Before joining SASH, James owned a practice in Mascot. As the hospital administrator he manages the internal affairs of the hospital and is responsible for anything from staff welfare, to financial administration. He is also part of the VetICU team and dealing with emergencies and managing the intensive care patients through the night, He has completed a Diploma of Practice Management and a distance education course in Emergency Medicine through the CVE.
James is a regular gym attendee and is owned by his pomeranian, Diana, and partner, Corey.
Martin graduated from the University of Veterinary and Pharmacological Sciences in Brno, Czech Republic, in 1992. He came to Australia in 1994 and was working with Advanced Anaesthesia Specialists from 1997 - 2000. He completed an internship in small animal surgery at the Animal Referral Hospital in Strathfield in 2000 and was admitted to the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists as a Member in Small Animal Surgery in the same year.
He then worked in a private practice in Brisbane, before taking up the position as a clinical instructor at the University of Queensland. In 2006, he completed a Residency training program in Small Animal Surgery at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre. He then travelled to the UK, Wey Referrals and The Animal Health Trust as a soft tissue and oncology surgeon during 2006 - 2007. He obtained his Fellowship in Small Animal Surgery of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientist in 2009.
He is a member of the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society, Veterinary Endoscopy Society and the Veterinary Cancer Society
Soo started in SASH in February 2011 and is a Senior Registrar in Small Animal Surgery.
Soo completed a residency in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Sydney under Professor Geraldine Hunt, and was at the University until 2010 as a Senior Registrar. She recently sat her final paper in the Fellowship examinations with the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.
Soo shares her life with 2 dogs and 3 cats, all of whom are on long term medication or special diets for one disease or another.
Soo's surgical interests include soft tissue surgery, especially portosystemic shunt surgery, reconstructive surgery, and oncologic surgery.
Ricky graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2005. Following graduation he worked in general practice for twelve months before moving to England to undertake a rotating internship at the Queens Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge (2007/2008). During Ricky's internship he developed a keen interest in Surgery and Neurology and worked closely with these departments in conducting research which has since been published in Australian and American Veterinary Journals.
Ricky pursued his surgical interests following Cambridge to undertake a surgical internship at the Veterinary Specialist Centre (2008/2009) under Drs Black, Fearnside and Havlicek. During this period he obtained his membership with the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery and also enrolled in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Advanced Veterinary Practice Surgical Certificate. Ricky moved to Perth following his surgical internship where he worked in a busy small animal practice in a predominantly surgical role. He has now back on the east coast working at SASH as a surgical resident.
His current research interests include expediting bone healing, articular cartilage regeneration and novel multimodal spinal analgesia. His clinical interests include neurosurgery, oncological and orthopaedic surgery.
When not working, Ricky can be found surfing, or travelling (usually looking for surf).
Daniel graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in 2002. His first year after graduation was spent as a mixed animal practitioner in New Zealand, followed by three years as a mixed animal vet in Nowra, NSW.
In 2007, Daniel and his wife (also a vet) travelled and worked as small animal veterinarians in many practices in the UK, Queensland, WA and occasionally, Sydney. During this time Dan gained Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in both Veterinary Radiology and Small Animal Surgery.
Dan's main veterinary interests are in the sphere of orthopaedics and he is looking forward to being involved in SASH's research pursuits in this area.
While he used to have interests outside of work, in late 2009 they were replaced with a small baby girl when his first daughter was born.
Andrew is a 1988 Sydney University graduate who spent several years in general practice before training at the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals at Melbourne and Murdoch Universities between 1992 and 1999.
In 1999, he became a Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and since then has been in private specialist practice. He has extensive experience in all aspects of surgery. His particular interests include spinal and brain surgery, cancer surgery, fracture repairs, thoracic and abdominal surgery and soft tissue reconstructive surgery.
Andrew is married with three daughters, two dogs, two cats and a revolving door of fish.
Tony graduated with Honours from The University of Sydney in 1974 and travelled to Canada to complete his post graduate small animal surgical training. After working as head of soft tissue surgery and the Animal Medical Centre in New York, he returned to Sydney to open his specialist small animal surgery practice in 1981. This practice was incorporated into the VSC in 2007 and Tony is now a senior surgeon at SASH.
Tony has a special interest in diseases and surgery of the canine hip, arthroscopy and spinal surgery. He is one of Australia's most experience total hip joint replacement surgeons.
Tony was awarded The Small Animal Practitioner of the Year Award by the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association in 1994. He served as the Chief Examiner of the Membership and Fellowship of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and has lectured widely in Australia.
Tony has two pugs 'Blossom' and 'Spud' and they are very much part of the family and so much fun.
Steve graduated from The University of Sydney with Honours in 1995. He completed his internship in The Northern Sydney Veterinary Specialist Centre in 1999 and in 2000 commenced his Small Animal Surgery Residency at The West Chermside Veterinary Specialist Centre in Brisbane.
On completion of his residency training, Stephen was appointed as the Head of the Small Animal Department at The University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Camden.
In 2004, he was awarded his Fellowship in Small Animal Surgery and was also awarded with the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists award for best publication in the Australian Veterinary Practitioner in that year. He has served as a Fellowship Examiner in surgery for the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and has lectured both undergraduates and postgraduates in Australia and overseas.
Steve's particular interests are in surgical diseases of the spine, cancer surgery (surgical oncology) and canine arthroscopic surgery.
Sophia graduated from the University of Sydney, where she also spent a year in clinical anaesthesia, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (Vet) for her work involving gaseous anaesthesia. She worked in private practice both in Canberra and in the UK prior to completing an Internal Medicine / Oncology residency at Liverpool University (UK) in 2005. Sophia continued to work in the University Clinic until joining SASH.
Sophia obtained her DipECVIM in Canine and Feline Small Animal Medicine in 2008 and is a registered Specialist in Internal Medicine. Her main clinical interests are oncology, haematology and immunology.
Philip H Brain has been a small animal practitioner for 25 years. He has completed a residency program in small animal medicine at the Veterinary Specialist Centre, North Ryde, NSW and gained his Fellowship in Small Animal Medicine from the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in 2007. Previously Philip has been an examiner for the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal and canine medicine and continues to be a mentor for candidates.
Philip has served on ASAVA executive for 18 years including a Presidential term and two terms as Honorary Secretary. He was recognized with an AVA Meritorious Service Award in 1999 and the ASAVA Distinguished Service Award in 2005. He became the first veterinarian to receive a Chartered Membership (CMAVA) of the AVA in 2004 and in 2007 was awarded with a Fellowship of the AVA.
Philip has been scientific convenor for the ASAVA annual conferences from 2001 to 2011 and is actively involved in fostering continuing education for veterinarians in Australia having been part of the AVA VetEd formation committee and serving on the current AVA CE subcommittee. He has been on the judging panel for the Australian Veterinary Practitioner awards and was convenor of the ASAVA awards subcommittee. Philip has also been involved with the veterinary nurses’ profession for many years having served on the National Industry Group for Veterinary Nursing since co-founding this group in 1994. He was recognized with a service to veterinary nursing award in 1997 and was the first veterinarian to be awarded honorary membership of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia in 2003. Philip was a member of the Veterinarian’s inaugural editorial advisory panel from 1994 until 2005 and is currently Australian editor for Life Learn.
Philip is a registered specialist in small animal medicine - canine and feline medicine, whose professional interests include ultrasonography, endoscopy and all aspects of advanced veterinary medical care.
At home Phil is lucky to have two beautiful Burmese cats (Milko and Bailey) and a Cavoodle named Cooper who share the house with Phil’s wife Tina and son Lachlan.
Sonia worked in mixed practice in rural NSW after graduation from Sydney University and then in the UK for two and a half years before returning to work ont he NSW central coast.
Sonia started a residency in Small Animal Medicine at Murdoch University, Melbourne in 2005 and in 2010 she became a specialist in internal medicine.
Her special interests include neurology, haematology, immunology and lower urinary tract diseases.
Carl graduated from the University of Sydney in 2003 and started work in small animal practice on the Isle of Wight off the UK coastline. Over the next 3 years he moved to a practice on the UK mainland, gained postgraduate qualifications in feline medicine and veterinary acupuncture and briefly worked in a charity clinic on the Greek island of Aegina.
Carl flew out to join the team at SASH when it opened in 2007 and in 2009 he obtained Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and started a Fellowship training program in the field of Feline medicine.
Carl has had numerous pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, rats, birds, tortoises, fish and briefly a hedgehog, but now just lives with his wife and 2 cats.
Darren graduated from Murdoch University and after a time in small animal general practice he travelled to the UK to undertake a training program in feline medicine and a PhD investigating thyroid problems in cats.
Darren became a registered Feline Medicine Specialist in 2000 and he heads the Feline Medicine service. He is president of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and is a member of the board of the Feline Expert Panel.
Justin graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney with first class honours. He also spent a summer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in New York where he studied electrophysiology. After graduating, he completed an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Veterinary Specialist Centre in Sydney where he developed an excellent grounding in small animal practice.
He then went on to complete a Residency in Small Animal Medicine where he received intensive specialist training. He plans to sit his specialist examination in the next few years. His major interests are endocrinology, immune mediated diseases, diagnostic imaging and oncology.
He is the author of best sellers First Aid for Dogs and First Aid for Cats published by New Holland. He is currently our Senior Registrar in Small Animal Medicine. Justin owns a Boxer named Milo and a cat named Beetle.
For information on where to buy books written by Justin click on the images or visit the New Holland website directly.
Sara is originally from Chicago in the U.S. and has been in Sydney since 2003. She graduated from The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, and then completed a one year small animal internship at North Carolina State University in 2000.
Sara then became board certified in Internal Medicine after completing a three year residency at The University of Tennessee. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Sara enjoys all aspects of Internal Medicine, with a particular interest in gastroenterology, haematology, and emergency and critical care of both dogs and cats.
She has previous research experience in thrombocytopaenia but enjoys all aspects of clinical practice.
After graduating from Sydney University with first class honours, Amy worked in a busy small animal practice in Melbourne and then for two years with her father, also a vet in Canberra. Then, prior to starting at SASH in 2008, she completed an 18 month internship at the University of Sydney vet hospital, Camperdown.
Amy Started at SASH in 2008 as the Small Animal Medicine Resident. After completing the training program, she has continued to be part of the Medicine team at SASH as a Registrar in Small Animal Medicine.
Amy loves running in her spare time - always training for the next marathon!
Amy looks after Dave, a 3yo Tonkinese (who plays fetch and walks on the lead (when he feels like it)) and Triniti, a 2yo DSH (who is a bimbo).
Chris graduated from Sydney University in 2002. After graduation he worked as a mixed practice vet in Nowra for 12 months, then headed overseas and worked as a small animal vet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for two years. On returning home to Sydney he took up a position as a small animal registrar at the Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden where he stayed for three years. It was there that he developed his interest in small animal medicine by working on medicine referral cases.
Chris started a residency training program with Dr Phil Brain in 2010
Chris' home life also has a veterinary flavour with his wife nearing completion of her specialist training in equine medicine at the University of Sydney and his four cats and one Husky. When not working or studying, Chris likes to spend time in his shed at home, working on one of his many "project" including the restoration of two vintage Italian motor scooters.
Kate graduated from the University of Sydney in 2004 and for the next few years worked in small animal practice in both Young and Sydney before moving to the United Kingdom. In the UK she spent two years working in a small animal practice in Surrey and travelling as much as possible with any time off.
After getting married in Italy, she returned to Australia in 2009 and took up an internship position at SASH where she developed an interest in veterinary ophthalmology. It was during this internship that she became a Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientist in Small Animal Medicine.
She is now undertaking a residency in Veterinary Ophthalmology under the mentoring of specialist veterinary ophthalmologists Dr Billson and Dr Caruso. She has a special interest in canine corneal disease and surgery as well as ocular histopathology.
When not at work she spends time with her husband Joel and their fur-kids, Izzy and Eyespy. Izzy a 10month old Kelpie cross who is 100% adorable, loves attention and her one-eyed ginger cat brother Eyespy. Eyespy is a 2-year-old rescue cat that loves the garden, peace and quiet and tolerates 10month old kelpie crosses.
Mark graduated from the University of Sydney in 1990. He developed an interest in eyes early on in his career that led to research into a bacterial eye disease in cattle and Mark was awarded his PhD in 1996.
Mark then moved to the University of Glasgow to undertake clinical training in Veterinary Ophthalmology and obtained the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 1999. After taking up a post as Lecturer in Veterinary Ophthalmology at the University of Glasgow he returned to Australia in 2003 and has been working in private referral practice. Mark is a recognised specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology. He is interested in all aspects of ophthalmology including management of glaucoma and surgical removal of cataracts and has a keen interest in ocular pathology.
Kelly moved to Australia from the United States in 2010 to work at SASH. She has worked in specialist hospitals as a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the US since 2005.
Kelly loves outdoor sports, trekking and taking tennis lessons - she has aspirations to go on the tennis circuit!
Furry friends include three cats and Chloe, a dog who sometimes comes to work and loves helping out with the patients.
Kelly loves working at SASH - although it is such a long way from home, it is worth it to work with such a great team.
Linda graduated from the University of Sydney in 1984, and worked in private and university small animal practice in Australia and UK for over 10 years before following a long-time interest in Dermatology. Linda achieved Membership of Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Feline Medicine in 1997, and undertook a Dermatology Residency Program in Sydney and Melbourne from 1997-2001. Linda achieved Fellowship of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Dermatology in 2003.
Linda has worked in dermatology referral practice in Sydney for over 10 years. Her special interests include allergies, where the focus is on accurate diagnosis and individualised patient care, pyoderma and skin cytology sampling, otitis (ear infections), and skin histopathology.
One of Linda’s passions is also teaching dermatology; at undergraduate, post-graduate, and general vet practice levels, and she has made numerous presentations to general practitioners and at dermatology meetings in Australia and internationally. Linda also plays an active role in the Dermatology Chapter of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, and is a fellowship examiner. Linda has designed and collaborated on research projects, and published papers and text book chapters, adding to national and international veterinary dermatology knowledge and understanding.
With a strong link to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo via husband Larry, Senior Veterinarian, Linda also has a keen interest in zoo animal and wildlife dermatology, and has been a consultant at Taronga Zoo for over 10 years. Linda and Larry have two adult children, and a menagerie of animals at home, including Phoebe, an allergic boxer-cross; Pippa, a ball-crazy pointer; Pixel, a hand-raised kitten found in a dumpster; and Molly, a previous hospital stray cat, along with some budgies and fish.
Rita graduated from Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia in 1995. She worked in general practice in Buckinghamshire, England for 2 years before returning to Australia to complete a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Sydney. She then completed a 3 year residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the Veterinary Specialist Centre in Sydney and successfully passed her specialist exams in Small Internal Animal Medicine in 2006.
During her time as a resident, she came to realize that cardiology was her true passion and went onto to complete a Veterinary Cardiology Residency at the University of California, Davis. Rita successfully passed her board exams and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) in 2011.
Rita loves all aspects of cardiology especially echocardiography and interventional procedures for congenital disease, ECGs and pacemaker placement. She also has a passion for Boxer dogs and Jack Russell Terriers.
Georgina graduated from the University of Sydney in 1980. She completed a residency in neurology and neurosurgery at University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in 1985 and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (neurology) in 1987, then from 1986 to 1995 she was a research associate at Colorado State University.
Georgina is the only registered specialist neurologist in Australia and is not only extremely talented but is compassionate and understanding and is well known throughout Australia for her excellent management of patients with difficult neurologic problems.
She has a geriatric labrador and epileptic Border Collie and other assorted strays (cat, cockatiels) and loves working witht the staff, referring vets, clients and animals at SASH
Neil graduated with first class honours and the University Medal from the University of Sydney. He commenced an Oncology Internship at the Veterinary Specialist Centre in 2008. After completing his internship he commenced Residency training in Medical Oncology first at the Veterinary Specialist Centre and now at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital.
Neil has been involved in a number of clinical trials most notably by assisting with the EnGeneic targeted chemotherapy trial and by managing the Biosceptre International, Squamous Cell Carcinoma trial. Neil has interests in all forms of cancer diagnosis and therapeutics and is particularly interested in new and emerging therapeutics and diagnostic techniques.
In his spare time he enjoys road cycling and spending time with family. His home is ruled by two cats one dog and of course his fiancé.
Veronika is a member of Veterinary Cancer society, the Postgraduate Foundation, Australasian Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and the Australian Veterinary Association. She is interested in cancer research and has devoted time to Engeneic Pty Ltd as a clinical trial coordinator, researching on multi-drug resistance and targeted chemotherapy delivery.
In her spare time, Veronika enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, swimming and windsurfing.
Yvonne graduated from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands in 2000. She worked in several small practices in the UK for three years before moving to Australia in 2004.
Before passing her membership exam for Emergency and Critical Care in 2009, she worked in general practice and specialist hospitals in Sydney but in 2009 she joined the team at SASH.
Yvonne and her husband live in the Blue Mountains with their dog, two cats and four chooks.
Melissa Graduated with honors from the University of Melbourne in 2008 and then spent 12 months in Melbourne at a general practice.
In 2010 she moved to Sydney with her husband Brad, her 5yo tonkinese Eddy and her 2yo fuzzy crossbreed dog Cruz (he's in the picture here).
In 2011 Melissa completer a 12 month rotating internship at SASH and is now an emergency and critical care veterinarian within the VetICU team.
Her professional interests are dog and cat internal medicine, critical care, ophthalmology and clinical pathology.
Claire graduated from the Univerisity of Sydney on 2002 and spent several years working in private practice in Sydney and on the Central Coast. Claire completed training in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2006 and is a member if the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
Claire spent 2 years working as an Emergency and Critical care Veterinarian in Sydney before joining the Vet ICU team at SASH in July 2011.
Claire lives with her partner Andrew and son Jack, on the Central Coast and enjoys spending time with her Greyhound, Jack Russel and Devon Rex.
Ksenja is originally from Slovenia and graduated with first class Honours from Sydney University in 2006. Since then she has worked in small animal practice and as an emergency vet in Canberra. She is particularly interested in small animal medicine, including emergency cases
In 2011 she became a member of Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the Small animal medicine chapter.
Ksenja is a very proud owner of three labradors and two very spoiled cats.
Lisa graduated from Sydney University in 2006 with first class honours. She then completed an Emergency and Critical Care Internship in Melbourne where she fell in love with emergency work.
As one of our emergency vets, Lisa sees emergency cases after normal hours. She is also responsible for monitoring and treating intensive care cases in hospital. She liases with the day staff to ensure all patients receive optimal round the clock care.
Lisa is a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Medicine.
She is also one of the hosts of Channel Ten's "Bondi Vet" seeing referral and after hours cases.
She lives with her furry children; Nelson (Cavalier x Poodle), Ralph (Bichon Frise), Lucas (Cavalier x Poodle) and Simon the Dwarf Rabbit.
Lara graduated from Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney in 2006 and worked in general prctice for two years before starting an internship at SASH in 2009. She finished this internship in 2010 and has been working ever since as an emergency and critical care veterinarian as part of the VetICU team.
Lara loves skiing and travelling - especially to the UK where her twin sister lives. She also loves the family Border Collie, 'Chardi'
Lara's personable nature means she forms strong relationships with pets, their owners and their referring vets, an important part of the philosophy at SASH
Ilze graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1995. She worked in the UK for 12 years as an emergency vet before joing vetICU.
As one of our emergency vets, Ilze sees emergency cases after normal hours. She is also responsible for monitoring and treating intensive care cases in hospital. She liases with the day staff to ensure all patients receive optimal round the clock care.
Ilze lives with three rescue kittens.
Chloe started at SASH in June 2011 as an emergency veterinarian in the VetICU team. She gained a bachelor of veterinary science in 2008 and then worked in mixed practice and as emergency veterinarian at other specialist hospitals before joining SASH.
Chloe is currently studying the Emergency Medicine and Critical Care distance education course with Sydney University
In her spare time she enjoyes rock climbing, bush walking, photography and modern art.
She owns a tortoiseshell cat called Vegemite on Toast who enjoys clicker training. She knows lots of tricks including talking and shaking hands.
Liz graduated with first class honours from Sydney University in 2006 and began her veterinary career in a small animal practice in the UK. In late 2008 Liz returned to Australia to work firstly in general practice, then as an emergency vet.
Liz has a keen interest in small animal internal medicine. After successfully completing membership exams in small animal internal medicine in 2011, Liz joined the emergency and intensive care team at SASH.
When not at work, Liz likes to salsa, play the cello, travel and learn languages. Liz is owned by two cats, Yuki and Yoshi.
Nadine Fiani graduated with honors from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney in 2005. She then went on to complete an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Camden. It was there that she became interested in advanced veterinary dentistry and oral surgery.
Nadine went on to complete a three-year conforming residency training program in Dentistry and Oral Surgery at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis. Her major interests are in the fields of endodontics, orthodontics and reconstructive maxillofacial surgery.
We welcome Nadine back to Sydney where she will run the new dentistry and oral surgery service for SASH.
Colin is a graduate of the University of Sydney and a Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia. His career path includes House Surgeon (University of Glasgow), Resident in Anaesthesia/Critical Patient Care, (University of California, Davis), Assistant Professor ‘Clinical Sciences’, Associate Professor and Chief of the Anaesthesia Section (Colorado State University).
Colin is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anaesthesiologists. His research interests include prevention of anaesthesia morbidity and mortality. He consults in anaesthesia and critical care for small and large animal practice, biomedical research and provides Continuing Education programmes for veterinarians and veterinary nurses internationally.
Elizabeth graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2007 before working in a Sydney metropolitan small animal practice until beginning the rotating internship at SASH in 2011.
Elizabeth has worked with the Department of Primary Industries during the Equine Influenza outbreak and with her local government as a member of the Companion Animal Advisory Committee.
Her professional interests include small animal internal medicine as well as being an advocate for our furry little friends, particularly focusing on owner education and government initiatives.
The hierarchy in Elizabeth's household is: two cats at the top ('Amora' the Bengal and 'Bacio' the Burmese), followed by herself and then her husband, Lachlan.
Michele joined the SASH reception team in 2009 after having worked in general practice for 9 years.
As an avid equestrienne, most weekends she strives to teach her often wayward warmblood horse, Tallulah, the finer points of dressage.
Michele also enjoys training naughty her English Toy Terrier, Pearl.
Claire is one of our lovely receptionists. She started at SASH in 2010 and has a first class honours degree in equine science.
She has Devon, the blood donor cat and misses Pickles the domestic shorthair who stayed in the UK with Claire's family.
Claire enjoys the genuine compassion of the staff and family feel at SASH.
Fran has been with us since opening. After working as a dental nurse and receptionist she decided to stick with reception but in a different field. At the front desk she runs the hospital admissions and outpatient appointments and triages emergencies.
Working at SASH allows her to be close to animals and her own staffordshire bull terrier "Windsor" comes to work most days. In her spare time she enjoys going to the bach, camping, travelling and reading.
Di has worked in many different areas but feels she has come home to SASH. She gets to pat dogs and cats whenever she likes and loves working with dedicated caring people.
Di is responsible for the front end of SASH; assiting clients, admitting inpatients and organising outpatient appointments. She ensures the hospital runs smoothly and regularly treats us to her culinary delights. Her favourite thing is baking - old fashioned cakes and crumbles!
Emma describes her role in reception as her dream job. She was a client service manager for nearly a decade before swapping the corporate world for property maintenance, however she couldn't say no when a friend recommended this job to her.
She loves all animals but does admit to a soft spot for Labradors (particularly chocolate) and can empathise with those clients who come to see the surgeons as her own dog was operated on long before she was working at SASH.
Linda began nursing in 2003 in general veterinary practice on the north shore. By 2006 she had completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and was a Surgery Nurse in specialist practice. She joined SASH in 2008 and has a developed a special interest in radiology and oncology.
As the head medicine nurse she is in charge of scheduling medical procedures, running the CT and making sure all the in hospital patients receive the best possible veterinary nursing
Linda shares two cats with her family, both very fat and spoilt naughty torties.
As a Medicine Nurse, Carolina is responsible for ensuring hospitalised patients receive treatment correctly and on time and assists in treatment room procedures. She is also involved in nursing the intensive care patients. On weekends, Carolina is a crucial part of vetICU, assisting with all manner of emergency cases.
Carolina has a particular interest in Animal Behaviour and teaches Puppy Preschool classes around Sydney. She is also a remedial behaviourist.
Steph started at SASH in October 2008 and has a Diploma of Veterinary Technology from Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph, Canada, 2007.
Steph works in the emergency, critical care / VetICU team at SASH and loves emergency medicine.
In her spare time she enjoyes new adventures like travelling and hiking
Carissa has been at SASH since it opened in 2007. She has a certificate IV in veterinary nursing and is a senior nurse within the medicine and VetICU and surgery teams. She helps to train new nurses.
Carissa enjoys working at SASH because of the care and dedication that everyone gives to all of the patients. She also loves working across many of the teams.
Carissa owns Molly, a terrier cross from the RSPCA, Georgie the Shih Tsu cross and cats Kayleb and Byron, all adopted too!
Victoria has been a Veterinary Nurse for the past 5 years and is currently studying towards a Diploma in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. As an Emergency Nurse at SASH, Victoria is a crucial part of vetICU, assisting with RTAs, poisonings, tick paralysis and snake bites. She also nurses our intensive hospitalised cases.
She has 8 pets, all rescued animals; Rebel the German Shepherd (one of our blood donors), Sway, Precious, Raven, Mahli, Strat, Gin and Tonic make up her feline companions. She is a keen equestrienne.
Mel has been nursing for eight years and gained her certificate IV in nursing in 2004. She started working as a nurse at SASH in 2010.
Mel says that "being part of the SASH team gives me great pleasure to work alongside an elete and compassionate group of people."
She works in the medicine and emergency care / VetICU teams and loves birds and wildlife.
Mel has a 10yo, 30kg bundle of fun German Shepherd cross called Humphrey, Arsen who is a 5yo character filled lorikeet and Pepper who is a 4yo Staffy who loves coming to SASH to donate life saving blood.
Lauren started at SASH in 2009 with five years of nursing experience. She has a certificate IV in veterinary nursing and is studying for her diploma in emergency and critical care.
She enjoys working with the medicine team, especially endoscopy, ultrasound and radiology.
She plays netball and also does pilates. She is also kept busy by her three cats , Misty, Dexter and Sammy, Brandy the beagle cross cavalier and Flash, the border collie who is completely obsessed with balls and anything that squeaks.
Jess started working at SASH in 2009 and has a certificate IV in veterinary nursing. She has over 5 years experience working with a specialist surgeon in general practice.
She particularly likes being exposed to an exciting variety of surgical and emergency cases at SASH which suits her particular interests of anaesthesia and orthopaedic surgery.
Jess also enjoys wildlife and reptiles and owns Allie-J her cat and 'Trouser' a children's python.
As an Emergency Nurse at SASH, Serena is a crucial part of VetICU, assisting with emergencies including trauma cases, poisonings, tick paralysis and snake bites. She also nurses our intensive care hospitalised cases.
Cooper is her trusty tripod retriever!
Dani heads the Nursing Department, managing all groups in an integrated fashion. She ensures Nursing at SASH is of the highest standards by enacting "best practice" protocols and teaching new staff.
Dani has been nursing for 12 years in both large and small animal general practice and referral practice.
She is kept on her toes by her gorgeous puppy Eddie the whippet
Ros has been with SASH since it opened in November 2007. She has a certificate IV in veterinary Nursing and also a Diploma in Advanced Surgical Nursing.
As the head surgery nurse she is responsible for smooth running of the surgical theatres. She takes care of ordering, rostering and surgery scheduling. She is also involved in taking radiographs, running the CT scanner as well as helping to plan and monitoring anaesthetics for the surgical cases. She most enjoys assisting in soft tissue and neurological surgeries.
Ros has three dogs all with squishy faces; Lola who is a puggle, Winston who is a pug and Cujo who is a Shih Tzu cross. She also has a beautiful black and white cat called Astro.
In her spare time Ros likes running, swimming and travelling
Brooke has been with SASH since it opened in November 2007. Working closely with our Specialist Anaesthetist (Colin Dunlip), she has a major role in anaesthetic preparation and monitoring and postoperative recovery of the surgical patients. Along with Colin, she is involved in training nurse in anaesthetic techniques and monitoring. She is also involved general surgical nursing including taking radiographs and preparing patients for surgical procedures.
Brooke enjoys competitive soccer and lives with a troupe of dogs of all sizes and shapes.
Lani Started at SASH in 2008 after working as a medicine nurse in other specialist hospitals in Sydney. She now works as a nurse in the ophthalmology team and has a particular interest in eyes and anaesthesia.
She loves her three legged cat Gregan!
Kate started at SASH in 2007 and has a Certificate II/III/IV in Vet Nursing and Certificate III inReptile and Amphibian Care.
Before SASH, Kate worked for several years in general practice and as an emergency, critical care nurse.
She says "There is nothing more satisfying than finding your calling in life, and being an emergency and critical care nurse is mine. I can't see myself ever doing anything else, I love it!"
Kate's main role at SASH is to help with overnight emergency cases, care for the patients in hospital overnight and to triage the incoming emergencies.
In her spare time she likes spending time with her husband Aaron and daughter Ruby. Her family is completed by Montana and Dakota the two friendly Labradors.
Lucy is responsible for nursing our ophthalmology patients from admission through anaesthesia to discharge. She has a certificate IV in veterinary nursing and is also a certified Zoo Keeper. Lucy has completed several management courses as well.
Lucy lives with her naughty cat Tiger and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Loxi. She enjoys dancing, gardening and karaoke.
Jess has worked as a veterinary nurse since 2001, first in general practice then at other specialist hospitals in Sydney before starting at SASH when it opened in 2007
Jess has a certificate IV in veterinary nursing and is studying for a Diploma in emergency and critical care nursing.
She has three cats; Mr Tibbz, Skittles and Minxy, two dogs; Bailey (11yo German Shepherd) and Bindi (4yo Jack Russell) and one Galah who dances and talks.
Jess is also interested in reptiles and spiders.
Megan started working at SASH in 2010 as an Animal Attendant. She has a Certificate II in animal studies and is studying for her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing.
Megan's role at SASH involves all aspects of animal husbandry including making sure the patients are comfortable, clean and walked while in hospital.
She loves the outdoors, especially cycling, golf and fishing.
Megan has two ctas, 'Pinto Muffin' and 'Garfield Mini Lion' who are noth rescue cats. She also has a dwarf lop rabbit called 'Dutch Marshmallow, a mouse called 'Moo' and a cocker spaniel cross maltese called 'Snoopy'.
Bec started at SASH in 2009 and has a certificate II in animal studies.
She has worked at other specialist hospitals as a kennel hand and at SASH her primary role is to ensure the patients are clean and comfortable in hospital.
In her spare time Bec loves horse riding. She shares her life with two cats; Simba a ginger domestic shorthair who plays fetch and Mikey, a black and white domestic shorthair who came home after going missing for a month!
Alena was once a registered nurse for the human species, but has had a change of heart and is now studying Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.
As an animal attendant, Alena waters, feeds, walks and gives lots of cuddles to all the animals. When she doesn’t have her head in the books, she is either going to the gym or volunteering at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.
She has two beautiful kitties, Lilo and Moose, two handsome budgies, Amazon and Cosmo, and a very curious rat, Nibbler.
Jaq started at SASH in 2008 and after travelling overseas in 2010 returned as an animal attendant in 2011
As an animal attendant, Jaq is responsible for making sure the patients are comfortable and also helping the nurses and vets when needed.
She looks after Wollimi, a dingo cross blood donor and Brock, the surfing ridgeback and best friend.
In her spare time Jaq likes sport, reptiles, the beach and to travel.
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