Meet the veterinarian who's bringing eco-fashion to the surgery table

Inspiration

Apr 1

Dr. Laura Sullivan wants to change the world. Whether it is through caring for pets in the poorest areas of the world or creating eco-friendly veterinary apparel, this veterinarian is committed to helping others.

Last year, Dr. Laura spent two months in Sri Lanka treating sick and injured animals. She also helps raise much needed money for WECare Worldwide, a charity that aims to reduce the incidence of rabies in developing countries. On top of that, she recently created a line of eco-friendly surgery caps with her brand, All Scrubbed Up.

We caught up with Dr. Laura to learn more:

Why I created All Scrubbed Up:

I started All Scrubbed Up with a vision of bringing fun, positivity and glam to vet life. As someone who loves performing surgery, I saw there was a need for comfortable caps that could be worn throughout the workday.

I also wanted to help contribute in some small way to reducing waste from the use of disposable items. This waste contributes to landfill and emissions created by incineration of clinical waste. So, when you choose to use one of my caps instead of using hundreds of disposable ones, you are actually making a big impact.

Why I think veterinary professionals need fashion in their lives:

I think fashionable vet wear can help us feel good about ourselves. That is very important, especially on stressful days. Popping on a snazzy scrub cap can brighten up a set of plain scrubs or work uniform and spread a bit of joy to your day. It’s also a nice way to showcase your personality.

What makes All Scrubbed Up caps different:

A lot of love and attention goes in to each and every cap. They are made of high quality material, lined, and machine washable. They also are fitted and shape to your head. I really love the fact that they are super comfortable and don’t slip like the disposable ones do.

I also pick bespoke fabrics for the caps and I match a design to a clients request based on their interests. Everyone has different tastes, one person may prefer a soft floral theme while another wants a medieval dragon pattern with skulls.

Why I am happy to be a veterinarian:

My favorite thing about being a veterinarian is being able to use my skills to be able to give back to those less fortunate. I get a massive sense of fulfillment from volunteering with We Care Worldwide and I want to continue to support them on their clinical team.

What I do in my spare time?

I love to travel! I recently visited Slovenia and Estonia, which are both amazingly beautiful places. Last year I spent two months volunteering in Sri Lanka and two months working as a locum surgeon in Bermuda. I also enjoy scuba diving and paddle boarding, but, since I live in the UK and not a hot tropical area, it is too darn cold most of the time to enjoy these activities.

The best advice I ever received:

Someone once told me that there’s always a reason why someone behaves the way they do. Other people’s actions or negativity actually is a reflection on themselves. .

My advice to my younger self:

Don’t sweat the small stuff! Being a veterinarian is great, but it is hard work, it is sometimes sad, and it is sometimes very tough, but it is super rewarding. But, it is only one facet of our lives. You are more than just a veterinary professional.