Who am I? Navigating professional identity
Tracks
Stream One - Plaza Terrace
Stream Two - Plaza P1 & P2
Stream Three - Plaza P3 & P4
Workshop / Commercial Session - Plaza P5
| Wednesday, March 25, 2026 |
| 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM |
| Plaza Terrace |
Overview
Asha Yeoman
Speaker
Asha Yeoman
GVH At The University Of Melbourne
Who am I? Navigating professional identity
Abstract
Professional identity isn’t just a title or role - it’s a constantly evolving sense of self shaped by our experiences, relationships, and the perceptions of others. In veterinary nursing, developing this identity is crucial for confidence, leadership, and collaboration - but it’s often complex and sometimes accompanied by doubt. It's understanding who YOU are as a veterinary professional, and what your career role means for you.
This session will explore how professional identities form and why they matter, diving into themes of professional respect, interprofessional dynamics, and the very human experience of imposter syndrome. This talk offers honest insights and practical reflections to help you embrace your own professional journey with authenticity and confidence - presented by a speaker who is a recognised leader in their field and still sometimes doesn't really know how that happened.
Attendees will gain tools to better understand and shape their professional identity, foster respect within teams, and navigate the challenges that come with growth and leadership, and just existing in the dynamic world of veterinary medicine.
This session will explore how professional identities form and why they matter, diving into themes of professional respect, interprofessional dynamics, and the very human experience of imposter syndrome. This talk offers honest insights and practical reflections to help you embrace your own professional journey with authenticity and confidence - presented by a speaker who is a recognised leader in their field and still sometimes doesn't really know how that happened.
Attendees will gain tools to better understand and shape their professional identity, foster respect within teams, and navigate the challenges that come with growth and leadership, and just existing in the dynamic world of veterinary medicine.
Biography
Asha is a registered and accredited veterinary nurse with over 19 years of veterinary industry experience. Holding a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing specializing in Emergency and Critical Care, she spent 16 years at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital where she developed her expertise in clinical excellence, education, and leadership. In her current role as Emergency and Critical Care Team Leader at the Greencross Veterinary Hospital at the University of Melbourne, Asha continues to lead with a focus on innovation, collaboration and high clinical care standards.
Asha has been an active contributor to the veterinary nursing profession beyond her clinical roles. After serving in leadership roles on state committees, she was elected to the National Board of Directors of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) in 2020. In April this year, she was elected into the role of President of the VNCA, where she works to advocate for the nursing industry across Australia.
Passionate about education and mentorship, Asha is a lecturer at tertiary institutions in Melbourne and regularly presents at conferences and professional events where she is regarded as an expert in the field of emergency & critical care. She is a published author in the Australian Veterinary Nurses Journal and actively mentors junior and student nurses. To further support her pursuit in learning and teaching, Asha is currently studying a Masters degree in Clinical Education.
