1. Can you tell us a little about your journey from USA to Melbourne and what brought you to Southpaws?
I visited Melbourne in late 2023 and immediately loved the city. I wasn’t planning a move, but when a surgical role came up soon after, the timing felt right. Southpaws stood out for its collaborative, compassionate culture, and I was keen to be part of that team.
2. What first inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary surgery?
I knew early on I wanted to be a veterinarian, initially with an interest in equine work. During training, I gravitated toward the operating theatre and found I really enjoyed surgery, which led me to focus on small animal surgical practice.
3. What areas of surgery are you most passionate about?
Surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery are my main interests. I value being able to offer patients with cancer a chance at good quality of life through surgery. I also enjoy minimally invasive approaches across thoracic, abdominal, and arthroscopic procedures.
4. Is there a particular type of case that you find especially rewarding?
I find cases with a clear, immediate impact particularly rewarding – especially in surgical oncology, where removing a life-threatening mass can quickly translate into meaningful additional time or even cure.
5. Having worked in different parts of the world, have there been any differences in veterinary practice that have surprised you?
The prevalence of pet insurance in Australia has stood out. It often enables access to advanced and emergency care that might otherwise not be feasible.
6. What do you enjoy most about working with referring veterinarians?
I really value the collaborative aspect – different perspectives often lead to better outcomes, and I frequently learn something new through case discussions with referring vets.
7. What’s something about your approach to surgery and patient care that clients and referring vets might not know?
I focus on clear, balanced communication to support informed decision-making. I tend to take a considered, evidence-based approach and am honest about risks and benefits, particularly when clients ask what I would choose for my own pet.
8. What advice would you give to pet owners facing a surgical procedure for their pet?
Dogs and cats are remarkably resilient – many recover from major procedures far better than we might expect.
9. What has been one of the most memorable cases of your career (without breaching confidentiality)?
A hunting dog presented as simply “off.” Imaging suggested chronic lung disease, and a lung lobectomy was performed. The cause turned out to be a large grass awn lodged in the lung. The dog recovered well and returned to hunting.
10. What has been the highlight of your time at Southpaws so far?
The people, both colleagues and clients, have been genuinely welcoming and supportive.
11. What professional goals or areas of interest are you currently focusing on?
Expanding my minimally invasive surgical skillset to broaden the range of procedures I can offer.
12. What has been your favourite part of living in Melbourne so far?
The coffee – hard to go back once you’ve experienced it here.
13. What do you enjoy doing outside of the hospital?
Staying active – walking, gym work, hiking, and previously snowboarding when I was closer to the mountains.
14. What’s one thing your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m fairly open – there’s not much left to surprise them.
15. Coffee order (or favourite Australian discovery) since moving here?
Almond latte, one sugar. And mint slice biscuits – an excellent discovery.
⚡ Quick Fire Round
- Dogs or cats?
Dogs - Ortho or soft tissue?
Soft Tissue - Early morning surgery list or late-night emergency case?
Early morning (the younger night-owl version of myself would be shocked!) - Favourite Australian food so far?
Mint slice. Also the snags are better here – Bunnings snags have become a must-have - One word to describe Melbourne?
Café-culture - One word to describe surgery?
Evolving
