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College Courier - September 2026 edition (FINAL)

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September 2026 edition

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Contents 03 CEO’s Column 04 President’s Column 06 Chief Examiner’s Report

COLLEGE COUNCIL

08 Project Officer’s Report

President Dr Jennifer Sinclair Honorary Secretary Dr Guy Wolfenden Honorary Treasurer Dr Carolyn Guy Councillors Dr Cathy Beck Dr Tracey Bradley Dr Francette Geraghty-Dusan Dr Jennifer Sinclair Award Committee Convenor Dr Tracey Bradley New Zealand Contact Dr Carolyn Guy

10 New Members 2026 17 New Fellows 2026 18 New Fellow Biographies 21 College Awards 2026 22 Chapter Reports 35 Community Noticeboard

BOARD OF EXAMINERS Chief Examiner Dr Ruth Sutcliffe Assistant Chief Examiner (T&C) Dr Jana Leshinsky Assistant Chief Examiner (Exam) Dr Jennifer Manyweathers Board of Examiner Members Dr Nick Bamford Dr Susan Beths Dr Claire Cannon Dr Emma Hoolihan Dr Yenny Indrawirawan Dr Rachael-Kate Llewellyn Dr Rena MacFarlane Dr Ivan Moses Dr Elizabeth Tee Dr Albert Thomas

36 Key Dates

ANZCVS COLLEGE OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer Mr Stephen Alderman Examinations Manager Dr Mary Anne Hiscutt Examinations Officer Mrs Jenny Burnett Assistant Examinations Officers Mrs Sharyn Logan Mrs Cassie Roqica

Project Officer Dr Rachel Tan Administration Manager Ms Maureen Thie Administration Officer Miss Hannah Ryan Miss Cheyenne Tuari

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The September College Courier is one of our favourite editions as this is the Courier that announces each name of our new Members and Fellows! This is a huge milestone that each individual should be immensely proud of. We’re halfway through the Membership application period, there are several subjects available to sit in 2027 that are offered biennially. Visit our Membership Subjects page to see which subjects will be offered in 2027. We’re also very pleased to share that Hannah Ryan has joined the team this month as Administration Officer. You’ll start to see emails from Hannah, so be sure to say hello. You can find out more about the College Team in About Us.

The enthusiasm of delegates, presenters and exhibitors reinforced the unique value of Vet Science Week as a forum for professional learning, networking and the exchange of ideas.

CEO COLUMN It has been a remarkable period for the College, with Examinations and Vet Science Week once again highlighting our community's strength, expertise, and generosity. September provides an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements, but also to recognise the many individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen the profession across Australia and New Zealand. This year, we are delighted to welcome 256 new Members and congratulate 14 new Fellows on achieving their certification goals. These accomplishments represent years of dedication, learning and professional growth, and they reflect a commitment to excellence that benefits the wider profession. A full list of our new Members and Fellows is published in this edition of the Courier, and I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge their achievement and welcome them to the College community. The College has also continued its steady growth, with membership now exceeding 3,800 members. This milestone is encouraging because it reflects the value veterinary professionals place on certification, continuing education and professional connection. More importantly, it shows members' willingness to contribute to a collegial community focused on

Achievements of this scale are only possible because of the volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise. My thanks to our examination teams, Chapter leadership, presenters and the many members fulfilling other important roles. We appreciate the volunteer hours that make our examinations, Chapters and other initiatives possible, and the impact of those contributions extends far beyond the activities themselves. As the College continues to grow, volunteer participation will remain critical to our future success. We are particularly seeking members interested in contributing to examinations. These roles offer an opportunity to support future candidates, share expertise, and help maintain the quality and integrity of our certification programs, while developing skills you can apply throughout your professional career. If you would like to explore examination roles, I encourage you to register your interest in the upcoming examiner training in November via examinations@anzcvs.org.au. Thank you for your continued support of the College and for your daily efforts to advance veterinary science and improve animal health and welfare. I look forward to seeing what our community can achieve together in the year ahead. ~Stephen Alderman

Would you like to access MCQ Writing resources? Or do you have questions to deposit to the ANZCVS MCQ Question Bank?

sharing knowledge, advancing standards, and supporting one another throughout their careers. Vet Science Week 2026 delivered another significant milestone for the College. With 1,230 delegates attending, this was the largest Vet Science Week in the event’s history. Across 280 presentations, delegates came together to learn, collaborate and explore developments from across the veterinary sector.

Contact Mary Anne at MaryAnne.Hiscutt@anzcvs.org.au


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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Dr Jennifer Sinclair It is a great privilege to take on the role of President of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and I am honoured to work with Council, our CEO and management team, Chapters and, most importantly, our members over the coming year. I am very conscious of the responsibility that comes with this role and of the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that has played such an important role in advancing veterinary science and professional standards across our region. I would first like to acknowledge and thank David Tabrett for his leadership as President. David has guided the College through an important period, and I am very grateful for the time, energy and commitment he has given to the role. I am particularly pleased that David is remaining on Council as a Director. His experience, knowledge and understanding of the College will be invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to work with him. I am also pleased to introduce the Council for the coming year: Jenny Sinclair – President Guy Wolfenden – Honorary Secretary Carolyn Guy – Honorary Treasurer Tracey Bradley – Councillor, Awards Convenor David Tabrett – Councillor Cathy Beck – Councillor Francette Geraghty-Dusan – Councillor At its heart, the College is a credentialling organisation, providing a rigorous and respected pathway for veterinarians to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and expertise in their chosen field. Our Members and Fellows represent the high standards of veterinary science and professional practice that the College promotes. We had the opportunity to formally recognise and celebrate our new Members and Fellows at the Awards Dinner on the Gold Coast during Vet Science Week. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the considerable hard work, commitment and perseverance of our new Members and Fellows in achieving this significant milestone in their professional careers.

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The evening also recognised distinguished careers and contributions to veterinary science, with awards recognising excellence in scholarship, research and publication, as well as outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession. These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the achievements and contributions of our colleagues and the high standards of veterinary science and professional practice they represent. Congratulations to all of our award recipients, as well as to our new Members and Fellows. Your achievements are a reflection of the commitment, expertise and excellence within our profession. Vet Science Week 2026 was another tremendous success, bringing together more than 1,200 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. The program included an extensive range of scientific presentations, workshops, Chapter activities and opportunities to connect with colleagues, showcasing the breadth and depth of veterinary science within our College. I would like to acknowledge the enormous effort that goes into making Vet Science Week possible. Behind the scenes are our Chapter convenors and committees, speakers, volunteers, staff, sponsors and exhibitors, all contributing their time, expertise and energy to deliver such a large and diverse program. The success of Vet Science Week is very much a reflection of this collective effort, and I thank everyone who played a part in making it such a success. One of the College’s greatest strengths is the extraordinary commitment of the veterinary professionals who volunteer their time as Chapter committee members, examiners, convenors, educators and in many other roles. Without our volunteers, there is no College. As President, one of my priorities will be to ensure that our people feel valued, supported and connected, and that volunteering remains rewarding, sustainable and manageable. We need to be mindful of the demands we place on our volunteers and ensure that we support the wellbeing of the people who give so much to the College. At the same time, our membership and the veterinary profession are changing. Veterinarians are working in different ways, pursuing increasingly diverse career -


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PRESIDENT’S REPORT (cont’d) - paths and balancing professional commitments with changing personal and workplace demands. These changes influence how our members engage with the College and what they need from us. We therefore need to listen to our members, understand what is changing and be prepared to adapt, while retaining the standards and values that define the College. This includes ensuring that our education and examination programs remain contemporary, rigorous and relevant, while continuing to look at how we can improve the experience of everyone who engages with the College.

Are you on the hunt for your ideal job? Or are you seeking to grow your team? Did you know we have a Positions Vacant page on our website advertising some of the latest veterinary jobs on the market? Visit Positions Vacant or contact the College Office for more information.

Over the coming year, I hope to see the College continue to build on its considerable strengths while being prepared to question how we do things and look for better ways of working. Our challenge is to build on what the College does well while being prepared to evolve where change is needed. I believe the College has both the expertise and the commitment within its membership to embrace that challenge. My priority as President is to put people first: to support our members and volunteers, strengthen our community, promote a sustainable and healthy volunteer culture, and ensure that the College continues to listen and adapt as our profession and membership evolve. By investing in our people and our volunteer community today, we can ensure that the College remains strong, relevant, sustainable and vibrant for the next generation. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributes to the College, particularly those who give their time as volunteers. The College relies on the commitment and generosity of its members, and I am very grateful for everything you contribute to our profession and to each other. ~ Jenny

Photo: “Water dragon gives side eye” supplied by Dr Anne Quain. Submit your photo to feature in the next Courier to Admin@anzcvs.org.au.


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CHIEF EXAMINER’S REPORT Dr Ruth Sutcliffe Hello from your new Chief Examiner. Before introducing myself I want to acknowledge the amazing contribution to the College made by outgoing CE Associate Professor Jennifer Carter. Jen has served on the Board for the maximum allowable nine years and made an outstanding contribution. At the recent Awards Dinner she was the worthy recipient of the President’s Award for her services. We on the Board and Council are sad to see her go and will miss her expertise and good humour. As I move into the CE position, conscious of some big shoes to fill, we welcome Dr Jennifer Manyweathers into the role of Assistant Chief Examiner — Examinations. Dr Jana Leshinsky continues in her role as ACE-training and credentials and I value her experience. Secondly, it’s my pleasure to announce this year’s exam results and congratulate all candidates. Even if you missed out this year you are most definitely to be commended for your effort in undertaking this educational experience. To those who have passed, well done, and remember that we never stop learning. Also, your contributions to the College are always welcome, whether serving on your Chapter committees or participating in the examinations process.

From submitting some multi-choice questions to acting as an examiner, your contribution is appreciated. Now is a good time to chat with your chapter. We now have 256 new Members and 14 new Fellows in the College, as well as a record number of attendees at this year’s Vet Science Week. Vet Science Week was, as always, an excellent time of learning, networking and socialising, and the awards dinner a fitting celebration of achievement. I’ve had several years’ experience on the Board (and a few on Council) most recently as ACE-examinations. My background is small animal medicine, in which I have been lecturing and practising at James Cook University in Townsville. I genuinely enjoy writing and shaping and editing exams and have acted as a Head Subject Examiner for three different College subjects as well as having assessment experience in university education. I’m married with two grown daughters, a whippet and two cats. I feel very supported by our talented and dedicated team on the Board and in the College Office and Council; the whole exam cycle is a team effort, and after a short break to recharge I look forward to the rewarding challenge of the 2027 programme. ~ Ruth

MEMBER DISCOUNT Use code ‘ADC26’ for 30% off orders of 1-4 books. After 5 or more books? Contact us to see if there are any additional discounts available! Visit: www.routledge.com. Code valid until 31 Dec 2026.


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2027 FELLOWSHIP CANDIDATES CREDENTIALLING DEADLINE APPROACHING Are you a Fellowship Candidate who has submitted an Intention to Sit in 2027? This is a reminder that your credentialling requirements are due by

31 October 2026 For more information, contact Examinations@anzcvs.org.au


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Project Officer Report Dr Rachel Tan

Vet Science Week - 24-26 July 2026 2026 delivered the College’s most ambitious program to date and reinforced its position as the premier veterinary science conference across Australia and New Zealand. The event brought together veterinary professionals, researchers, specialists, industry partners and exhibitors for three days of collaboration, education and innovation. Links to the VSW26 proceedings have been sent to delegates mid-September 2026 via email - with interactive links to view session information and download session proceedings. If you know the speaker/presentation name, please navigate to the Speaker tab for a more detailed search.

Save the Date: Vet Science Week 2027 Planning is already underway for Vet Science Week 2027. 22-24 July 2027 Returning to the traditional Thursday-Saturday conference format Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD

📅 ✅ 📍

Call for Speakers – Vet Science Week 2027 Do you have expertise, insights or innovative ideas to share with the veterinary science community? Expressions of Interest are now open for speakers at Vet Science Week 2027. Help inspire and inform the next generation of veterinary professionals. Submit your EOI today at ANZCVS Vet Science Week 2027: Expression of Interest for Speakers. Fellowship Review Project This project seeks to review all aspects of Fellowship training across the breadth of disciplines and settings, including entry and eligibility requirements, educational framework, learning environments, assessment approaches, feedback processes and supervisor training and support. The Board of Examiners and Project Team are finalising recommendations to Council and an executive summary which is to accompany the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) report release. If you have any questions, please contact me at po@anzcvs.org.au. Thank you once again for your support.

Shining the Spotlight Is there someone in your Chapter who has selflessly stepped forward year on year, or has done an exceptional job recently that deserves recognition for their contributions "behind the scenes"? Reach out to the College Office to have them featured in the next edition of the Courier!


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Project Officer Report Dr Rachel Tan


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WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS

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2026

To this year’s veterinary professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing their education and enhancing their knowledge and skills, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. We are pleased to present the successful 2026 Membership candidates. Membership Subject

Name

Animal Welfare

Membership Subject

Name

Australasian Wildlife Health Management Riannon Apicella Sarah Bolton

Brianna Talbot Avian Health (Poultry)

Charlotte Burke

Georgina Inwood

Elena Contreras

Alex-Kate Langfield

Kate Drew

Avian Medicine and Surgery

Gemma Ma

Kelly Gan

Alice Marshall

Bryony Griffiths

Michael Shallcrass

Christina Karagiorgis

Emily Streckfuss

Kezia Lockhart

Andrew Vermeulen

Olivia Patterson Xiaowei Nicole Su

Australasian Wildlife Health Management Jessica Bowers

Nicole Tapp

Emma Charles

Holly Yang

Megan Curnick

Equine Dentistry

Emily Drayton

Michelle Battistel

Alisdair Eddie

Hayley Betts

Sarah Foo

Phoebe Cahill

Dhanushka Jayakody-Perera

Matthew Kornatowski

Sarah Panigas

Audrey Langlois

Sarah Penturn

Elizabeth Parker

Jacqueline Reed

Rebecca Powers


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WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS Membership Subject

Name

Equine Dentistry

COURIER

2026

Membership Subject

Name

Medicine of Cats Grace Reed

Gippeum Lee

Michele Roseburg

Sum Yi Sammi Lo

Casey Vorbach

Kathryn Orr

Sara Wefel

Ramona Roy Elizabeth Thomas

Medicine and Management of Laboratory Animals Belle Liang

Josephine Townsend

Tina Miller

Claudia Uka Charlotte Wells

Medicine of Cats Tamara Albers

Amy Ze Chean Yap

Khaled Ayoubi

Yi Zhang

Wendy Bayldon

Medicine of Cats UK

Tegan Brown

Elizabeth Avill

Heung Chan

Magdalena Berndt-Laemers

Lai Ki Chung

Eleanor Buchanan

Victoria Cole

Nicholas Clarke

Ebony Crump

Abigail Dunkley

Fernando Elias

Ewa Dymnicka

Rebecca Griffin

Julia Haukilintu

Kaoruko Hisano

Pamela Newman

Timothy Lim Cheng Hock

Matthias Seeber

Katy Hou

Malin Sundh

Alice Kermond

Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Denyse Khor

Harry Bartram

Tien Le

Courtney Davis


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WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS Membership Subject

Name

Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery

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2026

Membership Subject

Name

Small Animal Medicine

Fleur Deguara

Caitlin Gold

Natalie Hock

Julien Grosmaire

Tobias Homolka

Alexander Hartmann

Brook Kelly

Elisabeth Hewitt

Sarah King

Timothy Holmes

Adele Kirwan

Benjamin Hooper

Nicole Melhem

Leah King

Marek Misiewicz

Sin Yan (Nicole) Lam

Laura Mulshine

Hoi (Jessica) Lee

Jannette Rose

Sabrina Lee

Bee Li Tan

Eric Lengyel Toby Li

Small Animal Medicine Jasmine Barisich

Andy Li Lin

Alexander Bogdanovski

Zhiyou Lin

Sarah Carter

Katie Lowe

Cheryl Chan

Beatrice May

Chun Hin Chan

Rylan McCracken

Yip Hei Justin Chau

Nicole McIntosh

Tse Teng Chew

Amanda Phung

Beng Leong Chua

Hollie Pogorzelski

Georgina Davis

Joanne Russell-Smith

Cheska Dowrick

Emma Santin

James Fruin

Celine Sia

Tak Yen Teryn Fung

Rachel Simidgi


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WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS Membership Subject

Name

Small Animal Medicine

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2026

Membership Subject

Name

Small Animal Surgery Bernice Sin

Harrison Mackenzie

Aleshia Sommer

Rachel McGowan

Jessie Sun

Tamryne (Tammy) McNair

Jeng Yee (Rachel) Tham

Christian Pamment

Lilliana Thornton

Rachel Payne

Ingrid Wilson

Lily Pham

Sok Mun Amanda Woo

James Romanin

Lok Yin Jasmine Yuen

Agata Romeo Yuya Saitoh

Small Animal Surgery Ben Acheson

Suzannah Scott

Shannon Ames

Min Hyo (Jacob) Stone

Sarah Bloomfield

Monique Strange

Rebecca Cassilles

Theresa Suckling

Hai Pok Cheung

Minh Vo

Louis Chia

Rita Wang

Timothy Chong

Harriet Weston

Gatien Cremades

Sebastian Willitts

Duncan Durie

Tony Xiao

Melissa Ru Yan Goh

Amanda Yew

Connor Heap Alexandra Holdsworth Cheuk Nga Ip

Surgery of Horses Kin-Chun Ho Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Chun Nei (Christie) Leung

Dany Elzahaby

Rebecca Maccombie

Lauren Fahler


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WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS Membership Subject

Name

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Elisa Wardle

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2026

Membership Subject

Name

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Alice Handley Ky Huang

Veterinary Behaviour Emily Balch

Eilidh Jones

Zara Boland

Ji Won Kim

Chiao-Fang Chen

Cai Yi Lee

Ying Cheung Andy Chiu

Rachel Lee

Rosemary Elliott

Yuen Shan Li

Gina Gainsborough-Waring

Jayi Lim

Veronica Gibb-Cumming

Yan Mu

Arielle Giles

Sophie O'Donnell

Melissa Holmes

Sally Orange

Nicola Kennedy

Georgina Pritchard

Annette Lockley

Belinda Prunster

Timothy Ruschena

Roxanne Shelgren

Sophie Scott

Lauren Stack

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Duana Storey

Jordan Botten

Yuen Chi (Jamie) Tam

Georgia Brown

Kate Tolliday

Charlotte Davies

Chelsea Underwood

Maximillian Ernst

Amber Wedge

Matthew Fox

Leah Wingett

Christina Fraser

Jiayi Yu

Louis Gilshenan

Hayat Zailan

Hao Guo

Alan Zhou


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WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS Membership Subject

Name

Veterinary Epidemiology

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2026

Membership Subject

Name

Veterinary Radiology (Small Animal) Kamal Acharya

Priya Kana

Anna Langguth

Samantha Leaver

Jacqueline Letondeur

Darius Jin Yong Ong

Ramanjot Sran

Rajiv Poorun

Veterinary Pathology

Michelle Starr Jacinta Bell

Andrea Wagner de Castro

Carolyn Botes

Gabrielle Wilson

Ming Tao Armando Fung

Chun Fung Wong

Emily Trappitt

Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Canine)

Avril Mu Ting Tsen

Lucie Gniel

Andy Yeh

Shi Wei Haw

Veterinary Practice (Small Animal) Anita Barton Cynthia Chen

Katharine Hobhouse Shin Yin Ling Zoo Animal Health Management

Casey Jordan

Ingrid Brookshaw

Katherine Lawn

Adelaide Martin

Narelle Thompson

Nila Taylor

Veterinary Public Health

Katie Whittle Anna Godman Luciana McEwen Madeleine Rowe

Veterinary Radiology (Small Animal) Nicola Chalmers Jack Ciccotosto


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2027 Membership Examinations Applications NOW OPEN Application Period 1 August - 31 October 2026 Online Application

Online Payment

Animal Nutrition (Ruminant)

Small Animal Surgery

Animal Reproduction

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Avian Medicine and Surgery

Veterinary Behaviour

Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Medicine of Beef Cattle

Veterinary Pharmacology

Medicine of Dairy Cattle

Veterinary Practice (Equine)

Medicine of Goats

Veterinary Practice (Small Animal)

Medicine of Horses

Veterinary Radiology (Large Animal)

Medicine of Sheep

Veterinary Radiology (Small Animal)

Pig Health and Production

Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Equine)

Small Animal Medicine

AU$50.00 Late Application fee applies between 1 - 30 November 2026

For any queries, contact admin@anzcvs.org.au


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Introducing our newest FELLOWS Embarking on the journey of Fellowship requires years of dedication and resilience, as individuals must balance demanding academic studies, professional duties, and personal obligations. This effort culminates in challenging and intensive in-person examinations. Those who commit to this journey deserve immense recognition. Congratulations to our newest Fellows of 2026!

Fellowship Subject

Name

Small Animal Medicine

Fellowship Subject

Name

Veterinary Dermatology Tamara Elsmore Christopher Halman

Courtney Ludwig Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care

Kelsey Renner Amandine Tena

Ivan Moses Veterinary Oncology

Small Animal Surgery

Nicholas Lai Sarah Leber

Veterinary Ophthalmology

Adheip Prabakaran

Joyce Hung

Ingrid Trommelmans

Jonathan Wood

Eleanor Woolley

Veterinary Radiology Patricia Thong

Learn more about some of our newest Fellows on the next page!


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New Fellows’ Biographies TAMARA ELSMORE Small Animal Medicine Tamara graduated from Massey University, New Zealand at the end of 2017. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Massey University, before moving back to general practice over the Covid period. Towards the end of 2020, Tamara moved to Sydney with her 2 cats to complete an Internal Medicine Internship at Animal Referral Hospital Homebush. She then moved back to New Zealand, at the end of 2021, and started working in referral A&E for 8 months before commencing her residency training in late 2022 under Dr. Tommy Fluen, Dr. Mike Coleman and Dr. Wen-Jie Yang at Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa. Tamara achieved MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine) in 2023, completed her residency training in 2025, and achieved Fellowship in 2026. She looks forward to many more years of working alongside her colleagues, treating and loving all the cats that enter the building.

JOYCE HUNG Veterinary Ophthalmology Dr Joyce graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours followed by a rotating internship. Her passion in Ophthalmology led her to publish on the use of diamond burr debridement on SCCEDs, which became one of the top-cited articles in Veterinary Ophthalmology. She undertook the Ophthalmology Course at the University of Sydney and subsequently completed a residency in Veterinary Ophthalmology where she gained extensive experience in Australia and The United States. She is now based in Sydney with a love for all things surgical particularly corneal and cataract surgeries. With a blend of clinical expertise, surgical excellence, and research background, Dr Joyce remains deeply committed to her vision of advancing animal eye care, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to the profession through mentorship as well as education.

SARAH LEBER Small Animal Surgery Sarah graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2016 before completing a rotating internship at Southpaws. She then spent more than three years in general practice on the Mornington Peninsula, during which she attained Membership in Small Animal Surgery with the ANZCVS. In 2021–2022, Sarah completed a surgery internship at Peninsula Vet Emergency and Referral Hospital before commencing a Small Animal Surgery residency at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in North Ryde in 2022. During her residency, she was fortunate to be exposed to a diverse caseload and to learn from specialists across multiple disciplines, particularly the exceptional surgical team who supported her throughout her training. She completed her residency in 2025 and achieved Fellowship in Small Animal Surgery in 2026. Sarah now works at SASH Alexandria, where her clinical interests include soft tissue surgery, with a particular focus on minimally invasive techniques.


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New Fellows’ Biographies

IVAN MOSES Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Ivan graduated vet school from the University of Queensland in 2015, and following a rotating internship and brief stint in GP practice found a connection with ECC working at the Animal Emergency Service on the Gold Coast, Australia. He completed his ECC residency at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island in 2024, and passed the ACVECC diplomate exams that year. He is now working at Murdoch University as a senior lecturer and emergency and critical care specialist. This year he undertook the ANZCVS Fellowship exams in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Medicine. He is currently enjoying the challenges of training residents and teaching students the intricacies of critical care medicine. His clinical interests include sepsis, acid-base abnormalities, coagulation and hypercoagulability, and the management of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. His research interests include anaphylaxis, coagulation and cellular messenger systems.

ADHEIP PRABAKARAN Small Animal Surgery After graduating in 2017, Adheip was fairly convinced he’d spend his career as a mixed practice vet; driving through green paddocks, pulling oversized calves out of undersized cows and rasping overgrown equid molars. But two years (and a pandemic) later, Adheip decided to test the waters of what referral practice is like and to his own surprise, never looked back. Although he loves fixing fractures and is working towards developing a total hip replacement program at his practice, his real passion lies in teaching and research. He hopes to one day be involved in training residents and inspiring them to reach their full potential. He would like to thank John Culvenor, Katy Townsend, and Laurent Guiot for their guidance, mentorship and for being a constant source of inspiration throughout his residency.

AMANDINE TENA Small Animal Medicine Amandine graduated from the University of California Davis with a Bachelor of Animal Science in 2007 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University graduating in 2012. That same year she passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Amandine then moved to Sydney where she spent four years working in general practice. Following this she worked in specialist and emergency hospitals. Amandine achieved membership with the Small Animal Medicine chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2019. She then completed an internal medicine residency in Brisbane in 2022. In 2026, Amandine passed her Fellowship examinations. Amandine’s special interests include gastroenterology, immune-mediated disease and endocrinology. When not at work, Amandine can be found trail running in the bush with her partner Kris and their dog Evie.


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New Fellows’ Biographies

INGRID TROMMELMANS Small Animal Surgery Ingrid graduated from Ghent University (Belgium) in 2001, then spent several years in general practice before embarking on her specialist surgical pathway. She moved to Australia in 2011 and obtained Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Small Animal Surgery in 2019, before undertaking a surgical internship and 3-year surgical residency at SASH. Following the completion of her residency training, Ingrid practises at SASH Central Coast. Away from theatre, Dr Ingrid enjoys underwater photography, bush walking and spending time with her family and two labradors Norah and Elliot.

ELEANOR WOOLLEY Small Animal Surgery After qualifying from the University of Edinburgh, Eleanor worked as an ECC vet in the UK prior to relocating to Australia. She worked as a GP vet for four years between Townsville and Melbourne, paused briefly to raise a young family, and then found her way into the world of surgery. This path led her to Peninsula Vet Care and their Emergency & Referral Hospital on the Mornington Peninsula, where she went on to complete a surgical internship and residency under the supervision of Dr Arthur House and Dr Alasdair Renwick. Having completed her residency in 2025, Eleanor obtained Fellowship of the College in 2026 and is now looking forward to her new chapter as a Small Animal Surgery Specialist. Over the years, Eleanor has developed a particular interest in oncologic and reconstructive surgery and, along with Dr Arthur House, has undertaken clinical trials into the use of Synchrotron Microbeam Radiation for canine cancers. She looks forward to continuing this research in conjunction with her clinical work and having time to spend with her family and friends who have supported her so thoroughly throughout this journey.

Congratulations to all our new Members and Fellows!


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2026

COLLEGE AWARDS

THE COLLEGE PRIZE Dr. Deborah Monks

IAN CLUNIES ROSS AWARD Assoc. Prof. Claire Sharp

FELLOWSHIP TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP Dr. Troy Laidlow

THE GEOFF ROBINS RESEARCH GRANT Dr. Clare Thomson

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD Dr. Ristan Greer Dr. Belinda Hopper Dr Samuel Snelling Dr. Alison Stickney

KESTEVEN MEDAL Dr. Leslie Sims

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD Assoc. Prof. Jennifer Carter

MOST COMMENDABLE PAPERS 2025 Australian Veterinary Journal: A review of perioperative mortality in pet rabbits in Australia Authors: E. G. Pieper, J. E. Carter, S. M. Firestone and H. R. Baron New Zealand Veterinary Journal: Use of adjusted cut-off values for Neospora caninum antibody ELISA in calves after colostrum intake: on-farm evaluation as part of a neosporosis eradication programme Authors: C. M. van Velsen, L. J. Laven, R. A. Laven and J. F. Weston International journal - Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome in Boerboel dogs: clinicopathologic, diagnostic, and genetic characterization Authors: L. J. Tong, S. G. Friedenberg, J. N. Cullen, H. Hamsher, K. M. Minor, E. Furrow, W. Vernau, L. Horgan, J. Stayt, A. Hespel, G. Reppas and R. Malik


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CHAPTER REPORTS Dentistry Hello to all from the Veterinary Dentistry Chapter! It’s time to give a huge welcome and congratulations to the 24 people who have passed their membership examinations this year in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral surgery (13) and Equine Dentistry (11). They are: Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery Dr Harry Bartram Dr Adele Kirwan Dr Nicole Melhem Dr Courtney Davis Dr Marek Misiewicz Dr Fleur Deguara Dr Laura Mulshine Dr Natalie Hock Dr Jannette Rose Dr Tobias Homolka Dr Bee Li Tan Dr Brook Kelly Dr Sarah King Equine Dentistry Dr Michelle Noga Dr Hayley Betts Dr Phoebe Cahill Dr Matthew Kornatowski Dr Audrey Langlois Dr Elizabeth Parker

Dr Rebecca Powers Dr Grace Reed Dr Michele Roseburg Dr Casey Vorbach Dr Sara Wefel

We are excited to have you as part of the Chapter and hope you feel a well deserved sense of achievement (after an even more well deserved rest of course!). Of course, we also owe an enormous thank you to our two examinations committees, who worked tirelessly to write, examine, mark and collate the results: Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery SEC Chair: Dr Rod Salter HSE: Drs Tara Cashman and Rod Salter Examiners: Drs Suruchi Perera, Amanda Hulands-Nave and Kate Pickles Equine Dentistry SEC Chair: Dr Rachel Stone HSE: Dr James Meyer Examiners: Drs Marieke van den Enden, Claire Dennis and Jenny Watts

Dentistry continued...

Vet Science Week 2026: Our highly anticipated program set a Chapter record for attendance this year, blowing our previous years’ attendances out of the water. We had a two day lecture series that appealed to vets from across multiple disciplines, as well as a full day workshop for dentistry members on Endodontics with Associate Professor William Ha, Head of Endodontics at the University of Sydney. The first ‘general admission’ session on Greyhound Dentistry and Anaesthesia set the bar so high and was so popular, we could not be contained in our allocated room and were decamped to the Foyer on the first floor for the rest of the conference. Members from the Veterinary Dentistry Chapter collaborated with those from other chapters such as Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Ophthalmology, and Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets, as well as speakers with experience in Practice Management, Veterinary Nursing and General Practice, to cover a wide range of really important issues that sparked much discussion and debate. This is the real beauty of Vet Science Week – the opportunity to come together and collaborate between our disciplines, to learn from each other and share our knowledge so we can come up with new ideas and solutions to advance all of our fields and ultimately help our patients and each other. Happy hour in the exhibition hall, dinners with old and new friends, and late night discussions and debates are the added extras! Big thanks of course to our amazing Science Week Convenors, Dr Bec Tucker and Dr Aaron Forsayeth, for making it all happen; to each and every speaker for their rigorously prepared presentations; and to everyone who supported our sessions by coming along, listening in, and joining the debates and discussions. Coming Up Next: The Veterinary Dentistry Chapter AGM Our AGM is scheduled for Wednesday 14th October at 5pm AEDT. It will be via Zoom. All members should have received notice by email, if not please contact me on secretarydentistry@anzcvs.org.au Please come along and have your say, offer your suggestions, and help us improve the Chapter for all our members. We look forward to seeing you there. Christine Hawke Secretary


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CHAPTER REPORTS Dermatology The Dermatology Chapter was disappointed to have missed out on what sounds like yet another fantastic Vet Science Week. We look forward to returning in 2027! Despite the absence of a dedicated chapter stream, dermatology was well represented, with Drs Mandy Burrows, Dani Hoolahan and Alex Moore delivering presentations across a range of engaging and clinically relevant topics. We thank these clinicians for their ongoing contribution to continuing education within the profession. This year also marks an exciting milestone with the inaugural AiANZ Veterinary Dermatology Symposium, to be held in October in Nara, Japan. Registrations have now closed, but we encourage members to visit the symposium website for updates on future meetings. We look forward to welcoming even more delegates in the years ahead, with internationally renowned speakers presenting the latest advances in veterinary dermatology. This collaboration with our colleagues across Southeast Asia represents an exciting new beginning for our dermatology specialty. Finally, the Chapter is delighted to congratulate Dr Courtney Ludwig on successfully completing all components of her board examinations and becoming a Fellow of the ANZCVS Dermatology Chapter. This is a significant professional achievement that requires significant sacrifice and dedication. We warmly welcome Courtney as our newest Fellow.

Emergency and Critical Care Highlights from the Vet Science Week - ECC Stream The Emergency and Critical Care Chapter delivered a stand-out programme at this year's Vet Science Week, featuring keynote speakers Prof. Liz Rozanski, from Tufts University Massachusetts speaking on mechanical ventilation and advanced respiratory support, Assoc. Prof. Claire Sharp on Australian snake envenomation, and Dr. Ellie Leister on tick paralysis recognition and management. A particular highlight was the excellent Q&A discussion panels. The Abstract presentations from junior vets, interns and residents were judged by a specialist panel, with Best Speaker Awards going to: Dr Callie Spooner (indwelling rectal Foley catheters in 61 dogs), Dr Jack Berry (foreign body retrieval by emesis induction in dogs already vomiting), and Dr Ning Li (accuracy of social media information on tick paralysis and GDV). Congratulations to the above speakers!

ECC continued...

The Chapter Dinner was a lovely night at the Kurrawa Surf Club overlooking the beach with strong engagement from younger members and non-members alike. Thank you to everyone who contributed to another excellent conference. Special thank-you to AEA for supporting the Chapter Dinner event.


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CHAPTER REPORTS ECC continued...

Review of Fellowship examination outcomes, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Proposal of a review of Fellowship examination process, to establish a structured, evidence-based review process focused on areas such as candidate outcomes, examination validity and reliability, examiner support, succession planning, and the longterm health of the Fellowship pathway.

Sponsors of the 2026 ECC Chapter We would like to extend our gratitude to our wonderful sponsors below for their support of our ECC Chapter VSW program. This support extends to important social networking and learning opportunities including the Chapter dinner event and our ongoing Bites N Insights Webinar series. ECC Chapter is welcoming any potential sponsors to contact us and enquire regarding future collaborative opportunities.

ECC chapter executives will be focusing this year on working with Fellowship SEC and SSC regarding review and solutions proposed at the AGM. More to come in this spotlight! Congratulations to new Members & Fellow Congratulations and welcome to the 32 new Members and 1 Fellow this year! We applaud the 57 Membership and 3 Fellowship candidates for their courage, resilience, hard work, and dedication, and congratulate you on a monumental effort. We now have a whopping 355 members in our ECC Chapter.

2026-2027 Chapter Positions Please welcome new and existing Chapter committee members: Science Week Convenor – Dr Katy Craig Science Week Vice Convenor – Dr Ella Yarsley Subject Standards Committee Chair – Dr Kerry Doolin SSC Members – Dr Rob Webster, Dr Susanne Tso, Dr Penny Seet, Dr Sureiyan Hardjo Fellowship Subject Examinations Committee Chair – Dr Corrin Boyd Fellowship SEC Head – Dr Trudi McAlees Fellowship SEC Members – Dr Ivan Moses, Dr Samantha Day, Dr Ella Yarsley, Dr Rebekah Donaldson, Dr James Cooper, Dr Jo Whitney Membership Subject Examination Committee Chair – Dr Ivan Moses Membership SEC Head – Dr Andrew Wester Membership SEC Members – Dr Katy Craig, Dr Vibeke Russell, Dr Tegan Hunt, Dr Ella Yarsley, Dr Wan Man Summie Lo, Dr Cai Yee Frances Lee Chapter Website Administrator – Dr Saskia Van Schie

Warmest, ECC Chapter Executive Team (Nats Druery, Katie Nash, Michele Rebelo, Taleta Hompas) & Convenors (James Cooper, Katy Craig)

Epidemiology Vet Science Week 2026 Big thanks to 2026 Science Week Convenors, Tiffany O’Connor and Tian Chen, for the thought-provoking Vet Science Week program. The Epi Chapter collaborated with Veterinary Public Health and Zoo and Wildlife Chapters to present a 2-day program of presentations, showcasing themes of artificial intelligence and modelling and epidemiology of infectious diseases in a range of species, with an overarching One Health focus. The pre-conference workshop, “Leaving P<0.05 behind – towards more thoughtful interpretation of results from controlled trials and observational studies”, delivered by John Morton and Mark Stevenson, was well attended. The current H5 avian influenza event shows the cross-cutting importance and applicability of our discipline to our broader profession. Awards and new members Chapter member, Ristan Greer, was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the College in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the college and veterinary profession. Ristan has provided long-standing mentoring and expert epidemiological and biostatistical support for clinical residents and other clinical chapters. Congratulations! A warm welcome to four new Chapter members from 2026 examinations – Kamal Acharya, Anna Langwood, Jacqueline Letondeur and Ramanjot Sran. The Chris Baldock Award for achieving excellence in the written examination was awarded to Ramanjot Sran – well done!


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CHAPTER REPORTS Epidemiology continued...

Equine continued...

Looking ahead Epi and VPH Chapters have agreed to partner with the AVA Australian Veterinarians in Public Health Special Interest Group (AVPH SIG) to jointly deliver the veterinary public health and epidemiology conference stream for 2027.

The Chapter thanks EVA for their collaboration and our Science Week Convenors for developing an engaging and diverse program. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and returning for Vet Science Week 2027.

The Chapter determined in the 2025 AGM to revert to biennial examinations, meaning that the next epidemiology membership examination will be held in 2028. Prospective candidates are encouraged to get in touch if you’re looking for a study group.

Equine The Equine Chapter has had a busy year, with a continued focus on providing opportunities for professional development and collaboration across the equine veterinary community. Vet Science Week and collaboration Recently the Equine Chapter partnered with Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) to deliver Equine Chapter Science Week in combination with Bain Fallon. The collaboration provided an excellent opportunity to bring together equine veterinarians from across Australia and internationally, with a diverse program covering clinical medicine, surgery, imaging, endocrinology, anaesthesia, lameness and orthopaedics. The combined clinical papers and posters session attracted a strong response, with 47 abstracts submitted. Fifteen standard abstracts were selected for presentation, along with eight lightning presentations. We thank everyone who submitted their work, as well as the judges involved in the selection and grading process. Dr Jordan Flood was awarded the highest-scoring abstract overall, as well as the highest-scoring resident abstract, for her work on the use of an elastomeric pump for delivery of a topical ophthalmic drug mixture through a sub-palpebral lavage for treatment of equine ulcerative keratitis.

Membership examinations Congratulations to Dr Kin-Chun Ho, who was the successful candidate in the 2026 Surgery of Horses Membership examination. The 2027 Membership examination subjects include Medicine of Horses, Veterinary Practice (Equine), Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Equine), and Veterinary Radiology (Large Animal). In 2028, the subjects will be Surgery of Horses and Equine Dentistry. We encourage colleagues considering undertaking a Membership examination to get involved and start planning early. Membership examinations provide a valuable opportunity to develop knowledge, engage with colleagues and contribute to the ongoing growth of equine veterinary practice. 2026–2027 Committee The Equine Chapter welcomes the 2026–2027 committee: President: Jessica Wise President Elect: Josie Hale Secretary: Brianna Clark Treasurer: Evie Hodgson Science Week Convenors: Cristina Rosales and Josette Fretton Member at Large: Kristen Lloyd Member Engagement: Lucy Cudmore and Amy Williamson Connecting with the Equine Chapter Members are encouraged to make use of the Equine Chapter SharePoint site, which provides a central location for Chapter information and resources (included recorded webinars). Login with your ANZCVS email address and contact admin if you are unsure/unable to login. We are also seeking member feedback through our Equine Chapter survey. We would particularly like to hear what members would like to see from the Chapter, including webinars, discussions, CPD opportunities, and suggestions for speakers and topics for Vet Science Week 2027.


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CHAPTER REPORTS Feline The Feline Chapter warmly welcomes and congratulates our newest Members following the successful Medicine of Cats examinations this year. Our 2026 Feline Chapter AGM will be held via Zoom at 5:30pm aest on Thursday 1 November 2026. The Treasurer position will become available at this year’s AGM and, while we have received an expression of interest, we welcome nominations from any other members who may be interested. We would like to sincerely thank Alison Jukes for her contribution to the Chapter Executive and for all her work as Treasurer. We are also seeking Fellows interested in examining Fellowship examinations in 2027. Looking ahead, the Chapter is exploring a dedicated feline continuing education day for members in 2027. We plan to seek member feedback on interest, preferred timing and format, as well as thoughts on the future Feline Chapter Science Week program and opportunities to share sessions with other Chapters. Finally, a reminder that the Feline Chapter Research Grant is available to support feline research. Members undertaking, or considering, research in this area are encouraged to get in touch with the Chapter Executive for further information.

Medicine and Management of Laboratory Animals It’s an exciting time for members of MMLA. We are lucky enough to welcome two new members into our little Chapter. Please welcome Dr Belle Liang and Dr Tina Miller. They both are valuable new members and we are excited to have them. They were mentored by our Secretary, Dr Yvette Ellen, who did a fantastic job. In addition to welcoming our new members, we also enjoyed an epic Vet Science Week. Dr Mitzi Klein organised a wonderful line up of speakers and was able to collaborate sessions with the Welfare and the Zoo and Wildlife Chapters. We are so grateful for these collaborative sessions. We were able to organise this great event with the help of our sponsors, Tecnoplast, JetPets, APAC Scientific, ComPath, Walker Scientific and Cerberus Sciences. We look forward to the 2027 Vet Science Week and everything that comes before. Stay tuned for exciting news regarding Journal Club, Study Groups, and more! Dr Emily Barrick President

With best regards Dr Cicilia Muller Feline Chapter Secretary

MMLA Chapter Dinner during Vet Science Week


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CHAPTER REPORTS Pharmacology The Zoo & Wildlife and Pharmacology chapters have a wellestablished collaboration and were delighted to host the 3rd Joanna Griffith Invited Wildlife Pharmacology Keynote Address presented by Eliza Stott (PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne). Eliza provided a detailed and fascinating summary of her current work focused on the “Pharmacokinetics of moxidectin and treatment of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats”. Collecting multiple samples from a group of wombats under field conditions requires the ingenuity and stamina of a dedicated PhD student! The ideal treatment of this important parasitosis is still to be found, but the behaviour of moxidectin has now been thoroughly investigated.

Small Animal Medicine It has been another busy and rewarding year for the Small Animal Medicine Chapter, and there is plenty to celebrate. Congratulations to our new Members and Fellows Firstly, a huge congratulations to everyone who successfully completed their examinations this year. Achieving Membership or Fellowship represents a substantial amount of hard work, commitment and sacrifice, and we are delighted to welcome our newest Members and Fellows. We know how much time and effort goes into preparing for these examinations, often alongside busy clinical and personal lives. We hope that everyone who has undertaken the process feels incredibly proud of their achievement — you have certainly earned it! We also look forward to seeing our new Members and Fellows becoming increasingly involved in the Chapter and contributing to the profession in the years ahead.

Photo (L-R): Drs Stephen Page, Leanne Wicker, Eliza Stott and Michelle Campbell-Ward.

Previous keynote addresses include the Inaugural Joanna Griffith Invited Wildlife Pharmacology Keynote Address in 2022 entitled “Filling the Wildlife Pharmacology Void” by Dr Leanne Wicker and the 2nd Joanna Griffith Invited Wildlife Pharmacology Keynote Address in 2023 by Dr Claire Madden who presented an enlightening and fascinating exposition on the “Gaps in zoo and wildlife pharmacology – a review of current practices and research opportunities”. Watch the Courier closely for details of next year’s Keynote Address!!

Looking to enhance your knowledge in Veterinary Pharmacology? The Pharmacology Chapter offer a carefully curated course, consisting of modules with objectives and scientific articles, allowing you to learn at your own pace. For more information, contact SecretaryPharmacology@anzcvs.org.au

Vet Science Week 2026 Vet Science Week was a real highlight of the year. The Small Animal Medicine stream had a fantastic selection of talks, with a great breadth of topics and plenty of opportunities for discussion and interaction between sessions. Just as importantly, Vet Science Week provided plenty of opportunities to catch up with old friends, meet new colleagues and enjoy the social side of the College. The combination of high-quality scientific content and the collegial atmosphere is one of the things that makes Vet Science Week such an enjoyable event, and it was particularly pleasing to see so many Medicine Chapter members getting involved. A huge thank you is therefore due to everyone who contributed to making the Medicine programme such a success — our speakers, session chairs, volunteers and, in particular, our Science Week convenor. Organising a successful programme is a substantial undertaking, and we are extremely grateful for the time and energy that goes into it. Endocrinology & Nutrition Weekend – Queenstown 2027 Looking ahead, we are incredibly excited about the Chapter's Endocrinology & Nutrition Weekend in Queenstown from 2–4 April 2027. It is difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for a veterinary conference. The programme will be held at the Kamana Lakehouse, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, giving us the rather enviable combination of excellent continuing education and one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations.


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CHAPTER REPORTS Small Animal Medicine continued...

The scientific programme promises to be equally impressive. We are delighted to welcome Dr Nick Cave, renowned veterinary clinical nutrition specialist from New Zealand, and Dr Patty Lathan, a Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist from Louisiana State University, who will bring her considerable expertise in endocrinology to the weekend. The programme has been designed to provide practical, evidence-based information that clinicians can take straight back into practice, with interactive discussion, case-based learning and plenty of opportunity to engage with the speakers and fellow delegates. A huge thank you is also due to Royal Canin, our Platinum sponsor, for their generous support of this event. We hope to see many of you there — it promises to be a fantastic weekend of learning, collaboration and, hopefully, a little bit of Queenstown enjoyment along the way! Examinations and volunteers We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the examiners who contributed this year. Developing examination material, reviewing questions and answer keys, marking examinations and conducting oral and practical examinations represents a considerable voluntary commitment. The expertise and time provided by our examiners are essential to maintaining the quality and integrity of the College examinations. We have already had a fantastic response from members interested in volunteering as examiners for next year's examinations, which is very encouraging. We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not previously been involved. Examining is a great opportunity to work with colleagues from around the Chapter, and many people find it an extremely valuable learning experience in its own right. We will be in contact with prospective examiners as the candidate numbers become clearer and will provide further information about the process and expectations at the initial examiners' meeting. Looking ahead The strength of the Small Animal Medicine Chapter ultimately comes from the willingness of its members to contribute — whether that is through examining, mentoring, presenting at Vet Science Week, participating in committees or simply sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues. Thank you to everyone who has contributed over the past year. Your involvement is what allows the Chapter to continue to support education, examinations and professional development within small animal medicine. We look forward to another great year ahead!

You are the star your Chapter is looking for! Have a knack for numbers? A social (media) butterfly? A communicado afficionado? From social media administrators, secretaries, Science Week Convenors or Subject Examiners... your Chapter needs you. Reach out to your Chapter Executives or the College Office to get involved.


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CHAPTER REPORTS Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Wildlife anaesthesia and chronic pain were hot topics for the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter at Vet Science Week this year. Our invited keynote speaker was Dr Nigel Caulkett, an established leader in the field of free‑ranging wildlife anaesthesia. Attendees were treated to riveting presentations offering fascinating insights into the challenging cases Dr Caulkett has encountered throughout his career. We then enjoyed a day of shared sessions with the Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, and Veterinary Behaviour Chapters, exploring a collaborative approach to managing chronic pain in small animals. As always, it was a pleasure to catch up with colleagues in person, both old acquaintances and new friends. If you would like to help shape future Vet Science Week programs or contribute to other educational opportunities for our Chapter, please get in touch at secretaryvaa@anzcvs.org.au. We are always keen to welcome new volunteers.

Veterinary Behaviour In July 2026, 13 candidates passed Membership exams, becoming new members of our Chapter and growing the Veterinary Behaviour Chapter further. Some of our new members also attended Vet Science Week and joined us for the Awards Dinner. It was a great Awards Dinner, with our small Chapter filling two tables to celebrate my Fellowship Award, support Dr Ashleigh Hargreaves receiving the Caroline Perrin Memorial Award, as well as welcome the new Members who attended. Well done to Dr Ashleigh Hargreaves on receiving the Caroline Perrin Memorial Award to help her with her continued Residency studies. Thank you to Mr Rod Hopkins for providing this award in memoriam to Dr Perrin, so that her name can live on in our chapter. Every year, more potential Members sit their examinations in the hope of joining our Chapter. Veterinarians who become exposed to veterinary behavioural medicine often find themselves with an appetite for more education and knowledge. Having not received a solid background in veterinary behavioural medicine in their undergraduate degree, many veterinarians can feel lost as to what is useful and what the first principles are that they need to look to.

Veterinary Behaviour continued...

Studying for Membership exams offers the opportunity for guidance using our subject guidelines and communications with a mentor from the Chapter. Putting a fair and challenging examination together is difficult. Thank you so much to our Examination Committee for all their hard work, making it possible for us to welcome new members! Vet Science Week gives new members a chance to meet up with others from the Chapter as well as those in other Chapters. Vet Science Week 2026 was full of interesting topics and learning, with our Chapter Convenors, Dr Rhea Hurley and Dr Renae Jackson, putting together an excellent programme. They coordinated with both the Welfare chapter and the Rehab Chapter to provide more speakers from outside our own Chapter. This created a learning environment with broader scope and expertise. Thanks so much to our Chapter Convenors! Vet Science Week is the only scientific meeting with presentations for specialty-focused veterinarians that offers an array of joint streams and the opportunity to visit other specialty streams. It sets the ANZCVS apart, and our College Convenors and Office have their work cut out for them with organisation. We are so lucky and thank you to the College Convenors and College Office. Veterinary behavioural medicine is a field that touches on many other fields, so that opportunity to visit other streams and have chapter collaboration is important. We need to be up to date with what is happening in the other fields as well as our own. Vet Science Week opens doors to conversations, collaboration and exposure, helping us become more aware of innovations and ideas from other disciplines. This year, the Veterinary Behaviour Chapter has continued to offer webinars to our members each month since April, and these webinars are also available to the wider community. Veterinary Behaviour Chapter webinars are specifically aimed at members, with speakers being informed that members have further knowledge of behaviour. Veterinarians who are not members of our Chapter can also find these webinars very helpful, as they are aimed at an audience working in clinical practice. We have two more webinars scheduled for 2026: 13 October 2026 at 7:30pm (AEDT) Presenter: Dr Vanessa Rohlf BA (Hons-Psychology), MCouns&PsychTh, PhD (Specialisation – Psychology) Topic: Empowering veterinarians: Enhancing client support through understanding the human-animal bond and psychological resources


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CHAPTER REPORTS Veterinary Public Health

Veterinary Behaviour continued...

26 November 2026 at 11:30am (AEDT) Presenter: Dr Shana Gilbert-Gregory VMD MS DACVB Topic: Use of psychopharmaceuticals in dogs - evidence, theory and practice If you would like to register for either of these webinars so that you can attend the live event and have access to the recording, please contact educationvetbehaviour@anzcvs.org.au so that you can be put on a list to have the registration link sent to you closer to the date. Please contact educationvetbehaviour@anzcvs.org.au to find out more about the webinar recordings available in our archive. Thank you to all our volunteers who help this Chapter grow and function, and to the College office for their ongoing support.

The Epi and VPH Chapters ran a very successful and well attended Vet Science Week program at VSW26 commencing with a preconference workshop and sharing some sessions with colleagues in the Zoo and Wildlife Chapter. Preconference Workshop Led by Drs John Morton, Caitlin Pfeiffer and Prof Mark Stevenson the workshop - Leaving P<0.05 behind - Towards more thoughtful interpretation of results from controlled trials and observational studies- was designed for clinicians, researchers, and fellowship candidates. The highly interactive workshop taught attendees a practical, nomath way to correctly interpret data from controlled trials and observational studies.

We hope to see you at our webinars, Vet Science Week, and any other educational or social events! Dr Sally Nixon BVSc FANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour), DACVB Veterinary Behaviour Chapter President and Education Coordinator

VET BEHAVIOUR WEBINARS Treatment of Acute Phase Anxiety Dr Karen Overall

Post-Surgical Management of Physical, Emotional and Behavioural Health Dr Gabrielle Carter

Diet, Behaviour and the Gut: Should we Care?

An Insider’s Guide to Writing Case Reports for Publication

Dr Isabelle Resch

Dr Anne Jackson

Separation Anxiety Syndrome Dr Jill Sackman

Feather Picking in pet birds What’s Going on?

Sleep and its role in Physical and Mental Health Dr Kersti Seksel

Introduction to Equine Behavioural Medicine Dr Gemma Pearson

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Cats Dr Sagi Denenberg

Dr Bronwen Bollaert

The First 18 Weeks Dr Jacqui Ley

Cats on Meds Dr Kat Pankratz

The Canine Frustration Questionnaire Dr Kevin McPeake

Click here to see what’s available. Discounts apply for Residents.

Attendees hard at work at the Leaving P<0.05 behind workshop

Conference Over two days the joint Epi/VPH and Zoo and Wildlife Chapters presented 41 individual presentations. Commencing Friday 24 July with two one hour talks from Simon Coghlan, Deputy Director of AI and Digital Ethics at Melbourne University and Sarah Babington, Project Officer, Australian Meat Processors Corporation. Simon addressed -Animals in the machine: AI and animal welfare and Sarah Babington - The use of AI and other technologies to monitor and inspect animals at processing establishments. The two invited speakers were followed by 20-minute abstract presenters on topics such as the use of technologies in endemic disease control, real-time digital on farm parasite control, participatory modelling to inform management in endemic FMD situations, garbage dumps as interfaces for disease emergence and metagenomic analysis of small mammal microbes in garbage dumps. Other abstract presentations on Friday covered the evaluation of surveillance for Japanese encephalic virus, of lumpy skin disease and its modelling with particular reference to Northern Australia. In the Friday afternoon sessions, New Zealand’s bovine TB proofof freedom modelling, global spread and impact of H5 HPAI, biosecurity risks of back yard poultry and poultry exhibitions were discussed. The transmission and parameters of the 2024 H7N5 outbreak in New Zealand concluded the afternoon session.


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CHAPTER REPORTS Veterinary Public Health continued...

On Saturday, the morning abstract sessions covered implementing antibiograms in equine practice, shiga toxinproducing E.coli, core competencies for One Health in the AsiaPacific, One Health and the Australian CDC and One Health modelling of Q fever in Australia. These abstract sessions were followed by invited Epi/VPH and Zoo and Wildlife presentations from Carrie Rose, manager of the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, and Chris Niebuhr, Wildlife Ecologist, Bioeconomy Science Institute New Zealand, combined talk on Wildlife as sentinels of health and biosecurity in Australia and New Zealand. University of Melbourne’s Pam Whitely continued in this theme on the Role of universities in wildlife health surveillance. Guy Weerasinghe, Deputy Director Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy provided an update of NAQ’s strategic plans. The afternoon program covered wildlife toxicology/ecotoxicology, epidemiological approaches to animal welfare, Chlamydia pecorum vaccine for koalas, building foundations for pathogen surveillance for pathogens in Australian insectivorous bats. A quite notable presentation in the afternoon was wildlife veterinarian Brett Gardner, Seal -apocalypse -rabies in Cape Seals, South Africa. Brett commenced his talk by saying if one was not into horror movies – look away. What followed was horrific. For interested readers the following URL is provided Early Release - Emergence of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals, South Africa Volume 32, Number 10—October 2026 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC Concluding the Epi/VPH 2026 program topics covered contextual factors in dog-on-dog bite injuries, incursion of canine rabies in Timor-Leste, epidemiological analysis of canine brain tumours in Australia and prevalence and the AUSVET study Pathways for suicidality of Australian veterinarians from Alena Gadory. A topic serving more examination than permitted by the VSW 26time table.

Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Vet Science Week in July 2026 presented an outstanding programme and was well attended and received by many. The development of this year’s programme in collaboration with the Behaviour and Anaesthesia chapters was an important and worthwhile step, contributing to a programme that was both relevant and engaging, and reflecting the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of sports medicine and rehabilitation. A very sincere thank you to our keynote speaker, Ellen Martens, for delivering an exceptional pre-conference workshop and lecture series. Her contribution added tremendous value to the Chapter’s educational offering this year and the pre-conference workshop was a resounding success with a record number of delegates attending. A huge thank you to the volunteers and the greyhounds that assisted in facilitating a hands-on, international level learning experience for all attendees. Our Chapter membership prior to this year’s examinations stood at 46 members and we would like to announce four new Chapter members following their successful passing of this year’s Canine Membership examinations. Our congratulations and a very warm welcome to Drs Lucy Gneil, Nicholas Haw, Katherine Hobhouse and Shin Yin Ling. Planning is now underway for VSMR Equine examinations in 2027.


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CHAPTER REPORTS Zoo and Wildlife

Zoo and Wildlife continued...

As I write my final contribution to the College Courier as Chapter President, I am reflecting on what a privilege it has been to serve over the past six years in this capacity. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work alongside an extraordinary community of professionals who are deeply committed to advancing zoo and wildlife veterinary medicine across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. While I will be stepping down from the role this year to focus on other professional commitments, I remain immensely grateful for the connections, opportunities, and shared purpose that have come through my involvement with the Chapter.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge that many of our Members are currently working tirelessly on various aspects of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza incursions affecting Australia and New Zealand for the first time. Whether involved in surveillance, diagnostics, wildlife health investigations, emergency response, research, policy development, communications, or frontline animal care, the expertise and dedication are making a significant contribution during a challenging time. We thank all those involved for their professionalism and commitment and also to our Members based overseas, who have shared their accumulated knowledge and experience with generosity.

This year has been one of remarkable growth and impact. We have welcomed a delightful band of 15 new Members, strengthening our expertise across both examination subjects and ensuring the continued vitality of our profession. The Chapter's success is built not only on the dedication of candidates undertaking the membership journey, but also on the generosity of those who mentor, guide, support, and inspire them. To all who contribute to that process, formally or informally, thank you.

For those seeking further information on H5N1 avian influenza the following links are useful: Current situation in Australia: birdflu.gov.au Current situation in New Zealand: H5-Bird-flu (MPI) The Wildlife Health Australia H5 Resource Centre provides information, videos, toolkits, Australian guidance documents, international resources, and other useful materials.

Our profession continues to evolve in response to increasingly complex challenges, and the breadth of work undertaken by Chapter Members has never been more evident. This year's Vet Science Week program was our biggest ever, showcasing wildlife and zoo medicine across a range of collaborative and dedicated streams, highlighting the innovative work being undertaken by Members in clinical practice, zoological institutions, government, academia, conservation, public engagement, and the not-forprofit sector. The modern world needs evidence-based expertise, thoughtful leadership, and passionate advocates for animal health and welfare. Whether the work of our Members is conducted in the spotlight or behind the scenes, it contributes meaningfully to the advancement of our discipline. I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the many volunteers who support the Chapter's activities. From writing, administering and marking examinations to standards review, professional development, governance, communications, and event organisation, an enormous amount of work occurs behind the scenes each year. These contributions are essential to maintaining the high standards of our Chapter and ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our Members. On behalf of the membership, thank you to everyone who has generously contributed their time, expertise, and energy in 2026.

As wild animals in many contexts face increasing pressures from emerging infectious diseases, climate-related impacts, habitat loss, invasive species, and other environmental challenges, the mission of our Chapter remains as important as ever. I am confident that the Chapter is in a strong position to continue supporting excellence in wildlife and zoo medicine, fostering lifelong learning, and advancing the health and conservation of the species we serve. Finally, I would like to thank all Members for their support throughout my tenure as President. It has been an honour to serve this community. I look forward to remaining involved in the Chapter from a different perspective and watching its continued growth and success under the leadership of our incoming President, Dr Claire Madden, Vice President Dr Stephanie Shaw and Secretary/Treasurer Dr Jessica McCutchan. A/Prof Michelle Campbell-Ward Immediate Past President, Zoo and Wildlife Chapter


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Raise a Glass for Hope! Sophie’s Legacy Gala 2026 Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration and hope, as we come together to support the people who dedicate their lives to caring for our animals. On 24 October 2026, more than 500 members of the veterinary community, industry and supporters of Sophie’s Legacy will come together at the iconic Palladium at Crown Melbourne for a very special night - raising vital funds and awareness for a cause that affects the entire veterinary community. Most importantly, this is a night with purpose. Don't miss out on the event of the season! Click anywhere on this page to get your tickets now! Why We’re Here Sophie’s Legacy was founded in memory of Dr Sophie Putland, a much-loved veterinarian who tragically died by suicide at just 33 years old. Sophie’s story shines a light on the immense pressures facing the veterinary profession — long hours, overwhelming workloads, financial strain and, sadly, abuse from clients. Veterinarians are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. These are the people who dedicate their lives to caring for our animals, yet too often their own health and wellbeing are at risk. At Sophie’s Legacy, we believe this must change. Our Purpose We are working towards a future where veterinary professionals feel safe, valued and supported. Our work focuses on raising awareness of the mental health challenges facing veterinary teams, advocating for meaningful change, educating the public to encourage greater kindness and respect, and providing resources to help individuals and workplaces better support their people. Our Impact Through national campaigns, petitions, research and advocacy, Sophie’s Legacy has helped bring the experiences of veterinary professionals into the spotlight. We’ve raised funds, created practical resources, encouraged important conversations and built a growing community committed to creating lasting change. And this gala is an opportunity to be part of that change. By joining us, bidding generously, donating, sponsoring or simply helping spread the message, you are helping us continue this vital work. A Night of Hope Sophie’s Legacy is more than a charity. It is a movement built on love, hope and determination — carrying Sophie’s spirit forward and standing behind every veterinary professional who deserves a safer, healthier and kinder profession. So come together with us, celebrate this extraordinary community and Raise a Glass for Hope.

Saving the people who save our animals.


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Meet your new Councillor... Dr Tracey Bradley Tracey graduated from the University of Melbourne and began her veterinary career in rural mixed practice in West Gippsland. Like many Australian veterinarians, she then ventured overseas, practicing as a locum vet in the United Kingdom before travelling through Latin America, where she immersed herself in the language and culture while developing her Spanish skills. On returning to Australia, Tracey joined Agriculture Victoria (government service), working in a range of rural locations across the state and gaining experience with a diverse array of animal species. During this period, she developed a strong interest in epidemiology, attaining Membership of the ANZCVS in Epidemiology in 1997 and later completing a Master of Public Health in 2003. More recently, Tracey has specialised in aquatic animal health, working primarily with aquaculture species and contributing to policy, biosecurity and disease management initiatives. She has also been actively involved in emergency animal disease and natural disaster responses, including avian influenza outbreaks and bushfire emergencies, serving predominantly in Incident Control roles. Tracey has maintained a long-standing association with the College and has contributed in numerous capacities over the years. She has helped establish and mentor study groups in Victoria, served as an examiner for the Epidemiology Chapter, and has been a member of the College Finance and Risk Committee since 2022. In 2025, she was awarded the College Prize, a significant professional honour and a highlight of her career. Tracey is the Council Liaison Officer for the Animal Reproduction, Aquatic Animal Health, Pathobiology and Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapters. She can be contactable at Tracey.Bradley@anzcvs.org.au.

Vale... Professor Emeritus Robert (Bob) Dudley Jolly MNZM BVSc PhD DSc FRSNZ FANZCVS (Hon) FRCPA (Hon) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Honorary Fellow Bob Jolly (1930 - 2026). Bob passed away peacefully on 15 June 2026, aged 96. Bob’s distinguished career spanned nearly 70 years. During this time, he taught and mentored generations of veterinarians, many of whom are now members of the College. He began his veterinary career in Rotorua, New Zealand, where he worked in clinical practice for five years before moving to the University of Guelph, Canada, for 18 months. In 1965, Bob joined Massey University as a pathologist, where he remained for the rest of his working career. Following his retirement in 1995, Bob remained research-active at Massey University for a further 30 years as Professor Emeritus. Bob is survived by his four children—three veterinarians and one artist—eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, to date.


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COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Have you renewed your 2026/27 CollegE subscription yet? If not, it’s now severely overdue and your membership is now at risk

Attended 2026? ce Week n ie c S t e V dings e procee c n e r e f n Co il on t via ema n e s e r e w 26. 15 S ep 20 Use of College brand a includi ssets, ng name and log os:

Please refer t o the C for the ollege correct Style G use of uide and log College os. brandin g The use of the College granted Coat of to memb Arms is ers onl of y for t display he purp ing, promoti ose c o m municat ng thei ing r membe alongsi and rship i de n ANZCV the S and postnom Member’ inals ( s name i n officia Fira Sa and l Colle ns). ge font , See exa mple be low.

This past month, we have seen several attempts coming from a sender using the email address thehumpals@neitel.net. The sender requests a “Zoom chat”, and when responded to confirm the Zoom call, the sender immediately requests a payment to be made. Stay alert to scams and phishing attempts, as scammers are always devising clever tactics to deceive. They may even appear to come from a fellow College member or someone you know. Is the sender’s email address their usual email address? A quick phone call can help verify the legitimacy of a request and protect your valuable finances or data from being compromised. If you find yourself a recipient of a scam email or phishing attempt, report the email by right-clicking on the email, hover the cursor over Report and click on Report Phishing.

CHECK | REJECT | PROTECT

A reminder to members on the correct use of postnominals: If awarded in or before 2010: Use of the initials MACVSc or MANZCVS for Members / FACVSc or FANZCVS for Fellows; followed by the subject(s) in brackets. Example: FACVSc (Veterinary Radiology) If awarded in or after 2011: Use of the initials MANZCVS for Members / FANZCVS for Fellows; followed by the subject(s) in brackets. Example: MANZCVS (Animal Welfare)


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ANZCVS 2026/27 KEY DATES 1 August 31 October

2027 Membership Examination applications open

Fellowship Credentials due

30 November 1 December

2027 Membership Examination application deadline (late fees apply in November)

College Awards - Nominations Open

Mid-December

December 2026 College Courier published

28 December 2026 - 10 January 2027 College Office closed for Christmas

Early February

28 February

College Awards - Nominations close College Financial Year closes

Mid-March

In-Person Examiners Workshop Weekend (dates to be confirmed)

1 March

College Financial Year commences Call for Council Nominations

March 2027 College Courier published

Early June

1 June

Council nominations close Election Poll commences

Membership & Fellowship Written Examinations

2 June

Fellowship Written Examinations (Paper 2)

3 June

Membership Practical Examinations (if applicable)

If you would like to contribute or request an article to be included in future College Couriers, please reach out to the College Office team!


Certifying excellence in veterinary science

CONTACT US Building 3, Garden City Office Park 2404 Logan Road EIGHT MILE PLAINS QLD 4113

CERTIFY

Phone: +61 7 3423 2016 Email: admin@anzcvs.org.au Web: www.anzcvs.org.au

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