Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you into Emergency & Critical Care?
I started my career in mixed practice in Ireland, where I worked for several years before embarking on a bit of a journey around the world, working with veterinary charities along the way. I eventually found myself in rural Australia, working in a small animal practice where I discovered that the emergency cases were both the best and worst part of the job — challenging, unpredictable and incredibly rewarding.
That eventually prompted me to make the move into a dedicated emergency role in Melbourne, and I’ve been working in emergency ever since. So, 14 years of emergency and critical care and counting!
What do you love most about working in ECC?
I love the puzzle of working out what is wrong when you’re against the clock. There’s something very satisfying about putting all the pieces together and seeing a critically unwell patient turn around.
What’s your favourite type of emergency case to manage?
I love stabilising patients in shock and seeing a patient go from critically unwell to stable.
I also have to admit, I get a ridiculous amount of satisfaction from making patients vomit up socks, underwear and all sorts of other mischievous ingestions and keeping them out of the operating theatre!
ECC can be intense — what do you think makes a great emergency vet?
Being calm under pressure, resilient and adaptable. ECC can throw absolutely anything at you, often all at once, so you need to be able to think on your feet, work well with your team and bring plenty of energy to whatever shift you’re facing!
What can referring vets expect from you when their patient comes through our doors?
I will always do my absolute best for their patient. I know how much trust is involved in referring a patient, and I want referring vets to feel confident that their patient is in good hands.
What’s your approach to communication with clients during high-stress situations?
Open, honest and kind. Even when the news is difficult, I think people deserve clear information and to feel that they are being listened to and supported.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a very shy child! Which is probably surprising given how much talking I do now.
What’s been your most memorable case so far in your career (without breaching confidentiality)?
A dog who was presented to us after being found without a heartbeat following a choking episode. We were able to successfully resuscitate him, and he ultimately went home to his family. It was an incredible moment and one I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
What has been the highlight of your time at Southpaws so far?
Definitely meeting some amazing people and making friends for life. The people really are what make Southpaws special.
Outside of work, how do you unwind after a big emergency shift?
Would you judge me if I said opening a bottle of fine Australian wine? 🍷
Coffee order (or fuel of choice) on a night shift?
A long black… or an almond flat white once I reach coffee number three!
And popcorn. Popcorn is the best snack of all time.
Quick Fire Round
Dogs, cats… or exotics?
Dogs and cats — I love them all equally!
Adrenaline junkie or calm in the storm?
Alas… adrenaline junkie!
Sweet or savoury snacks at 2am?
Did I mention popcorn?
