Who will you be dealing with?
Ben Dustan, BVSc, Cert. CHP, BSc (Hons), MRCVS
Director
Honorary Secretary to the Goat Veterinary Society (GVS)
I grew up on a dairy farm in Somerset and always knew I wanted to be a farm animal vet. After 6 years at Liverpool vet school (the best in my opinion), I qualified and have worked with large animals ever since. Initially my time was split between teaching vet students within the farm animal practice at Liverpool Uni and also working in private practice in Cheshire.
In 2009 I moved to the Lakes and completed my post-graduate certificate in cattle health and production from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
I am the honorary secretary of the Goat Veterinary Society and find all aspects of goat health, welfare and medicine really interesting. I have also published research on the goat and sheep disease Scrapie, similar to BSE in cattle.
When not “at work” I enjoy playing squash and I’m always ready to accept a challenge if you fancy a game. With our little ones George and Evie, family time is really important and when we can we like to get out and about in the hills.
Director
Honorary Secretary to the Goat Veterinary Society (GVS)
I grew up on a dairy farm in Somerset and always knew I wanted to be a farm animal vet. After 6 years at Liverpool vet school (the best in my opinion), I qualified and have worked with large animals ever since. Initially my time was split between teaching vet students within the farm animal practice at Liverpool Uni and also working in private practice in Cheshire.
In 2009 I moved to the Lakes and completed my post-graduate certificate in cattle health and production from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
I am the honorary secretary of the Goat Veterinary Society and find all aspects of goat health, welfare and medicine really interesting. I have also published research on the goat and sheep disease Scrapie, similar to BSE in cattle.
When not “at work” I enjoy playing squash and I’m always ready to accept a challenge if you fancy a game. With our little ones George and Evie, family time is really important and when we can we like to get out and about in the hills.
Gemma Dobson, BVMS MRCVS
I studied at Glasgow Vet school (better than Liverpool, in my opinion!). After graduating I spent 6 years in farm animal practice in Lancashire, then I took the opportunity to spend 4 years specialising in advanced breeding (embryo work etc) before deciding to return to first opinion practice. I joined the Tarn team in 2019.
I have a particular interest in sheep health and nutrition and I can bore you talking about pasture for days! This has lead me to pursue a broad range of additional learning from a Mineral Masterclass, genetics, fertility, flock health and lots in between. Hopefully this knowledge helps me deliver a 'whole farm' approach to help clients get the best from their stock.
When I'm not on clients farms, I'm on my own near Appleby. We have sheep, store cattle, a few chickens and pigs and 3 small children in the mix for good measure!
Gemma joins the team on a part-time basis, helping us to cover both the expanding clinical practice and TB workloads.
I studied at Glasgow Vet school (better than Liverpool, in my opinion!). After graduating I spent 6 years in farm animal practice in Lancashire, then I took the opportunity to spend 4 years specialising in advanced breeding (embryo work etc) before deciding to return to first opinion practice. I joined the Tarn team in 2019.
I have a particular interest in sheep health and nutrition and I can bore you talking about pasture for days! This has lead me to pursue a broad range of additional learning from a Mineral Masterclass, genetics, fertility, flock health and lots in between. Hopefully this knowledge helps me deliver a 'whole farm' approach to help clients get the best from their stock.
When I'm not on clients farms, I'm on my own near Appleby. We have sheep, store cattle, a few chickens and pigs and 3 small children in the mix for good measure!
Gemma joins the team on a part-time basis, helping us to cover both the expanding clinical practice and TB workloads.
Heather Sowman, Bsc Midwifery, Bnurs Nursing
Veterinary Administrator
I'm originally from Suffolk having recently left the NHS as a qualified nurse and midwife and wanting to take my career in a direction that has always interested me.
I hope to be able to pull on some of my experience to help me within this new role. I have lived in different parts of the country with jobs and am currently getting some hands on experience on a goat farm in Cumbria as well as starting at Tarn Farm Vets.
Back in Suffolk I would often be out on the water with my paddle board and doggy companion to help me navigate the rivers. I look forward to meeting you all as well as discovering some lovely walks and waterways with the paddle board.
Veterinary Administrator
I'm originally from Suffolk having recently left the NHS as a qualified nurse and midwife and wanting to take my career in a direction that has always interested me.
I hope to be able to pull on some of my experience to help me within this new role. I have lived in different parts of the country with jobs and am currently getting some hands on experience on a goat farm in Cumbria as well as starting at Tarn Farm Vets.
Back in Suffolk I would often be out on the water with my paddle board and doggy companion to help me navigate the rivers. I look forward to meeting you all as well as discovering some lovely walks and waterways with the paddle board.