Dr. Janet Littlewood (MA PhD BVSc (Hons) DVR DVD MRCVS) is a veterinary dermatology specialist practicing at her independent clinical referral dermatology service in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. In January 2022, Dr. Littlewood will begin a 4-month dermatology locum at Animal Dermatology Clinic – Perth, in Australia.
Join Dr. Littlewood here for her travel blog, as she journeys from the UK to Australia during these interesting times for global travel.
It’s been a strange week – couldn’t go back home after farewell visit with son and daughter-in-law, because my housemate has Covid! So am in limbo, staying with my sister in London until Christmas Eve. Fortunately, not too many things left to do before departure, and have the lap-top with me, so can still keep up with remaining clinical responsibilities and other pre-departure jobs.
The hiatus has given time to reflect and share with you how all this came about. This time last year, when exchanging Christmas greetings with my dear friend Dr. Mandy Burrows, she asked if I knew anyone who might be interested in a job at ADC Perth, as the ramifications of the Covid pandemic had made life extremely busy. I rather jokingly said that if it wasn’t for the dog, I would be interested! And over the next few months it was obvious that my lovely Pickle was not going to last much longer, and I got to thinking about what an adventure it would be to have a sabbatical/locum period in Perth. So, around Easter-time I had a video call with ADC personnel, and we got the ball rolling. After saying “goodbye” to Pickle in August, just a couple of weeks after her 15th birthday, the timing looked as if it would work for being in Perth for spring. Although the TSS visa and travel restriction exemption came through early October, I couldn’t get a flight until early January. The weeks seem to have gone quite slowly, until suddenly it is December, and now only days to go!
At least I get to have Christmas Day with sister, brother-in-law, cousin, family friend and housemate, then will be time to start packing!
Happy Christmas to all – looking forward to a New Year in Western Australia!
Janet
