1. Can you tell us a bit about your journey into veterinary medicine and what led you to pursue a surgical internship?

My journey into veterinary medicine started in Brisbane as a kennel assistant then nurse at my local general practice. I was accepted into veterinary science at JCU in 2019 and during my studies worked as a nurse in the emergency department at the JCU general practice and referral clinic. It was during this time that sparked my interest in emergency surgery. In 2025 I completed a rotating internship at Southpaws where I realised my passion for surgery and pursued a surgical internship.

2. What excites you most about working in surgery?

Working as a surgical intern is exciting because you get to be hands-on and make a real difference to patients every day. It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of a case from diagnosis through to surgery and then recovery.

The surgery department is a dynamic environment where no two cases are the same, and each day presents new challenges. What I find particularly motivating is the opportunity to build confidence and continue learning while working closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient.

3. What’s been the biggest learning curve for you so far as a surgical intern?

To remember to take the time to enjoy each day as it comes and appreciate the little things and small wins.

4. Is there a particular type of surgery or case that you’re especially interested in?

Management of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

5. What does a typical day look like for you as a surgical intern?

My day starts in the early morning where I review hospitalised surgical patients and provide pertinent notes on all patients scheduled for the day in time for patient rounds with the surgical team. Every day may vary, but typically the morning consists of assisting surgeons with consults, admissions and imaging workups, and the nursing team with preparing patients for surgery. A soon as a patient is in theatre I then scrub in and set up the surgical field for the primary surgeon and assist during the surgery. Once a patient’s surgery is completed, I assist the anaesthetists in the recovery period as well as write surgical reports and post operative plans. Into the late afternoon and evening I discharge patients and discuss post operative plans with owners, recheck all hospitalised in- patients and their charts then hand over to the overnight veterinarians for ongoing care. Concurrently, I may also be facilitating emergency surgeries during these times.

6. What’s something you’ve learned early on that’s really stuck with you?

Believe you can and you’re halfway there. A positive mind set has been important for me to stay resilient under the pressures of an internship and to maintain healthy habits (like rest and exercise) to support personal wellbeing.

7. How do you approach working as part of a surgical team in a fast-paced environment?

It can be challenging to manage multiple patients, keep on top of treatments and notes, preparing for surgery, and handling unexpected emergencies. However, I have found that staying organised via lists then prioritisation of tasks is the way to stay efficient especially on busy days.

8. What’s one skill (clinical or non-clinical) you’re currently working on improving?

A skill I’m constantly working on is clinical problem-solving. Learning how to assess each case, think through different approaches and decisions, especially when things aren’t straightforward.

9. What do you enjoy most about working alongside our surgeons and wider team?

The collaborative and supportive environment. Everyone brings a different set of skills and experience, and the team is very approachable. Southpaws creates a space where you feel comfortable learning and improving, which makes a big difference as an intern.

10. What’s a memorable case you’ve been involved in so far (without breaching confidentiality)?

A dog presented through emergency department for facial/neck swelling after chewing a stick. Surgical exploration revealed an extensive abscess and dorsal cervical oesophageal perforation which was repaired with a sternothyroideus pedicled muscle flap. After a few days stay with emergency department the patient was discharged home.

11. What are your career goals after completing your internship?

To start a residency and specialise in small animal specialist surgery.

12. When you’re not in theatre or at the hospital, how do you like to spend your time?

Getting outdoors and walking my dog or trying new restaurants/foods around Melbourne.

13. Coffee order (or go-to snack) to get you through a long surgery list?

A strong latte (or two)

⚡ Quick Fire Round

  • Early starts or late finishes? Late finishes
  • Ortho or soft tissue? Soft tissue
  • Favourite surgery you’ve seen so far? Ameroid constrictor placement for extrahepatic portosystemic shunt.
  • Go-to pump-up song before a busy day? Following the sun by Super-Hi, Neeka
  • If you could master one procedure instantly, what would it be? Enterotomies/resection and anastamoses