Intern Team
Our Intern Team
Established for over 12 years Willows’ team of highly skilled interns are all fully qualified Veterinary Surgeons. Throughout their one-year rotating internship programme Willows Interns have primary case responsibility through our Out of Hours Service, working alongside dedicated Emergency Vets.
Working together with our team of multidisciplinary Specialists and Residents Willows’ Interns care for critical patients in our Intensive Care Unit.
Natalie Fones
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
Natalie graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2023 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS). She then went on to work in general practice in Glasgow before joining the Intern team at Willows in 2025.
Natalie enjoys all aspects of Veterinary medicine with a particular interest in Surgery. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys bouldering, hiking and occasionally baking.
Rachel Cohen
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
Rachel graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2023 and spent two years working in a first opinion practice before joining the internship program at Willows in 2025. She has a particular interest in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery and is currently undertaking a research project focused on surgical site infections.
Outside of her clinical work, Rachel enjoys staying active through CrossFit, running, and cycling. She also loves relaxing at home with her cat, Boo.
Laura Gomez Box
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
Laura is originally from Spain and earned her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Murcia, graduating in the summer of 2022. During her university years, she volunteered and worked at a veterinary referral hospital, where she developed a strong interest in soft tissue surgery and emergency care.
In late 2022, she relocated to the UK and has since been working in general practice.
Laura shares her home with her dog, Zipy, her loyal companion since her university days, and a one-eyed cat named Alberto. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and practicing analogue photography.
Eloise Rose
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
Eloise graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2023 and before joining the Intern team here at Willows in 2025 worked in practices in both Preston and Doncaster. Eloise is particularly interested in Ophthalmology and is hoping to pursue a residency in this discipline following her internship.
Outside of work Eloise loves all kinds of live music, as well as spending time with her crazy Cocker Spaniel, Dylan.
Joao Goulao
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
After graduating from the University of Lisbon in 2021 Joao completed an internship in Portugal before moving to the UK to work in a busy first opinion practice and then joining the Willows Intern team in 2025.
While his main area of interest is Emergency & Critical Care and he’s keen on developing his skills in that field, he is also very excited to expand his knowledge and learn from all the different specialties at Willows.
In his free time Joao enjoys travelling, hanging out with friends and playing board games and video games.
Sophie Oliver
BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
Sophie graduated in 2023 from the University of Nottingham. After graduation, Sophie worked as a veterinary surgeon in a busy first opinion small animal hospital in Leicester before joining the Intern team at Willows in 2025. Sophie has a keen interest in Ophthalmology and is aiming to continue to develop her skills and knowledge in this area in particular.
Outside of work Sophie enjoys reading, painting, going for walks, and playing with her cat, Ahsoka.
Martin Litviakov
BVetMed PgDipVCP MRCVS
Surgical Intern
Martin graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2022 and following graduation spent two years in general practice before returning to the Royal Veterinary College to undertake a small animal rotating internship. Martin completed his rotating internship in June 2025 and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Practice.
Martin is also very involved with research having recently published and presented a paper at a conference and is currently working on multiple other projects.
Outside of work Martin enjoys spending time with his lurcher and tabby cat, going on long walks as well as running and climbing.
Isabel Abreu
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
Isabel graduated from the University of Lisbon in 2024, where she completed a curricular internship. She then moved to Preston, working for almost a year and a half in a busy first-opinion hospital before joining the Willows Intern team in 2026.
Whilst Isabel has not yet decided which area she would like to specialize in, she hopes that by undertaking a rotating internship and experiencing the full range of disciplines here at Willows it will help her determine the next steps in her journey.
Isabel has one dog and two cats whom she loves deeply, and in her free time enjoys going to the gym.
Alina Stanca
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon – Intern
Alina graduated from the University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV), Bucharest in 2023 at the top of her class before working for two years in a combined general practice and referral centre in France. She joined the Intern team at Willows in 2026 to further her development as a clinician.
Alina is deeply passionate about Veterinary Medicine, with a particular interest in Internal Medicine as well as Emergency and Critical Care. during her internship, Alina is keen to further expand her knowledge, refine her clinical skills, and develop into a rigorous, well-rounded clinician.
In her spare time, Alina enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her pets, family and friends.
