Alumni in Profile: Éamon McIlgorm (MVB, 2017)
I completed my MVB in 2017. I went on to do a joint Masters in Veterinary Public Health, from UCD and Ulster University, which I completed in 2022.
A few weeks after graduating, I went straight to New Zealand and started working for the Ministry for Primary Industries. This gave me an opportunity to experience life on the opposite side of the globe, and gave me a grounding in food safety regulation and trade facilitation - the foundation of New Zealand’s economy is the export of agricultural commodities.
When I planned to move home, I knew I wanted to stay in the same area, so I got a job with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.
- What led you to study Veterinary Medicine?
I wasn't somebody from a direct farming or horse background, which is the way for a lot of people in veterinary medicine. For me, it was more an interest in the sciences in school, plus a kind of fascination with animals. Then as I got older, I became interested in learning about where food comes from and that side of things.
I was actually offered Pharmacy first when the college offers came out, but then accepted Veterinary in the second round. So you could say I came to it down a non-traditional route, but it’s worked out very well.
- What was your favourite part of the course?
It was a fantastic course in terms of the social side of things! But that supported and enabled the academic side of things. It was quite academically challenging, but there was very much the sense that we were all in the same boat. So when you were studying, your friends were studying, and then you’d all go out socially together.
I met people from all over the country, and from other countries, and there was a real sense of camaraderie. I did develop some good, close friendships and I’m still in touch with people from my class.
I found the Stage 4 Veterinary Public Health modules the most interesting – that’s when we covered topics like zoonoses (animal to human communicable diseases) and the food safety side of things. This is perhaps what inspired me to choose the career path that I have chosen.
- What advice would you give to someone considering studying Veterinary Medicine?
I would definitely say be open to it and believe in yourself. I didn’t come from a particularly animal-centred background, but that wasn’t a barrier to being interested in the course and offered a place. I’ve also gone down a different route than most since I qualified, but there are so many options out there - so be open, listen to the advice of others, but don’t be afraid to follow your instincts!
- What was your experience at UCD like? Any highlights?
During my first year, I was commuting from the far side of the city. I got as involved as I could, though I was reliant on making the train home! In later years, I was fortunate to get accommodation nearer to the campus. Like most vet students I was a member of VetSoc, and I took part in a lot of their events – the Vet Ball, surfing weekends, quiz nights, the Christmas Carol service etc. They’re a really active society and there was always lots on. I was also a member of the Farm Animal Veterinary Society.
I was fortunate enough to gain experience at a small animal specialist hospital and a dairy specialist clinic, both in the USA, during my Elective Rotation.
I also availed of the UCD sports facilities, like the performance gym which is a fantastic amenity on the campus.
I developed good relationships with the lecturers and staff, for example Brian Cloak and Assoc Prof Joe Cassidy in the Veterinary Pathology Department. One thing I’ll always remember is that I had a cat at home that passed away unexpectedly during my final year. So, I rang the department office and Brian offered to facilitate a post mortem. Additionally, Joe agreed to look at the histology slides with me. I really appreciated that from them – obviously it was a sad thing to happen and a bit surreal at first, however it also became a bit of an educational experience.
- What is your current job?
I’ve been working for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland since 2019. Basically, I’m a government vet. I’ve done a range of roles in the Department, from field animal welfare to portal controls, to food hygiene regulation. So, it can be quite varied.
I’m currently in the trade and export certification side of things – meat exports and animal byproduct exports. I would also be looking at the impact of epizootic (epidemic) diseases such as Avian Influenza on Northern Ireland’s ability to trade. Pet travel comes under our remit too, so we get a lot of public enquiries from people wanting to bring their pets abroad.
- How do you feel the Veterinary Medicine course prepared you for this role?
It was really the Stage 4 Veterinary Public Health modules that got me interested in this side of things. One module focused on hazards associated with foodborne illness and direct transmission of disease in humans. The other focused on developing and applying risk management approaches to control relevant food safety hazards. So those initial modules laid the foundations for my current role. These have been enhanced by my Masters coursework and the work experiences which I have gained and continue to gain.
Unlike most of my peers, I haven’t worked in the clinical practice side of veterinary, but I feel the field in which I work suits me well. It’s a slightly different path to the usual route a vet takes, but so far so good!
- What is the proudest moment of your career to date?
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked with IT colleagues, providing veterinary technical advice in preparing for the UK’s exit from the EU. It was all new and very challenging, and I had to familiarise myself with a lot of IT jargon! However, we managed to develop and implement new systems and get things off the ground.
I have also played a leading role in several inward trade missions, where auditors from countries with which Northern Ireland trade, visit to compare and assess food hygiene standards.
A degree in veterinary medicine truly offers a broad range of opportunities.
- Describe your typical work day.
My work day can be very varied – from being in the office, to being out at food production and handling sites. From dealing with the public, to meetings with industry and counterparts across the UK and Ireland. And then there’s the usual administration side of things and keeping on top of emails. Food production and inspections and animal welfare concerns never stop, so there’s always lots to be doing. It’s never boring anyway!
- In your career and/or personal life, who have been the most inspiring or helpful mentors/advisors that you’ve had to date?
I’ve been lucky to work with people in two hemispheres who have had long careers and who I’ve learned a lot from. I was able to develop good working relationships with people who are long established in their roles and have generously shared their expertise with me. Again, it comes down to being open and willing to listen. Sometimes I’ve been the manager in the relationship, but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn from colleagues.
- What do you do to relax? Tell us a bit about your current life, family and hobbies.
I’ve always been interested in health and fitness and trying to maintain a good work-life balance. My main things right now are that I’ve signed up for my first Hyrox competition in April and my first marathon in May!
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You may not be at 100% every day, but you can always try to put your best foot forward. Mistakes will invariably happen, but it is important to learn from them and endeavour to improve.