Meet Aislinn Cullen

After graduating, Aislinn’s first few roles weren’t as supportive as she had hoped, leaving her unsure whether veterinary was truly the right fit. In 2018, she took a career break to care for her mum, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The time away, however, only deepened her feelings about returning to practice.

“I responded to an ad for a vet at Village Vets Stillorgan for interview experience, having already made plans to diversify into doggy daycare, I didn’t think I would accept the position even if it was offered.”

What she found at Village Vets changed everything. From her first interview, Aislinn felt genuine support, understanding and patience, qualities that continued throughout her trial day and into her new role.

“I joined with imposter syndrome and the confidence of a day one new graduate and in six months became a self-assured senior vet in a clinic with their own new graduate vet to train.”

Working alongside a close knit team of vets, nurses and a patient practice manager, Aislinn helped grow the Stillorgan clinic in both size and standards. Together, they focused on continuously improving medicine quality and patient care. Hosting UCD final-year students on their First Opinion rotations became one of her proudest responsibilities.

"It’s an honour to be involved in teaching the next generation of vets as they learn how to put their lecture notes into practice and do consults by themselves"

Her passion for education only grew stronger as she went on to design VetVision, Village Vets’ new graduate programme. Even before the formal role of Lead Vet was introduced, Aislinn was deeply involved in managing the Stillorgan clinic, always searching for ways to improve patient care and uphold high clinical and commercial standards. When she officially became Lead Vet, that passion only intensified. When the opportunity for partnership arose, it felt like a natural next step.

“The team at Stillorgan helped me rediscover my love for veterinary. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t laugh together, and I can genuinely say I look forward to going in to work each morning.”

Now, as a partner, Aislinn’s goal is to give back to the team and community that reignited her passion.

“I could only jump at the chance to give back what the clinic has given me, by helping the practice grow and continuing to push the standards of patient care and client service in the kind of supportive environment I missed out on as a new graduate.”