We’re incredibly proud to share that our CEO, Ciara Mc Cormack MVB MRCVS, has been featured in Veterinary Woman!
In this inspiring profile, Ciara opens up about her journey through veterinary medicine, from the early days of clinical work to her leadership role today. She reflects on the challenges she’s faced, the lessons learned, and the values that continue to guide her: collaboration, compassion, and a deep commitment to reshaping the future of veterinary care.
Here you can read a full copy of the article:
Please summarise your journey / biography
I studied Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin before starting a five-year career with CVS. I spent almost three years at Beechwood Vets, then moved on to become Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Emmview Veterinary Clinic opening one of the very first night clinics, also than taking on the role of Regional Director covering the South Coast of England supporting practices and practice colleagues.
In 2016, I joined Medivet as Regional Director and Head of Clinical Operations, overseeing practices across the South West, London, Reading, and Wales. Two years later, I was promoted to Director of Clinical Operations, where I helped shape the clinical operations team and supported practices as they integrated into the Medivet group during an intense period of rapid growth. As a member of the Medivet Group Board, I was heavily involved in guiding practice teams through the challenges of the Covid pandemic, helping them adapt to continue caring for pets during uncertain times.
I joined McCabes Pharmacy as Director of Acquisitions in 2022. The following year, I was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Kin Vet Community, a newly formed veterinary group backed by Perwyn equity investment. Kin brings together veterinary professionals committed to delivering high-quality care for pets and their owners.
Describe your typical day from waking to sleeping
As mum to three 7-year-old boys, I’ve had to become a morning person by force rather than nature. Most days I manage to enjoy some very precious moments of calm, riding my Dutch Warmblood horse, Gapache, before the morning chaos kicks in at home – where cereal wars, frantic games of hunt-the-shoe and last-minute sport kit crises are the norm. Thankfully, my husband and I make an excellent tag team – although, if we’re completely honest, we’re always outnumbered!
Kin Vet Community is still a young organisation, with the energy and agility of a start-up – which means no two hours, let alone days, ever look the same. While our network includes long-established veterinary practices, we’re still developing the central processes and infrastructure to support them as we grow. It’s a really exciting time that gives us the opportunity to shape a community that genuinely reflects the vision and values we care about.
It means that when I’m not visiting one of our practices, I could be in meetings discussing everything from which dog breed works best on a website image (Labrador or greyhound?) to rolling out clinical governance across the group.
Barney, my 10 month old working cocker spaniel, makes sure I get out for a walk most evenings and it’s the perfect way to decompress.
How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
Passionate, motivated, resilient, often a bit crazy – and I forget there are only 24 hours in a day and one of me.
How would others describe you in a sentence?
My colleagues would probably say I’m hands-on, passionate, supportive, and resilient, with an unwavering belief in what we’re building. And I’d like to think they appreciate my sense of humour too!
(NB: Colleagues echoed all of the above, adding that Ciara is one of those rare people who brings both empathy and intelligence to everything she does. She motivates her team by being driven by values and purpose – not ego – and is known for staying calm under pressure, thinking creatively, always being open to new ideas, and empowering those around her).
What has been your top success and what have you learned from this?
Watching Kin Vet Community grow into a truly supportive, purpose-driven network has been one of the most heartwarming parts of my career. There’s something very rewarding about knowing we’re building more than just a business – we’re creating a community where our colleagues feel genuinely valued and supported, and where pets and their owners experience care that really means something. The team appreciates that Kin is led by someone who’s been in their shoes – they know I get the day-to-day challenges they face and that I can bring empathy and experience to the table, not just policies and processes.
“Leadership isn’t always about the big, bold moves – sometimes it’s the quiet check-ins, the practical help, or simply listening that makes all the difference.”
What has been your biggest challenge, setback or failure and how have you overcome it? How did you grow or change as a result?
Leading teams through the height of the Covid pandemic – when the pressure on veterinary practices was relentless – was one of the most challenging periods of my career. Colleagues were navigating constantly changing guidelines, often working short-handed, and still showing up every day to care for pets in incredibly stressful circumstances. It was physically and emotionally exhausting, and I sometimes look back and wonder how we all got through it.
As a leader, it really brought home the power of empathy, clear communication, and being present for your teams. It also reminded me that leadership isn’t always about the big, bold moves – sometimes it’s the quiet check-ins, the practical help, or simply listening that makes all the difference. Supporting people through something that intense has definitely shaped how I lead now.
On a more personal level, getting my three boys out the door and to school on time every morning is right up there on the challenge scale.
What compromises have you had to make and what, if anything, could have helped?
I’m lucky to have an incredible support network around me, but, as any working parent knows, there are always going to be moments when something has to give. I try to be disciplined about balance and boundaries, but there have definitely been times I’ve joined a Teams call from the side of a rugby pitch. In those moments, it’s hard to be fully present in either world – and that’s the real challenge: trying to be in two places at once and feeling like neither gets your full attention, no matter how hard you try.
Personal wellbeing has probably taken a bit of a back seat over the years, but I’m getting much better at carving out time for lunch – and even learning how to switch off from time to time. I highly recommend it!
What advice would you have given to your younger self, that you would now give to others wanting to follow your path?
Be patient; you can’t make a difference in a day. And accept that your career and life may take a different path than you expected. I was forced out of clinical practice from a hand injury that meant I couldn’t operate and I was devastated at the time, but realise now that it was the best thing that could have happened. I can actually make more of a difference to our profession outside of the operating theatre than in it!
I couldn’t have got where I am today without…
Without a doubt, it’s the people around me. My family keeps me grounded, while my colleagues constantly motivate and inspire me. I’ve been lucky to have some incredible mentors along the way, who have backed me, challenged me, and helped me develop. I’ve never stopped asking questions, learning from those around me and, importantly, learning from my own mistakes.
What are your three top likes?
Seeing my three boys grow
Sports – rugby mainly!
All things horses and developing my skills
What are your three top dislikes?
Having to get dressed up!
Traffic
Folding laundry!
What is the most helpful book you’ve read and why?
‘The Beautiful No’ by Seri Salata, it’s a memoir that shows that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and write your story.
First published in Veterinary Woman, 08/05/2025 https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2025/05/veterinary-woman-role-model-profile-ciara-mccormack/
Want to Work Somewhere That Feels Different?
At Kin Vet Community, we’re not just talking about change, we’re building it. With visionary leaders like Ciara at the helm, we’re creating a culture where care, collaboration, and continuous development are at the core of everything we do.
If you’re inspired by Ciara’s story and looking for a place where your voice matters and your well-being is valued, we’d love to hear from you.
Join a team that’s reimagining what a career in vet med can be.
