I’m Dr Chris Allen, a veterinary surgeon and a surgical resident.
I graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in June 2017 after spending five years living and studying in Košice, Slovakia. During vet school I wrote Vet School Diary, documenting the journey from prospective vet student through to graduation. Although some of the later posts were unfortunately lost over time, I’m gradually restoring as much of the archive as possible.
After graduation I spent several years in general practice, where I developed a particular interest in surgery, client communication and the responsibility that comes with making decisions alongside patients’ families during some of the most difficult moments in their pets’ lives.
To continue my surgical training, I moved into a rotating internship in the East Midlands before progressing to a surgical internship in the Lake District, and ultimately, a residency in small animal surgery. This website follows that journey: from new graduate practice, through internships, specialist training, research and the pursuit of board certification. During this time I also completed the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP), successfully passed the synoptic examination, and became an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery.
Drchris.vet is part archive, part diary, and part record of my journey through veterinary surgery, research and technology. Here you’ll find reflections on veterinary surgery, research, communication, evidence-based medicine and the process of building technology to support better veterinary care.
Whether you’re a veterinary student, a colleague, a pet owner or simply curious about the profession, I hope you find something here that’s interesting, useful or thought-provoking.
Career at a glance
- 2017 – Graduated DVM, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice
- 2017 – 2019 – General practice veterinary surgeon
- 2020 – Rotating Internship
- 2021 – Surgical Intership
- 2022 – Present – Small Animal Surgery Residency
- 2024 – RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery
- 2025 – Masters of Science in Veterinary Professional Studies