in Scotland was also an amazing experience outside of work. I loved exploring the landscapes, going on hikes, and visiting Christmas markets in Edinburgh and Glasgow. It was the perfect balance to the busy work life.

After Glasgow, I moved to West Yorkshire, where I spent two years working as a first-opinion (general practice) vet. This role was incredibly fulfilling in a different way. I got to build long-term relationships with clients and their pets, supporting them through everything from routine check-ups to more difficult moments. That connection with both animals and owners is something I really value.

Outside of work, I made the most of being in the UK—visiting places like Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and York, and spending time in the countryside, including the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, and Peak District. It made those years even more special.

Now, in 2026, I’ve started a new role as a hospital vet at Fitzpatrick Referrals. I’m really excited about this next step and looking forward to continuing to grow as a clinician. I’m also hoping to explore more of Surrey (and enjoy a bit more countryside again!).

Looking back, it’s quite surreal to think about how far this journey has taken me—from Hong Kong to New Zealand, then to Scotland, and now England. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t change it.

I’m so grateful to everyone who’s supported me along the way—my family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and my church community. Each of them has played a part in helping me get here.

Becoming a vet started as a childhood dream, but it’s turned into so much more than just a career. It’s been a journey of growth, resilience, and purpose—and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.