Spotlight Series: Dr. Wendy Leich

Over the first 18 weeks of the new year, we will be conducting one on one interviews with each of our veterinarians in an effort to help you get to know all of them better! In addition to the interview, they will be posting pictures on our facebook account during their week to share some behind the scenes images of their day to day. We hope you enjoy following along!

Up this week is Wendy Leich, VET. MB, CVA, MRCVS. Dr. Leich has been with the practice since it’s inception, and her areas of expertise have changed over 30+ years. She now does acupuncture and chiropractic work primarily, and has been based in Wellington for the winter season. On February 8th Dr. Leich had a freak riding accident that resulted in a compound fracture of her humerus. The fracture was surgically repaired with internal fixation. She is currently focused on healing and coming back stronger. This is not a “normal” week in her life, but still has many amazing stories to share!  

Q: Do you remember a specific moment when you decided you wanted to be an equine vet?
A: Growing up in England, it was common to go around the classroom asking what everyone wanted to do when they grow up. I went to a high school for young ladies and when I told my teacher I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon, she told me “young ladies don’t want to do that.” I was therefore determined to prove her wrong!

Q: What colleges/universities did you attend? When someone asks “where did you go to school?” what do you tell them?
A: Cambridge University – in the UK you effectively go straight from high school to vet school. I was at university for six years, as opposed to the 8 year programs in the US.

Q: Tell me about the animals you own now.
A: I own several horses, most of which are homebred and they compete in dressage and go fox hunting. I also have a Standard Poodle, Chloe, and a Jack Russell, Smitty.

Q: What do you do for fun, outside of work and spend time with your animals?
A: I worked in a restaurant through high school with a Le Cordon Bleu educated chef, and she taught me how to enjoy cooking. So now I find cooking for a dinner party more fun than stressful!

Q: If you weren’t a vet, what would you do for a living?
A: I would be a sport horse trainer.

Q: Favorite food?
A: Salmon – smoked or cooked in many different ways – my kids always make fun of me for ordering a salmon Caesar salad every time we go out for lunch!

Q: Favorite adult beverage?
A: Champagne!

Q: What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months (or in recent memory)?
A: A CD player! I do musical freestyles with my horses, and the shows still require providing your music on CD. Plus, I don’t like technology and I can’t ever make the fancy Bluetooth speakers work!

Q: I am obsessed with…
A: Getting fit and healthy again!