Season 1, Episode 7: Following Your Passion with Helen Silver-MacMahon

In this episode, we were joined by Senior Trainer and Content Development Lead at VetLed, Helen Silver-MacMahon MSc, CerVNECC, DipAVN(surg), CertSAN, RVN. We were honoured to share space with Helen, and learn more from her about situational awareness, non-technical skills and the field of Human Factors.  It was fantastic to hear Helen's story, from becoming an RVN thanks to her inspiring next door neighbour, to following and developing her passion, with a "nothing is impossible" mindset.Useful Links that Helen mentions in the episode:Interview with Robin Arzón: VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, Ultramarathoner, and Best-Selling Author. Listen here.The "It Couldn't Be Done" poem by Edgar Albert Guest, read here.The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors

Our Recommended Links:Find out more about VetLedThe Veterinary Human Factors Conference 2022Keep an eye on the VetLed Facebook page for the campaigns they are running throughout 2022. If you're listening to this episode as it is released, be sure to check out Veterinary Human Factors Awareness Week!Thanks to our amazing sponsors: Boehringer Ingelheim.About Helen:Helen is a veterinary nurse and Senior Trainer and Content Development Lead at VetLed. Having worked in general practice, referral hospitals and nursing education over the past 21 years, she has extensive professional  experience and understanding from a wide range of  settings.

Helen is passionate about developing the veterinary professions understanding of Human Factors as a powerful aid in improving patient safety, enhancing performance and supporting the wellbeing of the veterinary team. She is a RCVS Knowledge Champion for her role in the sustained training and use of a surgical safety checklist within the small animal theatre at the former Animal Health Trust.

In 2021, Helen completed an MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors at the University of Edinburgh. For her dissertation project Helen researched situational awareness in the veterinary operating theatre, she is has recently embarked upon a PhD at Lincoln university to explore non-technical skills in the veterinary profession. In her role at VetLed she enjoys applying this knowledge to develop and deliver professionally relevant training for all members of the veterinary team.