From a young dog lover in Portugal to Principal Vet at Vets Now, Mariline Ferreira has built an inspiring career shaped by a passion for ECC.
After completing Cutting Edge in 2018, she developed the confidence, clinical experience and leadership skills that helped her progress from emergency clinician to mentoring and leading teams across multiple clinics.
In this blog Mariline shares:
How her passion began in childhood, and after studying veterinary medicine in Lisbon she pursued ECC, including a postgraduate certificate and Advanced Practitioner status
Cutting Edge helped bridge gaps in her ECC knowledge, giving her the confidence needed to thrive
The lasting impact of the strong sense of community during the Cutting Edge programme
Since completing Cutting Edge in 2018, she has progressed into leadership roles across multiple clinics
How she remains passionate about ECC and the rewarding experience of helping both patients and their owners through critical moments
1. Tell us about your journey so far: what inspired you to become a vet, where did you study, and how did you first find your way into Emergency and Critical Care?
“My dad is a huge dog lover, so I grew up surrounded by dogs. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to become a vet. I studied veterinary medicine in Lisbon, Portugal, and later completed my post graduate ECC certificate through the University of Liverpool and achieved Advanced Practitioner in ECC status.
What drew me to Emergency and Critical Care was the challenge. I enjoy working under pressure, thinking on my feet and finding solutions quickly when patients need them most. Every shift is different, and that's what makes ECC such a rewarding field to work in.”
2. Looking back, what initially attracted you to the Cutting Edge programme?
“Although I had worked in the UK since graduating, I felt there were some gaps in my ECC knowledge and I wanted a structured way to build my confidence and skills. The Cutting Edge programme felt like the perfect way to make that transition into emergency practice.
I was absolutely right. It was an incredible learning experience and one I will never forget. I genuinely left the Cutting Edge programme a different vet to the one who arrived. The teaching was outstanding, but just as importantly, the people were fantastic. It was the first time I really felt part of the Vets Now family, and it gave me a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning.”
3. Before joining Cutting Edge, what exposure did you have to ECC, and how did Cutting Edge shape your early ECC experience?
“Before Cutting Edge, most of my ECC experience came from being on call in general day practice. Like many new graduates, there were times when I felt thrown in at the deep end, stressed and lacking the support needed to feel truly confident.
Cutting Edge gave me the support, guidance and structure that I felt was missing earlier in my career. It helped me build a solid foundation in ECC and gave me the confidence to approach emergency cases in a much more systematic and assured way.”
4. Thinking back, what lessons or experiences through Cutting Edge have stayed with you the most, and how did they influence your confidence and decision-making in ECC?
“One of the biggest highlights was learning from some truly exceptional clinicians. Dan Lewis was a huge inspiration, but there were many brilliant lecturers whose enthusiasm and expertise left a lasting impression on me. I particularly enjoyed the practical ultrasound training and the surgery wetlab, which gave me hands-on experience and confidence that I could immediately apply in practice.
The programme taught me not only the clinical knowledge required for ECC but also how to approach cases with confidence and make decisions under pressure. Looking back, it's remarkable that I am now invited to teach on the programme myself. Being able to contribute to Cutting Edge feels like a real privilege and an opportunity to give something back.”
5. When did you complete Cutting Edge, and what have been the key milestones or standout moments in your journey from graduate to Principal Vet at Vets Now?
“I completed Cutting Edge in 2018. It gave me the knowledge and clinical confidence to deal with whatever ECC threw my way, and it played a huge part in shaping the vet I am today.
The programme also gave me something beyond clinical skills - a sense of belonging. I felt part of something bigger and became fully invested in the values and culture of Vets Now.
As my career progressed, I found myself increasingly passionate about helping and mentoring other vets, just as others had done for me. Supporting colleagues to develop their skills and confidence became something I genuinely enjoyed. From there, moving into a leadership role felt like a natural progression.
One of the standout moments in my career was when my manager, Jacqui Seymour, believed in me and offered me my first leadership role as Principal Vet in Doncaster. That opportunity had a huge impact on my confidence and career development.
Since then, I have moved to Sheffield, where I am currently the Principal Vet. I have also held multi-site leadership roles, supporting both Sheffield and Chesterfield clinics for two years, and more recently Sheffield and Milton Keynes clinics for seven months. Each role has brought new challenges and opportunities to grow as a leader.”
6. What advice would you give to someone considering Cutting Edge?
“If you're considering Cutting Edge, my advice would be simple: go for it. It will challenge you, support you and help you grow, both professionally and personally.”
7. And what advice would you give to those aspiring to progress into leadership roles like yours?
“For anyone aspiring to leadership, remember that leadership is ultimately about people. For me, moving into a leadership role was about giving something back. Throughout my career I've benefited from incredible support and mentorship, and I wanted to be able to offer the same to others. Helping colleagues grow in confidence and achieve their potential is one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
Don't be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities. You don't have to know everything before stepping into leadership. What matters is being willing to learn, support others and continue developing yourself.”
8. And finally, what has kept you passionate about emergency practice throughout your career, and what do you enjoy most about it now?
“I still love the challenge. No two shifts are ever the same, and there is always something new to learn.
What I enjoy most is seeing the outcome for patients and their owners. Taking a critically ill patient, working through the challenges, and then seeing them recover and go home to their family is incredibly rewarding. Those moments never lose their impact and are a constant reminder of why I chose this profession in the first place.
Knowing that you've helped an animal through one of the most difficult moments of their life, and seeing the relief and happiness of their owners, is what continues to inspire me every day.”
For more information on our Cutting Edge programme or to apply visit https://www.vets-now.com/careers/edge/cutting-edge/
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