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My Story
The journey
After graduating in 2005, my early career was spent in racetrack practice, then undertaking a Masters degree researching factors influencing hoof shape in horses. Following that I ventured into mixed small and large animal practice in Tasmania for a few years and then returning to equine only practice. I worked in a specialist referral equine hospital for 4 years, undertaking an internship in equine medicine and surgery followed by a clinical residency in equine medicine. Along the way I have gained membership into the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientist by examination in the discipline of Equine Medicine. During that time I also had the privilege of spending time at the world renowned New Bolton Centre, University of Pennsylvania as well as The Dick Equine Vet Hospital, University of Edinburgh, in their Neonatal ICU, emergency and critical care and general medicine service.
Leven Equine Veterinary Services was started when I returned to Tasmania in 2018. It has been quite the learning curve starting and running my own practice. Since then, I have gained an additional Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the discipline of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (Equine). I have also completed a 12 month professional development course in Equine Dentistry, courses and workshops in diagnostic imaging and investigations into musculoskeletal issues and lameness in the performance horse, physical therapy and rehabilitation and many more courses in continuing professional education. To me the learning never stops, and that is why it is called veterinary practice.
The veterinary oath
"I solemnly swear to practice veterinary science ethically and conscientiously for the benefit of animal welfare, animal and human health, users of veterinary services and the community. I will endeavour to maintain my practice of veterinary science to current professional standards and will strive to improve my skills and knowledge through continuing professional development. I acknowledge that along with the privilege of acceptance into the veterinary profession comes community and professional responsibility. I will maintain these principles throughout my professional life."
Philosophy
The main principle of LEVS is to provide quality veterinary care to equids in Tasmania. I believe in providing evidence based practices and treating patients holistically. This means that your horse is assessed as an individual and where possible, we are addressing the source of an issue rather than only the symptoms.
Being a 100% mobile practice, I strive to bring to you diagnostic modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography and airway endoscopy right to your doorstep. This allows me to examine your horse or pony in its familiar environment, reducing the stress of a clinical setting and travel.
With a strong background in equine medicine combined with a special interest in musculoskeletal and locomotor biomechanics, injury and rehabilitation, I am able to provide progressive veterinary care and management to the leisure or performance horse, faithful companion horses and ponies.
Vision
Having trained and worked in a specialist referral setting, I am in a unique position to bring those skills and knowledge into the field. My aim is to empower my clients with information and resources that will help them in providing the best care and management of their horses and ponies. Integrative treatment and management plans, rehabilitation programs and exercises are tailored to individual patient needs, environment and available resources. Where necessary, other professionals such as body workers, hoof care professionals, saddle fitters and riding coaches/instructors are brought in to the management of the patient. This ensures that patients benefit from a multi-faceted approach to their treatment and management.
