The Hidden 20% The Neurodivergent Vet: Dyslexia, High Stress Work & The Power of Pets
Oct 8, 2025
Rory Cowlum, known as Rory the Vet, is a veterinary surgeon, TV presenter, and dyslexia advocate. He shares how his dyslexia serves as a superpower in his career, discussing the challenges of high-pressure veterinary work and mental health issues in the field. Rory offers practical tips for neurodivergent learning and highlights the therapeutic role of pets in both human and animal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of empathy when delivering tough news and advocates for celebrating dyslexia to harness its strengths in the veterinary profession.
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Small Environmental Tweaks Help Daily Energy
- Do modify workplace lighting, use non-white paper and yellow screen filters to reduce midday headaches and fatigue.
- Make small environmental changes to preserve cognitive energy across a long clinical day.
Use Fitness To Boost Learning
- Do exercise before studying and again afterwards to prime focus and reduce stress during revision sessions.
- Keep regular snacks and balanced nutrition to sustain cognitive performance during study blocks.
Adapt The Operating Environment
- Do adapt surgical environments: use non-reflective drapes, warmer yellow lighting and lower lights to reduce strain.
- Step away briefly during intricate work to relax eyes and hands and reduce the risk of mistakes.