My initial education and interest was in neuroscience, and this led to an interest in animal behaviour and intelligence, particularly of birds, and an appreciation for the communication and bonds between humans and birds. This then lead me to appreciate the need to provide high-quality care for these intelligent and emotional animals that share our lives, which then lead me to work as a veterinary nurse for an Avian Veterinary Specialist in Australia, and then back to university to complete my veterinary training, with the intention of becoming an avian veterinarian, and one day a Specialist as well.
Career Highlights I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2015, and entered straight into an internship in the Avian and Exotic department of the Animal Referral Hospital, where I then became a staff veterinarian for the department. I really enjoyed the collegiate nature of the large multi-department hospital, and the ability to work with Imaging, Surgical, Oncology and Internal Medicine specialists to maximise patient care for animals of all species. In 2018 I had the opportunity to move to Singapore and take up a position at the Jurong Bird Park, as part of a team responsible for the medical care of nearly 4000 birds, and then in early 2023, relocating each one to the new Bird Paradise park in Mandai. That was a mammoth task and was an amazing team effort of which we’re very proud. It’s wonderful to see the birds living as wild a life as possible in these massive aviaries!
There is an entire wall of my home dedicated to photos of patients – each one is special because of their personality or spirit. I’ve learnt from each and every one of them – and their caregivers – and hopefully become a better doctor along the way.
I’m very grateful throughout my career to have been able to work with so many different species in different countries, from chimpanzees in West Africa to bald eagles in the USA, to the hundreds of different species at Bird Paradise. I am still involved in pro bono wildlife work in Australia, advising on the treatment, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey that come into care.
Industry Involvement I’ve been very lucky to be involved in world class research and publication with colleagues in Australia and Singapore, and to be able to speak and discuss cases at meetings and conferences worldwide. I am currently working towards achieving Diplomate status under both the American and European colleges in the field of avian medicine and surgery.
Guiding Principle I take an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and surgery, but I feel it’s also important to respect the bond of the animal and caregiver, psychological state and welfare of the animal at all times. Medical care is often a time of stress and anxiety for both pets and their people, and so I encourage a preventive approach so we can build a relationship with both before the need for emergency care arises.
+ 65 6996 1812 (24-hours emergency)
991E Alexandra Road, #01-27, Singapore 119973
991E Alexandra Road, #01-27,
Singapore 119973
