Meet the Vets
at mercer and hughes veterinary surgeons
Our Veterinary Surgeons
Ilse Pedler BSc MA VetMB VetMFHOM MRCVS
I qualified from Cambridge University in 1989, started work at Mercer and Hughes straight away and have been here ever since! I became a partner in 1992 and Clinical Director in 2008. I have a special interest in pig medicine, dermatology and complementary therapies including homeopathy and acupuncture, gaining my diploma in veterinary Homeopathy in 2001. I’m also responsible for overseeing the veterinary nurse training in the practice. I feel extremely lucky to be doing a job with a great diversity that brings me into contact with a wide variety of people and animals on a daily basis.
Stephen Flood MVB MRCVS
I qualified in 1985 from University College Dublin, then worked in Ireland for the following two years. I moved to the UK to work for the next four years in mixed practice at Kews in Harlow.
I came to Mercer and Hughes in 1991 and have been here since, now being one of the practice Clinical Directors.
I live in Essex with my wife and four children, and Kaiser the Labrador Retriever.
Seamus Mone MVB MRCVS
Originally from Ireland I grew up on our family cattle and apple farm where I worked until graduating in veterinary in 1995 from University College Dublin. Since then I have worked in numerous large animal and companion animal practices, gaining invaluable experience and skills along the way before joining Mercer and Hughes in 2004 and becoming a Clinical Director in 2007.
These days I am mainly involved with companion animals but still deal with farm and equine cases. My main interest in veterinary is small animal surgery, in particular orthopaedics.
Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit with running and martial arts when not trying to learn Italian, entertain the kids or play with the cat.
Rebecca Kitchen BVetMed CertAVP MRCVS
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2013, I briefly spent some time at a mixed animal practice in Bedfordshire before joining Mercer & Hughes in September 2013. I enjoy all aspects of practice, I have a particular interest in surgery.
In my spare time I enjoy playing netball and walking my Lurchers Toby & Pepper Pot. I become a Clinical Director of the practice in September 2016. I am currently studying for a CertAVP and Certificate in veterinary business management.
Dr Sarah Catling BSc BA VetMD PhD MRCVS
Born, bred and educated in Cambridge, I qualified from Cambridge Veterinary School after a period of research in equine exercise physiology in Newmarket.
I worked in mixed practice initially in Bishop’s Stortford, then after having my two children nearer Cambridge.
I now enjoy working part time in Saffron Walden, giving me time to enjoy my horses and more travelling.
Signe Frei Cand.med.vet MRCVS
I graduated in 2004 from The Royal veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark. After graduating I came over to the UK and started working in a mixed practice in Hertfordshire, I worked there for almost 6 years in total. I have also had a three more short term jobs in Denmark. Two of those were also in mixed practice one was at a large stud farm.
Although I have been dealing with all kinds of animals my main interest is the small animals. I particularly enjoy surgery and I have recently done a course in ultrasounds scanning, an area I am interested in developing further. I joined the team at Mercer and Hughes in May 2011, and I am really enjoying working here.
Outside of work I spend time riding my horse Lady and walking my Jack Russell terrier Lily and my Lurcher Fern. I also like watching and photographing wildlife.
Ross Kitchen BSc(Hons) BVetMed MRCVS
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College London in 2014 after previously completing a Pharmacology degree at the University of Liverpool. I worked at a small animal practice in mid Essex before joining Mercer & Hughes in January 2015. I have a particular interest in small animal soft tissue surgery. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dogs and catching up with friends. I am currently studying for a certificate in small animal surgery.
Catharine Hurst BVM&S MRCVS
I graduated in 2002 from Edinburgh University. Since graduation I have worked solely in small animal practice, including four years at a busy PDSA clinic and four at a referral hospital in Manchester. I have worked at Mercer and Hughes since 2012, following a relocation, with a couple of breaks for maternity leave and now work part time. My main interest is internal medicine, but I enjoy all aspects of general practice and meeting all your lovely pets. Outside of work the children keep me busy and we enjoy getting up to as many adventures as possible together before they start school.