I was one of those kids that always wanted to be a vet. Nothing else… always a vet. I grew up on a very small property near Orange in New South Wales, with horses, cattle and a few dogs. After a year of working on cattle stations around Mt Isa I moved to Wagga Wagga where I went to university and completed my veterinary studies. After 18 months working in Dubbo and 2 years working in England, Letitia (Tish) and I moved to Mackay and took up the opportunity to join Stabler & Howlett.
Clinically, my particular interests are in small animal surgery and imaging (radiology and ultrasonography). I have passed examinations to gain Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College Veterinary Scientists in both of these fields in addition to post-graduate certificate in abdominal ultrasonography. I find imaging fascinating and love to try and work out what’s going on in the bodies of our patients (who are unable to tell us). Surgery is also extremely rewarding and an advanced general practice skill level allows me to take on procedures at a higher level, particularly with orthopaedic procedures such as TPLOs and fracture repair.
Just as important to me is the continued development of our team. I spend a large portion of my week looking for ways to support our entire team (veterinary, nursing and administrative) and continually improve our practice. One of my favourite things is to help or observe one of our vets successfully master a new skill and I love being able to build the services we can offer to our patients.