Meet the Team

Ultrasonographer

Tom Crippen

BVSc. Pg Cert (SADI), MRCVS. RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal (DI)

Tom graduated from the University of Bristol in 2005 and has worked exclusively in small animal practice ever since, gaining experience across a wide range of settings, from single-vet clinics to large hospitals and out-of-hours centres across Bristol and South Wales. From his first role, he developed a strong interest in diagnostic imaging, often the primary ultrasound operator within his teams. This early responsibility shaped his appreciation of high-quality imaging and its importance in progressing cases with clarity and confidence.

Tom has spent several years working in a busy hospital environment while also providing a peripatetic ultrasound service across the Southwest. This combination has enabled him to refine his imaging skills across a diverse caseload while supporting practices with advanced diagnostics. In 2024, he completed the three-year BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging, formalising and strengthening the expertise he has developed throughout his career.

Outside of work, Tom is kept happily occupied by his two young boys and spends most of his free time with them.

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Joe Widdows

BVetMed CertAVP(GSAS) MRCVS. RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in small animal surgery

Joe graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and practiced in London for 4 years. During that time he worked with several visiting surgeons which sparked an interest in advanced surgical techniques. Several years, a period of travel, four kids, and a city move brought Joe and his wife back to Bristol, where they both grew up.

Joe worked in a busy first opinion practice for the last 8 years, focussing on developing his surgical skills, and culminating in being recognised as an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery in 2021. Joe enjoys all area of orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery but has a special interest in the surgical management of knee and elbow disease.

When not working he enjoy spending time with his young family, running, swimming, and cooking.

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Kalin Spasov

MSc GPCert SAS MRCVS

Kalin is a 2018 Masters graduate from Bulgaria. His career began at the Animal Rescue Sofia Foundation where his passion for surgery was ignited after witnessing the profound impact surgical interventions had on improving the lives of animals in need.

In 2020 Kalin moved to the UK and completed an 18 month rotating internship at Rutland House Referrals where he immersed himself in various veterinary specialities, refining his skills and broadening his knowledge. Following completion of his internship Kalin joined a first opinion practice in South Devon where he began his surgical certificate.

Kalin is keen to further his professional development, expand his expertise and is looking forward to improving the well-being of countless beloved pets.

In his free time, Kalin can be found exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Devon and Cornwall, immersing himself in the great outdoors.

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Jon Reilly

BVetMed PgC Small Animal Surgery MRCVS

Jon graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 and began his career in mixed animal practice. Over time, his focus shifted to small animal surgery, where he discovered a strong passion for orthopaedics.

In 2022, Jon founded a dedicated orthopaedic and advanced soft tissue surgical service in Newport. The following year, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, further honing his expertise.

Jon joined the Rata team in 2025, bringing his skills to South Wales with a special interest in treating stifle conditions, cruciate ligament injuries, patella luxation, and complex fractures.

When he’s not in the operating theatre, Jon enjoys hands-on DIY projects, woodworking and outdoor adventures with his family.

Ophthalmologist

James Pickering

BVetMed PgC(SAO) MRCVS RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Ophthalmology

James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College(RVC) in 1996 and completed an equine internship in 1998. After spending another eight years in equine practice he saw the light and moved into purely small animal practice. In 2009 he took over a rundown practice in Clifton, Bristol, renovated it and steadily  built it into a successful practice.

He has enjoyed all forms of surgery when in general small animal practice but  has had a long-term interest in veterinary ophthalmology and gained his certificate in 2020 and Advanced Practitioner Status in 2021.

James enjoys all aspects of ophthalmology both medical and surgical and has enjoyed the diverse range of cases that this discipline presents.

He has an equally busy wife, two  teenage children ,two dogs, one cat, guinea pigs, chickens and two hives of bees. James enjoys watching rugby and taxiing his children around!! In the winter he loves skiing and the being the Alps.

Soft Tissue Specialist Surgeon

Oliver Gilman

BVSc PGDip (VCP) DipECVS MRCVS RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

Oli is a Veterinary Surgeon specialising in Small Animal Surgery. With a steadfast commitment to the highest standards of veterinary care, Oli has continued to build on his love of surgery since his years as a student.

Oli graduated from the University of Bristol in 2015, initially working in a busy primary care veterinary hospital in Somerset, before returning to the University of Bristol to undertake a rotating internship, additionally collecting a post-graduate diploma in veterinary clinical practice.

Subsequently, he moved to Highcroft Referrals for an internship in small animal surgery, before embarking upon a three-year ECVS residency in small animal surgery. Following the residency programme, Oli worked as a clinician in small animal surgery at Cave Veterinary Specialists, passing the ECVS board-certifying examination in 2023 to become an EBVS and RCVS specialist in small animal surgery. He joined the team at Rata in 2024.

Oli is enthusiastic about all areas of soft tissue surgery, with particular interest in feline surgery, brachycephalic airway syndrome, oncological resection/reconstruction and laparoscopy. Oli has several publications in prominent veterinary journals and enjoys delivering CPD to discuss all things surgery.

When not in theatre, Oli is usually found either in the garden, walking, cycling or spending some quality time with his cat.

Oli is looking forward to meeting clinicians, owners and pets whilst out and about in the Somerset, Devon and Cornwall areas.

Surgeon

Heidi Burkinshaw

BSc(Hons) BVetMed PgC(SAS) MRCVS

At 20 years of age Heidi graduated from University College London (UCL) with an honours degree in Anatomy and Developmental Embryology and a passion for Anatomy and Physiology. Five years later in 1999 she graduated from the Royal veterinary College London (RVC) with a passion for surgery.

The first 19 years of her career were spent living and working in the UK and overseas as a GP vet with a surgical bias. She has also been fortunate to spend some time working overseas for animal charities which was an amazingly rewarding experience.

Heidi recently gained her ESVPS small animal surgery certificate and joined Rata in 2018 to continue her learning journey in orthopaedic surgery for the second half of her career. She is quoted as saying “I can now say I have the best job in the world”.

Outside of work Heidi is a busy mum of 2 children and 3 dogs. When she finds extra time, she likes to run (slowly), swim (fast), surf (badly and only in warm water) and SUP (preferably in warm water as she falls off frequently).

Areas of interest

• All areas of surgery
• Charity work – Heidi aims to do a Veterinary charity trip each year

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Ivan Filipovic

DVM, PgC (SAS) MRCVS

Ivan graduated from the University of Zagreb in 2010 and initially worked in mixed practice while earning a Masters in Pharmaceutics. After earning Postgraduate Certification in Small Animal Surgery in 2018, he completed an internship at Willows Referral Service in Solihull, and has since been provided referral surgical services to practices in Leicestershire.

Ivan joined the Rata Team two years ago, his pragmatic approach and sense of humour lend him to the role well. He initially operated out of the Birmingham hub but has recently relocated to St Albans because his wife is a resident in imaging at the RVC – a formidable couple when it comes to surgical advice. Ivan is now available to the practices of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Greater London, he is being well recieved!

When not travelling Europe immersing himself in orthopaedic CPD events Ivan is a keen Brazilian Jujitsu fighter… so don’t mess.

Surgeon

Yiannis Moschopoulos

DVM pgCert(SAS) MRCVS

Yiannis graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2015 before serving in the military, where he was part of a specialised unit working with patrol dogs. In 2017, Yiannis moved to the UK and began working in a busy 24-hour veterinary hospital in London, followed by a role with the RSPCA.

In 2021, I relocated to Bristol and later joined the PDSA in Cardiff. It was during this time that I developed a strong interest in advanced soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, which led me to complete a postgraduate certificate in the discipline.

Outside of work, Yiannis can be found surfing and spending time exploring Wales and Cornwall in his camper van.

Customer Care Assistant

Hayley Thornton

Hayley lives in Salisbury, Wiltshire, with her 2 children, 3 cats, 1 dog, 1 tortoise and 2 mice, often rescuing pets that need orthopaedic attention!

After many years of travelling around the world and working in the travel industry, she qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1997 and worked as a RVN for 17 years in the south coast area before starting with Rata in 2015.

Her interests include cooking, writing, running a book club, woodwork and biking.

Customer Care Assistant

Jaime Kiem

AVR

Jaime’s passion for animals began at 17 and has only grown stronger over the years. She has gained hands-on experience working at a zoological park and a cat and dog rescue centre before transitioning into the veterinary field as a receptionist. Through this role, she found her passion for advocating for both animal and client welfare. Her dedication and expertise led to the remarkable achievement of being elected President of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association (BVRA) for 2022-2024.

Outside of work, Jaime enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending quality time with her dog and partner.

Surgical and Anaesthetic RVN

Beccy Dutton

RVN

Beccy’s upbringing in the countryside near Dartmoor exposed her to a variety of animals on her family’s smallholding, including ponies, sheep, chickens, pigs, and more. This early immersion in animal care sparked her passion for working with animals. In addition to her family’s animals, Beccy currently owns a crested gecko and two dogs Buddy and Poppy. She enjoys spending her free time taking her dogs for long walks on the moors along with her toddler. As a newly qualified RVN, Beccy is eager to continue learning and develop her skills, with a particular interest in anaesthesia and analgesia. She finds fulfilment in providing care to pets of all kinds and making a positive impact in their lives.

Surgical and Anaesthetic RVN

Jessica Randall

BSc Hons CertVN (ECC). RVN

Jessica has worked in the veterinary industry since 2015 and has been a qualified veterinary nurse since 2020. She began her career in a busy first-opinion practice, where she gained valuable experience in orthopaedic surgery alongside advanced soft tissue procedures.

Driven by a strong interest in emergency and critical care, Jessica progressed to MiNightVet Emergency Service, where she further developed her skills in anaesthesia and emergency surgery. During this time, she also achieved a certificate in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC).

Jessica is delighted to join a team dedicated to delivering specialist procedures and providing the highest standard of patient care.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys caring for her cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. She also spends her time gardening, hiking, reading, and crafting.