Meet The Team
Malcolm Leitch
Clinical Director
BVM&S MRCVSMalcolm qualified here in Edinburgh at the Dick Vet in 1996 and worked for 12 years in a predominantly small animal practice in Dingwall, where he gained a broad range of experience. He came to Oak Tree in 2008 and has been here ever since. He particularly enjoys the challenge of skin problems but also the variety that general practice provides. In his spare time he enjoys walking, cooking and avoiding doing the dishes afterwards!
Gemma Stewart
Practice Manager & Head Nurse
RVNAndrew Soutar
Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S MRCVSAndrew graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies here in his home city of Edinburgh in 2013. After graduation he travelled south to work in a small animal clinic in Suffolk for nearly 3 years, gaining valuable experience in general practice. On his return to Scotland he spent a brief period working as a locum vet before joining the Oak Tree team in January 2017. He has a particular interest in eye conditions and the long term management of chronic illnesses, alongside the day to day challenges that appear in general practice. Pictured are his two dogs – Mindy the lurcher who was adopted from the Dogs Trust while in England, who spends most of her time trying to eat anything in her reach (usually something toxic like chocolate!) and Kipper the springer spaniel who will hopefully become an agility champion in the hands of his partner Bethany.
Jen Monteith
Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S MRCVSJen qualified from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2010. Since then Jen has worked in mixed practice for eight years in both Aberdeen and Fife, where she had the true James Herriot experience treating all creatures from hamsters to heifers! Jen joined the Oak Tree family in October 2018 and has proven to be very popular amongst clients and pets alike. When she's not at work, Jen loves nothing more that exploring outdoors with her spaniel Eva, seen with her in the picture. Jen also volunteers with StreetVet in Glasgow City, an outreach programme helping pets belonging to the homeless. She's fiercely supportive of her national rugby team and is partial to holidays in the snow where she can ski to her heart's content!
Elspeth Whyte
Senior Receptionist
Katherine Forsyth
Receptionist
Katherine joined us in 2015. She came from a very different background having been a professional florist for 12 years. Katherine knew most of the team already having been a client with her cat Rebus for several years. Katherine is continually increasing her veterinary knowledge. She has completed her veterinary terminology course with Edinburgh College and is now studying for a qualification with the College of Animal Welfare. Katherine lives with her husband Nick. She has a keen interest in baking, sewing and embroidery and helped to create the Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Rachel Graham
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Veterinary Physiotherapy (MCS VET PHYS MCSP HCPC RAMP ACPAT CAT A)Rachel qualified from Robert Gordon University with BSc (HONs) Physiotherapy and has worked in a range of NHS and private settings as a human physiotherapist. She has since progressed to become an APCAT and RAMP registered Veterinary Physiotherapist, completing a post graduate master’s degree in veterinary Physiotherapy at Hartpury University. She joined Oak Tree in 2019 and now works with us two days a week running our physiotherapy centre which includes hydro and laser therapy. In her spare time Rachel competes to a National level in Side Saddle with her horse Tango. They have been competing for several years together and as a result Rachel has a keen interest in the training and rehabilitation of side saddle horses. She can also be found spending time walking and training her two dogs Aria and Oddball (featured in the photo)
Gillian Robson
Veterinary Nurse
RVNGillian gained her qualification in Veterinary Nursing in 1996 and has worked in practices in Fife before joining us in 2010. She has a keen interest in nursing clinics and hydrotherapy. Gillian lives with her husband Scot and their Border Terrier, Tilly who is also a registered Therapet. In her spare time she enjoys going to the cinema, live music and supporting the national rugby team at Murrayfield.
Gill Smith
Veterinary Nurse
RVNIndia Le Riche RVN
Veterinary Nurse
India began her studies as a Student Veterinary Nurse in 2017 at SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), studying both in Glasgow Vet School and at Oak Tree. In the spring of 2021, she passed her final exams and is now a full-time member of the Oak Tree family. India loves all aspects of her job and she now runs our social media presence including our popular Facebook page. When she’s not at work, India enjoys being outdoors, paddle boarding and travelling.
Michelle Black
Veterinary Nurse
RVNRobyn Atkin
Veterinary Nurse
RVNRobyn first came to Oak Tree for work experience in 2010. Having enjoyed her experience, returned in 2011 as a student veterinary nurse studying at Edinburgh College. She passed her exams and qualified in February 2015 and joined the team as a member of full time staff. Pictured with her is Harvey, her Westie/cocker spaniel cross. Robyn also has two gerbils, Cindy-lou and Martha May. When she's not in work Robyn she enjoys meeting up and socialising with friends and long walks with Harvey.
Margherita Pappalardo
Student Veterinary Nurse
Margherita joined Oak Tree in Summer 2018 on the SRUC vet nursing course. She now joins us full time to complete her final year of studies and has become a welcomed addition to the vet nursing team. Originally from Italy, Margherita moved to Scotland three years ago to begin her studies as a vet nurse and although she loves Scotland, she does miss the warmer Italian climate and her mums cooking. Margherita enjoys all aspects of Vet Nursing and is currently working very hard to finish her training and studying for her final exams.
