Dr Massimo Orioles
Massimo completed his veterinary medicine degree at the University of Padova, Italy in 2009. Since then he has been dedicated to small animal medicine and developed a keen interest in neurology, diagnostic imaging, and emergency and critical care. Massimo has recently gained a certificate in fish medicine and aquatic animal health (CertAqV), and is undertaking a PhD in this subject. He has been practicing in the United Kingdom since 2010, pursuing advanced training in small animal medicine and surgery and in neurology and neurosurgery in two referral hospitals, North Kent Referrals and the Animal Health Trust. He has achieved a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Massimo currently works at several veterinary practices and emergency and critical care clinics in the Cambridge and London areas.
Dr Louise Cox-O’Shea
I qualified from Liverpool University in 2004 and have been in clinical practice ever since. I initially started as a mixed animal vet but, after a few years in mixed practice, decided to focus on small animal practice. I enjoy the challenges and rewards that small animal practice offers and enjoy the relationship that is built up both with patients and clients. I have a particular interest in surgery and also write academic articles for point of need resources. My husband is also a vet and we have 4 small children aged 1-7 years of age, 2 dogs, a cat and a tank full of fish. My hobbies include running and all things outdoors.
Dr Silvia De Cecco
After graduating in Italy in 2010, Silvia moved to the UK to further her studies in small animal medicine and surgery. Silvia joined a referral practice in Kent as an intern before moving to Cambridge University as a Junior Clinical Scholar. While working at the University she developed a keen interest in internal medicine and diagnostic imaging. Over the past few years she has enjoyed working in first opinion small animal practice. She is currently studying towards a Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging. She has two cats, Merlino and Tito.
Dr Andrea Di Sante
Andrea graduated from the University of Milan, Italy in 2008. Before working with cats and dogs Andrea worked for the Food Standard Agency as an Official Veterinarian carrying out public health and food hygiene controls. He has a particular interest in dermatology and small animal soft tissue surgery.
Dr Sarah Dantas-Goddard
Sarah has worked as a veterinary surgeon in small animal general practice since qualifying in 2010. In 2017, Sarah completed a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice with a focus on small animal medicine. After attending a seminar on Fear Free, Sarah has also developed a keen interest in using techniques to ensure the emotional wellbeing of cats and dogs. Sarah joined the FirstVet team in 2019 and is enjoying the pioneering way, in which as a veterinary surgeon, she can interact with pets and their owners.
Dr Sophie Milligan
Sophie graduated from Bristol University in 2017. Since then has worked in small animal practice. She works for a local clinic and joined FirstVet when they launched in the UK. She is a dog and cat veterinarian, and is particularly interested in internal medicine and managing allergies in dogs. She is a DEFRA authorised official controls veterinarian and assists clients with exporting animals abroad or taking them on holiday. She lives in Wiltshire with her Black Labrador and grey tabby cat. In her spare time Sophie likes running with her dog and also is a licensed solo sky-diver.
Dr Emma Bower
Emma qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2007. Prior to vet school she graduated with a 1st class honours degree in Zoology. Emma worked in mixed practice for two years before becoming a locum Veterinary Surgeon. Her main areas of interest are geriatric dogs and cats, especially chronic pain in dogs and rehabilitation of dogs either due to age changes or due to trauma. She has plans to undertake further studies in canine and feline behaviour. Emma joined FirstVet UK in March 2019, and has her own pack of three dogs.
Dr Eve Hanks
Eve graduated from the University of Edinburgh vet school in 2011 and has since worked with farm animals, horses and companion animals. She recently completed a PhD at the University of Glasgow and now combines her work at FirstVet with clinical pathology for Scotland’s Rural College. She has a keen interest in medicine and in parasitology.
Dr Jillian Hall
Jillian qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2004 and has worked in small animal general practice since. She holds a certificate in Veterinary General Practice and is working towards a second certificate in small animal surgery. Jillian particularly enjoys surgical cases and also works in emergency and critical care. Her spare time is spent entertaining her dog, Fergal.
Dr Mark Conboy
Mark has worked as a veterinary surgeon since qualifying in 2016. Originally from the West of Ireland, he worked for a year in North Wales with both large and small animals. Having then decided to move to South Wales, he now works mainly with small animals, undertaking routine consultations and surgery. Mark joined the UK FirstVet team in early 2020 and is looking forward to working in new and innovative ways to care for pets and their owners. He has two cats - Honey and Fudge, as well as a number of Connemara horses, which he breeds back home in Ireland. Mark enjoys travelling and seeing the world, whenever possible, to gain new experiences, and looks forward to consulting with you soon!
Dr Rachel Heygate
Rachel graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012. She has worked in 24 hour hospitals and small animal practice over the last eight years and enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine. Outside of work she can be found outdoors on her bike and training for triathlons.
Dr Scarlet Aflalo
Scarlet has worked as a veterinary surgeon in small animal general practice since qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014. In 2018, Scarlet completed a Certificate in Exotic Animal Practice and she has had lots of experience working with furry, feathered and scaled pets of all shapes and sizes. She is currently undertaking a certificate and internship in Small Animal Medicine to expand her knowledge with cats and dogs. Scarlet joined the FirstVet team in 2020 and spends most of her time looking after her own (7!!) pets when she isn't looking after yours!
Dr Jill Mellink-Davidson
Jill qualified from Edinburgh University in 1981. She started work in equine and small animal practice, which she loved. After having her children, Jill worked primarily as a small animal clinician. Jill has a wide range of interests including surgery, soft tissue and orthopaedics, ophthalmology and medicine including geriatric medicine and welfare. She has also worked for VetsNow emergency clinics and for the Pet Blood Bank running donation sessions in the midlands. Jill is an Official Vet for Small Animal export Certification. In her spare time Jill enjoys riding (previously competing in eventing) and is a qualified dressage judge. She enjoys walking and scuba diving, recently qualifying as a Dive Leader. Jill is also an enthusiastic cook and has two grown up children. Jill joined FirstVet in June 2020.
Dr Kathy Mackinnon
Kathy graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 2010 and went on to work in a mixed animal practice in North Wales. Following this Kathy undertook training in emergency and critical care with Vets Now and spent several years working in a fantastic small animal practice where she developed a keen interest in ophthalmology and dentistry. 10 years after graduation she is still in North Wales, married to a dairy and 32000 chicken, free range egg farmer. Most importantly she is a proud mum to a 4.5 year old and a one year old. Kathy currently works part time as a government vet and locum in a local small animal practice (when she has the time!). Kathy joined FirstVet in June 2020. She is very excited to be part of the fantastic team of vets at FirstVet and to be able provide such a unique service to pet owners.
Dr Mary Hanna
Mary qualified from the University of Edinburgh Vet School in 2012. She initially worked as a mixed practice vet in the North East of England before moving back to Edinburgh in 2014 to work solely with small animals. She became a locum veterinary surgeon in 2016. This has given her more time to travel the world and carry out veterinary volunteering. Mary enjoys all aspects of general practice. When not working or travelling, she loves to bake and spend time in the beautiful Scottish outdoors! Mary joined FirstVet in June 2020.
Dr Zahra Rutherford
Zahra has been working with companion animals since graduating in 2013. She has worked in 24 hour hospitals and loves all aspects of small animal internal medicine. In her spare time she will often be indulging in her home improvement projects, or looking after her two rescue cats. Zahra joined FirstVet in June 2020. She looks forward to meeting you!
Dr Clare Sparks
Clare graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014. After graduating, she spent nine months traveling and volunteering in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Fiji before coming back to the UK. She worked for three years in a small animal hospital in South Devon, where she helped establish a CT referral service and performed keyhole surgeries. Her favourite part of the job has always been getting to know clients and their furry companions. In 2018, she moved to Vancouver, Canada for a year, working as a locum vet and volunteering with the pets of disadvantaged families. She loves the outdoors and gardening, and teaches acroyoga. Clare joined FirstVet in June 2020.
Dr Rachel Cox
After graduating from Cambridge University in 1997 Rachel worked in a number of large and small animal practices but has focused on small animals for the last 15 years. She particularly enjoys working with older animals and is really passionate about making a veterinary consultation a positive experience. Rachel joined FirstVet in June 2020. When she is not working she spends her time walking her greyhound Maisie and ferrying her children around to various sporting events.
Dr Elena Fraccaro
Elena qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2004 at the faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Padova, Italy. While working in small animal general practice she completed a Masters degree in International Veterinary Co-operation and she started working worldwide with both farm and companion animals. In 2013 she completed a PhD in animal welfare which gave her a more comprehensive vision and approach to veterinary medicine. She enjoys travelling to discover new places and people and, when possible, to help animals in need. Elena adores cats. She has three: Brunilde, Fluke and Yoga. Elena joined FirstVet in June 2020.
Dr Filipe Dias
Filipe knew that he wanted to become a Veterinary Surgeon from a very young age and followed his dream to become a reality. He graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - University of Lisbon, with a Master’s degree in 2008. After two years working with all kinds of creatures in a busy first option practice, Filipe ventured to the UK to take on a Junior Clinical Scholarship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Cambridge. Filipe enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Medicine and is particularly interested in orthopaedics and internal medicine. He greatly values the relationship with both patients and clients. Filipe has more than 11 years of experience working in emergency and critical care, referral hospitals and first opinion sole charge practice. He speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish. In his spare time, Filipe enjoys travelling, playing sports and spending time with his pets, family and friends. He joined FirstVet in June 2020.
Dr Nina Adeyeye
Nina qualified from Cambridge University in 2011 after first completing her degree in Bioveterinary Science in Liverpool. Nina started in a mixed and exotics practice and has since continued with small animals, exotics, and work with local charities. She loves to see all the small furries and scalies. Nina’s keen interests are dermatology, allergies, pain management and wellbeing in all species. She has a passion for the nutrition and husbandry of exotic species. Nina likes to spend her spare time outdoors or learning more about her passions.
Dr Elise Watson
Elise completed her degree at Massey University, New Zealand in 2007. After 3.5 years working in mixed practice in New Zealand, she moved to England. Since then Elise has worked in small animal practice, both in England & Australia. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary science, and her particular interests include small animal medicine and emergency & critical care medicine. Outside of work, Elise has a passion for travel, languages and all things outdoors. She joined FirstVet in August 2020.
Dr Jonathon Kelly
Jonathon qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014. He then worked in a 24 hour emergency practice in Liverpool. Since then, Jonathan has spent a number of years at a first opinion clinic, and recently progressed to senior vet. He has a keen interest in surgery and endocrinology. Jonathon’s ambition is to own and run his own practice in the future. He is an Official Veterinarian qualification, which allows him to issue pet passports. Jonathan is also considering undertaking a surgery certificate. He is married and has two young children. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, gaming and outdoor activities. Jonathon joined FirstVet in August 2020.
Dr Sean Mc Tiernan
Sean graduated from Warsaw University of Life Sciences in 2016, where, prior to this he also graduated with a BSc in Biochemistry. Sean is originally from the northwest coast of Ireland. He moved to the UK after graduating where he worked as a mixed veterinary surgeon in Cheshire. He now works as a small animal vet and is studying towards a certificate in small animal surgery. He enjoys all aspects of general practice but is particularly interested in small animal soft tissue surgery and also enjoys working with exotic animals and wildlife. In his spare time, Sean likes to travel and explore the outdoors, keep fit, eat out and meet up with family and friends. Sean joined FirstVet in August 2020.
Dr Victoria Duggan
Victoria graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2012. Victoria joined First Vet in September 2020 and has worked most recently in small animal vet practice as well as farm vet practice in the Cotswolds. She has also worked in Thailand and Cambodia, studying swine flu in pigs. Her main interests are in dog and cat medicine and soft tissue surgery, as well as preventative medicine. Victoria currently teaches veterinary students at the university of Bristol. She lives in Bristol and in her spare time likes to be outdoors, running, skiing and hiking.
Dr Tara Card
Tara Card BBA BVMS MRCVS grew up in the Midwest of America surrounded by dairy cattle and caring for the barn cats on her grandparent’s farm. She knew she wanted to heal and save all animals by the age of 5. She completed a Business degree at the University of Wisconsin, USA in 1998, however, she spent many years working abroad and volunteering her time in underdeveloped countries along with spay and neuter schemes on islands around the world. She qualified from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in 2009 and has since practiced in Scotland, America and England. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with a multitude of small animal infectious diseases in all countries and has now settled with her family in the Midlands. She is currently obtaining her Advanced Veterinary Practice status in Small Animal Medicine and Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia through the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Medicine. She has a particular love for challenging skin cases and backyard farm pets. Her favourite rescue hen, Queen Elizabeth (pictured left) is part of the family. When she isn’t healing and saving, she spends most of her time with her family and chauffeuring her two daughters to dance and athletics. She also resides with her loving rescue cats; King Arthur, Peanut and Bob. The family recently said a peaceful goodbye to her 18-year-old rescue dog Zuni.
Dr Alan Sweeney
Alan graduated from University College Dublin in 2016, and moved over to the U.K after he qualified. He originally worked in mixed animal practice for a number of years on the beautiful North Cornwall/Devon coast treating all animals great and small. He has since moved to London and started working as an emergency and critical care vet treating animals that require urgent attention, and has found this to be a challenging but very rewarding career path. He also owns a cat, called Marvin, whom he rescued about 4 years ago. Alan joined FirstVet in September 2020.
Dr Adriana Wawrzyniak
Adriana graduated in 2013 in Wrocław, Poland. Since she has developed her interests in evidence-based medicine for dogs and cats. She is currently studying towards a certificate in Evidence Based Small Animal Medicine. Adriana has worked as an emergency vet and her interest in toxicology has led her to undertake a postgraduate qualification in general toxicology. In 2019 Adriana became a RECOVER instructor, which enables her to be able to resuscitate a patient, if required. Since then she has shared her knowledge not only with owners and veterinary professionals but also with specialist Search and Rescue dog handlers. Outside of work Adriana is married, and has a child, and two rescue pets, a dog and a cat. Adriana joined FirstVet in September 2020.
Dr Horatio Marchis
After qualifying as a vet in 2007, Horatio moved to the UK to work for the Food Standard Agency. After that he undertook a small animal rotating internship in a referral hospital where he developed an interest in small animal surgery. He then moved back into small animal practice and undertook a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, which he passed with commendations in 2015. In 2019 he was recognised by the MRCVS as an advanced practitioner in small animal surgery. At present he is working in a referral hospital where he manages surgical referrals from veterinary surgeons in first opinion practices across the Midlands. He is the co-author of several peer reviewed case reports and he regularly holds CPD sessions for the veterinary surgeons in his area.
Dr Meera Shah
Meera graduated from Bristol University in 2015. She then completed a research Masters focussing on post surgical pain in dogs and cats. She enjoys both surgical and medical aspects of veterinary medicine but her main interests are pain management and behaviour. Meera understands how stressful it can be when our pets become ill and joined FirstVet to help provide reassurance in these situations. Meera started out working in London, then moved to Bedford and has recently made the move to Devon. When not looking after your pets she enjoys travelling, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Meera joined FirstVet in August 2020.
Dr Lucy King
Lucy graduated from London's Royal Veterinary College in 2010. After a short time in general small animal practice, she went on to work for an emergency and critical care (out of hours) service for 4 years, where she honed her skills in triage and urgent care. In 2015 she moved to Australia and back into general practice alongside an emergency role. She counts herself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Australian native wildlife. Returning to the UK in 2019, Lucy continued her work in general practice, and is now excited to join the FirstVet team. She is currently working towards her certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice. Lucy joined FirstVet in October 2020.
Dr Rebecca Aldren
Rebecca’s passion for veterinary medicine started from a very young age. She grew up around lots of animals, including horses and pets. By the time she went to secondary school her interest in science and nature grew and so becoming a veterinary surgeon was a career that she was drawn to. Her dream came true when she was offered a place at Glasgow University Veterinary School. Rebecca’s enthusiasm continues to this day, many years on, and she continually studies to acquire new knowledge to improve her ability to heal and treat. These days in veterinary practice Rebecca mainly works in emergency and critical care. When not working, Rebecca spends her time looking after her family of people and four legged friends. She also enjoys mid distance trail running, playing tennis and growing her own food. Rebecca joined FirstVet in October 2020.
Dr Bev Irving
Bev qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1990. She has worked in small animal practice since graduating, both in day practices and emergency out of hours clinics. Bev is particularly interested in small animal medicine, including cardiology, ophthalmology, acupuncture, laser therapy, animal behaviour and she is passionate about animal welfare and conservation. Bev loves travelling to new places around the world, especially walking in mountains. She enjoys getting away for a few days with her husband and their rescue dog Wylie, in their dear old VW camper, whenever they get the chance. Bev joined FirstVet in October 2020.
Dr Nicholas Cameron
Nick graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2016, having already undertaken a degree in Veterinary Bioscience from the same university. He has worked in general small animal practice since graduating. Nick has a keen interest in small animal surgery, a subject in which he is currently working to achieve an advanced practitioner certificate. When not working his life is consumed by my young growing family. Nick joined FirstVet in October 2020.
Dr Jeanne Visser
Jeanne graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 2012. Since she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be a vet. Her parents owned a game farm and she was exposed to a large range of animals from a very young age. Jeanne subsequently followed in her brother’s footsteps to become a vet. She has worked in small animal first opinion practice since qualifying and has a keen interest in both medicine and surgery. Since moving to the UK five years ago she has been based in Surrey. She very recently spent a year working in an out of hours emergency practice, gaining valuable experience in emergency critical care medicine and surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her animals, family and friends. She also enjoys skiing, surfing, travelling and cooking. Jeanne joined the FirstVet team in October 2020 and looks forward to helping pet owners from the comfort of their homes.
Dr Jurgita Norvaisaite
After graduating Veterinary Medicine in 2014 from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Jurgita moved to the UK to pursue her veterinary career. She started working as a vet treating small animals and horses, but in 2017, decided to focus on small animals. Jurgita enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and has a keen interest in soft tissue surgery. For this reason, and after becoming a partner at a small animal surgery, Jurgita decided to undertake a certificate in this field. Jurgita has two horses, Pumpuras and West, who she brought all the way from Lithuania. She also has a Tamaskan dog, Apache, and a Bengal cat, Fergie, who keep her busy on her days off. Jurgita loves spending time training them to do all the crazy tricks, and just recently Apache learnt how to ride a horse. In addition, she loves being outdoors, mountain hiking and camping accompanied by Apache and Fergie, who loves exploring new places. Jurgita loves travelling to different countries, meeting new people and getting to know new cultures. She can’t wait to meet you all!
Dr Rachel Harris
Rachel graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2006, also gaining a BSc in Veterinary Conservation Medicine alongside her Veterinary degree. She has since worked exclusively in small animal practice in the South of England, and is interested in all aspects of small animal medicine, ultrasonography and other diagnostics. Rachel currently works as a locum vet providing much needed holiday cover for other vets in practice. She lives with her husband and two small children, and her cat Sylvester who was a rescued stray. She looks forward to meeting your furry friends! Rachel joined FirstVet in October 2020.
Dr Serena Musto
Serena Musto was born in Italy and has been working as a small animal veterinary surgeon for the past twelve years. What she enjoys the most about her job is teaching clients and discussing with colleagues about preventive care: “How do we best look after our furry mates considering the different stages of life?” She enjoys helping and supporting owners and their pets in making the right decisions during difficult or stressful moments with confidence, kindness and compassion. Serena has a special interest and has gained extensive experience in small animal medicine by working in several practices, hospitals and referral centres, in Spain and the UK. She completed a General Practitioner Certificate in small animal medicine in 2012. When it comes to how to interact with our pets, Serena started to practice and then teach staff and clients low-stress techniques to help reduce anxiety and fear-induced behaviours. Her aim is to give our pets what they need and deserve, by thinking from their perspective. They deserve a positive experience each time we interact with them. When she is not working, Serena enjoys cooking, baking, reading, gardening, learning new things and going out for walks.
Dr Charlotte Moody
Charlotte qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2012. She has worked in a variety of practices as a small animal vet and has a secret love of pet rats! As well as clinical work she has a teaching qualification and mentors new graduate vets in their first years of practice. Charlotte enjoys travelling and outdoor activities with her young family and has two rescue cats, Jess and Schmidt (Schmidt is seen in the picture!). Charlotte joined FirstVet in November 2020.
Dr Yvette Klerx
Yvette knew from the age of 7 that she would become a Veterinary Surgeon one day. She graduated from the University of Porto, Portugal in 2014 and soon after moved to the UK. Having worked in a variety of settings, from large corporates, to smaller independent practices and charities she is now proud to be part of the FirstVet team. Meanwhile, she has developed a special interest in internal medicine and is particularly passionate about the geriatric patients. Yvette speaks fluent English, Dutch and Portuguese. Outside of work she enjoys going for long walks with her dogs and exploring new places. Yvette joined FirstVet in November 2020.
Dr Mandy Knight
Mandy graduated from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 1994 and after her first position in country Victoria, came to the UK in 1996 and never quite left. She has always worked in companion animal practice and has a particular soft spot for cats, completing the GP Certificate in Feline Practice in 2010. She enjoys surgery and dentistry and considers herself a General Practitioner. Since selling the successful veterinary practice she founded 4 years ago, she has spent her time travelling and volunteering in between locum work. She lives with her lovely terrier-cross Ben who loves having her at home more, and Tess the cat who is OK with that too. Mandy joined FirstVet in November 2020.
Dr Anita Guo
Anita grew up in sunny Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney in 2009. Anita started out working in first opinion practice in Newcastle and Sydney. She has worked in some of the leading specialist and referral hospitals in Sydney, including Animal Referral Hospital (medicine internship) and University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital (rotating internship). She has also worked as an emergency clinician for several years. Whilst working full time, she graduated with a Masters in Veterinary Clinical Studies with Murdoch University in 2015. She moved to the UK three years ago to travel extensively in Europe. Anita returned to teaching veterinary students at the Royal Veterinary College (Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital) in between 2017 and 2019. She has since moved back to first opinion private practice, working as a locum in London. Anita particularly loves small animal internal medicine and emergency medicine but has a growing fondness for pain medicine having recently learnt how to do acupuncture. Anita lives with her husband and rescued exotic shorthair cat, Norman, who only has one eye. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading, travel, and spending time with friends and family. Anita joined FirstVet in November 2020.
Dr Stephanie Holloway
Stephanie qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2011 and has since worked in small animal practice throughout the UK. In 2016 she moved to Sydney to work as an emergency and critical care vet in a referral hospital before going on to complete an internship at the University of Sydney veterinary teaching hospital. Stephanie currently works in first opinion small animal practice and has a special interest in complex medical cases and emergency care and she is currently completing a postgraduate certificate in advanced veterinary practice in small animal medicine. In her free time Stephanie takes her two whippets out on hikes, enjoys yoga, horse riding and often travels to enjoy skiing and scuba diving. Stephanie joined FirstVet in December 2020.
Dr Victoria Phillips
Victoria has been a veterinary surgeon since graduating from Liverpool in 2006. Most of her career so far has been focused on working with dogs and cats, and she obtained a certificate in Small Animal Medicine and Critical Care in 2014. Having worked in a busy 24h hospital for many years, Victoria has experience dealing with most types of emergencies as well as routine cases, she has also travelled to over 65 countries and volunteered in places like Ecuador, India and Thailand. Victoria joined FirstVet in December 2020.
Dr Olivia Skyes
After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014, Liv spent her first two years as a mixed practice vet in North Wales. Since then, she has worked in a variety of small animal practices in the North West of England, including a position as a lead vet. Liv has a particular interest in soft tissue surgery and companion animal behaviour. She enjoys hiking in the Peak District with her dog, Archer, and cooking new food at home with the help of her cat, Oscar. Liv joined FirstVet in January 2021.
Dr Carla Silveira
Carla graduated in 2006 in sunny Lisbon. After initially working in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry in Portugal and in France, she moved to the UK to dedicate her time exclusively to small animal practice. Since then Carla has been working in referral and first opinion clinics and hospitals in the south of England, providing high standards of pet care. To help provide the best advice to pet owners she continued studying after her degree and completed a certificate in Small Animal Medicine from the Royal Veterinary College, as well as one in Diagnostic Imaging from the University of Liverpool. Carla loves teaching owners how to take care of their pets. A healthy pet is a happy pet! Carla is currently based in London and tries to make the most of her spare time learning new skills such as tailoring and painting, enjoying the diverse cultural offerings of London and hanging out with her little daughter. Carla joined FirstVet in January 2021.
Dr Odile Sicouri
Odile graduated as a vet from university in Western Australia in 1993. In her early years she worked at the university vet school, both as a clinician in the Small Animal Teaching Hospital and as a tutor in animal ethics and welfare. After moving to the UK in 2004, Odile worked in a holistic practice in central London for 13 years and since then has locumed in multiple small animal practices and emergency 24 hour hospitals. Odile is passionate about education and to try to help empower owners when it comes to looking after their furry friends. Odile is currently studying to become a yoga therapist, specialising in both mental and physical health conditions. She hopes to use this training to support her colleagues and clients in tackling the many life challenges we face, in an ever changing world. In her spare time, Odile tries to embrace the cultural landscape of London, travelling when she can and spending time with her rescue cat, Leonard, who has been one of her best teachers. Odile joined FirstVet in February 2021.
Dr Sue Dorey
Sue qualified from Bristol University in the UK in 1984. She has over 36 years of experience caring for small animal pets and loves meeting new clients and their animals. Over the years she developed a particular interest in feline medicine and surgery and is at present studying the ISFM Advanced Feline Behaviour course. For the last ten years she has been mainly working in a cat clinic, the last two being Clinical Director. Sue also loves meeting other pet species. She has worked for the local R.S.P.C.A and another local general small animal practice, after moving South. Prior to this, Sue worked in clinics in London, including six years at a busy veterinary hospital seeing many emergency cases. She also worked for a spell at the S.P.C.A clinic in the Fiji Islands. Her spare time is spent kayaking and sea swimming in her local area, and making a fuss of her own cat, Colin. Sue joined FirstVet in February 2021.
Dr Polly Wise
Polly graduated in 2007 from the University of Bristol. She has worked in small, mixed and equine practice gaining valuable experience across all aspects of veterinary medicine. She currently works in small animal practice. Polly’s specific interests include surgery, dentistry and emergency work. Outside of work she’s kept busy entertaining her two children and working cocker spaniels. Polly joined FirstVet in February 2021.
Dr Llinos Evans
After graduating from the University of Bristol in 2008, Llinos spent a couple of years working in the South West in small animal practice before returning home to North Wales in 2011. Whilst working in a busy practice at the foot of Snowdonia she developed her interest in dentistry. She now works for a private practice as well as for the RSPCA. She is very excited to meet you all. In her spare time, she loves gardening, spending time on the lovely beaches of North Wales and running after her 2 year old daughter. Llinos is a fluent Welsh speaker and very happy to consult in Welsh if required. Llinos joined FirstVet in February 2021.
Dr Angela Foscan
Angela qualified as a veterinary surgeon at the university of Padova, Italy, in 2010. Soon after graduation she moved to the UK where she worked in first opinion small animal practice in Norfolk and Bedfordshire. Having developed a keen interest in nutrition, Angela recently completed an MSc in Nutrition at the King’s College, London, qualifying as a Registered (Associate) Nutritionist. In her spare time, she enjoys all things food, running, practicing Pilates, and spending time with her cat, Moka. Angela joined FirstVet in February 2021.
Dr Airan Santana
Airan qualified as a vet in Valencia, his hometown, in 2008. After working in Spain for three years he decided to move to the UK in order to progress his career. In his time in England he has worked for over eight years in both first opinion and emergency small animal clinics. He has developed an interest in Emergency and Critical Care medicine which has led him to gain further qualifications in this field. First he obtained a General Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Practice and has now gained the Advanced Practitioner Status awarded by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He enjoys the action and sense of accomplishment that dealing with emergency cases brings him but also likes all aspects of preventive medicine and improving pets’ quality of life. Outside of work Airan enjoys outdoor sports, travelling with a focus in wildlife, any sea-related activity, and also socialising. Airan joined FirstVet in March 2021.
Dr Lesley Keung
Lesley graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. After graduation, she spent 4 weeks in Langkawi, Malaysia volunteering for a charity clinic where we treated pets and ran a busy stray neutering scheme. Lesley was offered a permanent job with the charity whilst volunteering and worked there for two years. Lesley then volunteered in Thailand for four weeks at Lanta Animal Welfare, before moving to Singapore where she worked for a purpose built and very busy small animal hospital for three years. Whilst in Singapore, Lesley adopted a stray dog named Marvel who came into the clinic after being hit by a car. She moved back to the UK with her partner and Marvel in 2017. Initially Lesley worked as a locum vet before becoming lead vet in a first opinion small animal practice, where she currently works. In my spare time Lesley enjoys eating pastries, walks in the countryside with Marvel, eating her husband's cooking and sometimes will reluctantly head to the gym in an attempt to burn off the calories from all the pastries. Lesley joined FirstVet in March 2021.
Dr Laura Stapleton
Laura qualified from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 2008. Since then, she has worked in first opinion small animal practice throughout the UK. Laura enjoys all aspects of medicine cases. She has a particular interest in pathology and dermatology, and has recently completed a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice with a focus on dermatology. Outside of work, Laura loves to travel and is an ardent foodie. She is kept entertained by her three-legged guinea pig, Peggy, and enjoys getting lost in the countryside with her Border Collie, Freya. Laura joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Maria Marra
Maria has worked as a small animal veterinary surgeon since qualifying in 2013. She moved to the UK immediately after her graduation and has not looked back since. She works as a locum veterinary surgeon meeting a lot of patients and their dedicated "pawrents", especially around the London area. Maria believes that one size does not fit all when it comes to our companions and that a personalised approach is key. Dogs, cats, rabbits and pet rodents are all welcome! In her spare time, Maria loves to travel and attend veterinary conferences. Maria joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Merel Rehorst-Smith
Merel qualified from Utrecht University in 2003 and has been in clinical practice ever since. She is a small animal vet with an interest in internal medicine, cats, small furries and reptiles. Over the last 17 years Merel has worked in both day-time and emergency practice. She enjoys addressing owner’s concerns and working out a suitable treatment plan. Merel’s family has four cats, two tortoises and two African land snails. She enjoys looking after her vegetable garden and has recently taken on playing the electric guitar and Python coding. Merel joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Anna Alborino
Anna qualified from The Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2013. Prior to studying veterinary medicine, she graduated from The University of Reading with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. Before joining FirstVet, and for the past seven years, Anna has worked solely in small animal practice. She has vested interests in canine and feline dentistry, nutrition and dermatology. She also has a passion for exotic animal medicine and surgery and is looking towards a certificate in this field. Outside of work, she can be found doing endless laps in the pool, gardening, hiking miles with her miniature dachshund, Obi, or indulging in cooking, yarn craft or illustration. Anna joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Nicki Bell
Nicki graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2003. She started working in mixed practice and for the last 10 years has been in companion animal practice. She currently works in a local practice and also in a hospital at weekends, dealing with emergencies. Nicki has a special interest in geriatric medicine, and arthritis in particular. She runs acupuncture clinics, mainly for musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis. Nicki has a young family and spends her time off with them and her Labrador, Maddie. Nicki joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Jennifer Brazier
Jenny graduated from the RVC in 2015. She spent 2 years in a full-time general practice role in Essex building an excellent base in all things first opinion including reptiles, birds, and small furries alongside the usual cats and dogs. She then moved on to an emergency out of hours role and completed a Masters in Epidemiology. She is currently in the second year of a PhD, looking at how farm animal practices contribute to the environmental contamination of antimicrobial resistance. She loves being able to combine clinical work with her research. She also loves to travel, and on quiet days at home can be found in her garden or spending time with her slightly special (thoroughly spoiled) cat who was rescued from her first practice. Jenny joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Sam Goldman
Sam qualified from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in 2017. Since graduating, he has worked in several practices across the midlands, as well as in Devon and Cornwall. Sam enjoys all aspects of practice but has a particular interest in internal medicine, cardiology and palliative care. Outside of practice, he is also an airline pilot. When not working, Sam enjoys worshiping his Poodle and taking her for lots of walks! Sam joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Inês Nunes
Inês graduated in 2017, in Portugal. Her first interest was in parasitology and wildlife, both the subjects of her Master Degree. She started working in small animal practice shortly after graduation and continued to do so after moving to the UK in 2018. In 2019 she completed an acupuncture course and has been doing some work in this field too, mainly treating chronic pain. Inês strongly believes in bonding with her patients and she greatly values the relationship between owner and vet as an important part of any treatment. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, gardening, learning new things no matter how big or small and spending time with her family and her four rescues. Inês joined FirstVet in March 2021.
Dr Fionnuala Coyle
Fionnuala qualified from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at University of Edinburgh in 2015 and shortly after completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery. She has since worked in equine practice and companion animal practice and is currently undertaking a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. Fionnuala enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a particular interest in sports medicine and diagnostic imaging. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and keeping fit. Fi joined FirstVet in March 2021.
Dr Stefania Cristofaletti
Stefania graduated from the University of Parma in Italy in 2008. Since Veterinary School she has developed a passion for small animal soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. This led her to complete externships around Europe. Stefania visited the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital at the University of Cambridge and the Teaching Hospital of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). These experiences gave her a great opportunity to work alongside an amazing team of specialists that boosted her passion to set a very high standard of care. Stefania worked for several years in Madrid, Spain in a busy practice before moving to the UK. She completed a one-year rotating internship at Davies Veterinary Specialist where she improved her understanding of many medical and surgical conditions. After that, Stefania worked in general practice and in a charity hospital in London. She enjoys all parts of the profession but finds it particularly satisfying being able to explain to the owners what is going on with their pet and helping them to make a plan of action in the different situations. Stefania has great empathy with owners of senior animals, as they are such an important part of the family. It’s an honor to be able to make their life safe and more comfortable. Stefania joined FirstVet in March 2021.
Dr Alison Jones
Alison qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2016. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, she has been practicing in South Wales working solely with small animals. She is passionate about internal medicine. Alison has recently diversified into emergency and critical care medicine and is developing her skills as an out-of-hours veterinary surgeon. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling home to see her friends and family, and going for long walks with her rescue dog Olive. Alison joined FirstVet in March 2021.
Dr Ewen Bennet
Ewen graduated from The University of Bristol Veterinary School in 2001 with degrees in Veterinary Science and Zoology. Since then he is very proud to have been working in small animal practice for almost twenty years. It has been a great honour to have been able to help so many people and their pets through the good times and the bad. Ewen particularly prides myself in providing clarity of communication and informed choice. He is forever striving to improve his knowledge and skills in all areas to provide you and your pets with the best and most up-to-date veterinary advice that he can. When not working, Ewen can usually be found out walking with his wonderful wife Victoria and his perfect pooch, Pola. Failing that you’ll see him cycling to and from his home in Faversham, kitesurfing or paddle boarding along the Kent coast and when conditions are right, mushroom hunting in many top-secret locations around the country. Ewen joined FirstVet in November 2020. He looks forward to meeting you and your pets soon!
Dr Jenny Sanders
Jenny qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2008 and has been working in first opinion small animal practice ever since. Jenny has worked in practices in Australia, Dubai and in various clinics within the UK. She has particular interest in feline medicine, oncology, dentistry and pain management. Jenny is passionate about helping owners to make the best, well informed decisions for their pets to be the healthiest and happiest they can be. Jenny joined FirstVet in April 2021.
Dr Niquet Goldson
Niquet hails from the beautiful island of Jamaica. She qualified in 2010 from the University of the West Indies SVM in Trinidad. Since then has lived and worked in four countries, including the UK. Niquet has a keen interest in small animal emergency practice and this motivated her to begin a Post Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency Practice, which she is currently doing. In her free time she loves a cuddle with her rescue babies, dogs, Enchi and Ava, and cat, Kenya. Niquet joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Maybelle Loh
Maybelle graduated from the University of Edinburgh Vet School in 2015. She is originally from Singapore but has since made the UK her home. Prior to studying veterinary medicine she also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences (cellular and molecular biology). Maybelle has worked in small animal practice since graduation. She is particularly interested in internal medicine, geriatric medicine and pain management. During her free time, Maybelle is kept busy by her young family and a cat, called Peanut, whom she adopted a month into starting her first job! Maybelle joined FirstVet in May 2021. She looks forward to meeting you and your ‘paw-some’ family member to help them the best she can.
Dr Henrietta Argent
Since graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2016, Henrietta has worked in small animal practices around London both full-time and as a locum. She has also worked for some small animal charities and has always had a love of exotic animals! In order to further her veterinary knowledge, Henrietta undertook a small animal rotating internship at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals at the Royal Veterinary College from June 2019 to June 2020. During this time, she also completed a post-graduate diploma in veterinary clinical practice. As part of the internship, Henrietta undertook emergency phone consults during the Coronavirus pandemic. In my spare time she loves to bake, read and walk her three dogs. Henrietta joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Cindy Blick
Cindy graduated from Murdoch University in sunny Western Australia back in 1999. She worked nights at a busy 24 hour Emergency Veterinary Hospital while studying, and for 2 years after graduation. Cindy then headed to the UK on a working holiday so she could “get the travel bug out of her system” before settling down in Australia. Three visas later, she still has the travel bug, and has settled permanently in the UK! She has worked as a small animal vet in the North, South, East and West of England, as well as in Northern Ireland. Cindy now lives in Lancashire with her black cat Rameses III, who came in as a stray hit-by-car, and stole her heart. When she is not working as a vet, Cindy likes to play the cello, or travel the world. Her veterinary interests have led her to volunteer with sea lions in Australia, sled dogs in Alaska, young national vets in Mongolia, a dog shelter in Romania and the SPCA in Fiji. Cindy joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Jaynie Matthews
Jaynie graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2009. After graduating, she worked in mixed practice in Aberdeenshire for 5 years, enjoying living on the coast and surfing on the beautiful North East beaches. She and her partner then moved back to central Scotland to continue working with small animals. After working and locuming in a variety of lovely practices, she has most recently joined the PDSA, and is greatly enjoying working for the charity. She spends her free time with her partner and daughter, out walking their Collie dog, Belle. She also loves sewing (when she can find the time!), particularly making clothes for her family and friends. They are hoping to spend the summer camping in Scotland in their very vintage campervan, and the winter enjoying a bit of skiing and snowboarding (and teaching their toddler!). Jaynie joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Marina Perez Lopez
Marina qualified from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2016. Soon after graduation she decided to move to England and started working for a busy small animal hospital in Birmingham, where she stayed for over three years. Marina then moved to the south of England and became a locum. She is currently working in the beautiful New Forest. She particularly enjoys surgery and ophthalmology, and is also keen on dermatology and nutrition cases. Marina loves the outdoors and always takes her Miniature Schanuzer, Sirio, with her hiking, camping and most recently sailing! She is really looking forward to meeting your four legged friends! Marina joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Cathy Thomson
Cathy qualified from the University of Liverpool in summer 2002, and immediately went to Thailand to participate in a stray dog neutering and wildlife conservation project. This meant that her first official patient after becoming a qualified vet was a sun bear! After returning, and spending a year in practice in the West Midlands, she has been working in small animal practice in the south-east of England since 2004. She was nominated for Petplan Vet of the Year on several occasions from 2013 onwards, and was a member of the winning veterinary practice team for Petplan Practice of the Year in 2018. She was also south-east Chair and trustee of a veterinary charity (BSAVA), which organises CPD - Continuing Education - for vets. In her leisure time she is at the beck and call of her four rescue cats, and enjoys walking, Pilates, gardening, and catching up with friends. Cathy joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Natasha Williams
Natasha qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2015. She went on to complete their Small Animal Rotating Internship in the university hospital for 12 months, before entering first opinion small animal practice in London. Natasha then moved to North Wales to continue working in small animal practice, both first opinion and emergency work. She has started a Certificate with the University of Liverpool in Dermatology, and also particularly enjoys soft tissue surgery and dentistry. Natasha joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Mila Iesanu
Mila graduated as a vet in 2017 in Ghent, Belgium. A few months later she moved to Scotland where she works as a small animal vet in Edinburgh and its surroundings. Her favourite part of being a vet is the chance to witness the bond between pets and their humans and the richness this unique relationship brings to our lives. Consulting online adds the extra joy of seeing pets fully at ease in their own home. Mila joined FirstVet in May 2021. Besides consulting, she applied her unusual combination of a veterinary and a linguistics degree to writing and editing a number of FirstVet website articles.
Dr Kirra Balmanno
Kirra graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 and began her career in a small animal clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Her lust for adventure and passion for ultra/mountain running had her buy a one-way ticket to the UK in 2016 where she shared her time between her London-based veterinary locum company and the mountains, especially the Swiss Alps and the Himalayas of Nepal. Along with being a passionate veterinarian, she loves to explore the world through endurance running and competes at an international level. Kirra loves that FirstVet allows her to live her dreams of extending her knowledge and skills to help animals and pet owners while also allowing her to get outside and explore!
Dr Luis Sousa
Luis graduated with a Masters Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Porto in 2018 after a research project in collaboration with Swansea University. He has been living in Wales ever since, from busy hospital practice to more quiet branch work, always exploring and improving his interest in medicine. Luis speaks English and Portuguese, and he promises he is working on his Welsh. In his spare time you can find him in the kitchen, brewing, or still in front of his laptop. Luis joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Liz Jolley
Liz graduated from the University of Bristol in 2015 and has been in clinical practice ever since. Her goal was always to become a general practitioner allowing her to do a little bit of everything. Liz has been fortunate to work with some fantastic specialists in medicine, surgery, imaging and emergency care over the years. Though she loves all aspects of the job, Liz is particularly interested in canine epilepsy and avian medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys being out in the countryside or at home with her pet dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons and fish. Liz joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Miriam de Feu
Miriam graduated veterinary medicine from University College Dublin prior to studying veterinary medicine she completed an undergraduate degree in agricultural science, specialising in Animal Science. Miriam was awarded a walsh fellowship scholarship to complete her research masters in embryology and nutrition in dairy cows in conjunction with Teagasc. She has been practicing as a veterinarian in the UK since 2015 working as an equine, mixed and small animal practitioner. Miriam is currently completing a small animal medicine certificate with the university of Liverpool. At home Miriam enjoys looking after her six horses and seven rescued cats as well as hiking and taking part in marathons and triathlons. Miriam joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Elena Muzzoni
Elena completed her veterinary medicine degree at the University of Parma, Italy in 2003. Since then she has been dedicated to small animal medicine and developed a keen interest in dermatology, oncology and gastroenterology. In 2011 she completed a PhD in Immunology with a dissertation about the side effects of chemotherapy. During this period she worked in the Pathology Department at the University of Parma, diving deep into the field of cytology. Elena can give owner’s information about lumps that are commonly found on pets, and whether it is benign or malignant by looking at samples under the microscope. Cytology skills help her to implement her knowledge in dermatology and oncology too. Since September 2004 Elena has been working in Italy as clinician, in both first opinion and referral practices. In June 2015 she moved to England to learn English and new vet skills. Elena currently works in a busy first opinion practice in the North East area. In the near future she is planning to obtain a certificate in canine and feline nutrition to be able to give advice regarding the best way to feed your pet. She can not wait to offer her experience to help your little fur friends. In her spare time she loves walking on the Moor, reading books and spending time with her lovely crazy rabbit, Gino Pino. Elena joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Ciaran Walsh
Ciaran grew up and studied in Dublin. After completing his degree at UCD, he moved to New Zealand to commence his career. After 1.5 years in New Zealand, Ciaran moved back home to Dublin and continued working in small animal practice. He is particularly interested in internal medicine, dermatology and diagnostic imaging. Outside of work Ciaran enjoys reading, socialising with friends and keeping active. Ciaran Walsh joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Judy Taggart
Judy graduated from Glasgow University Vet School in 1992 and in 2022 will celebrate 30 years as a vet. The first 15 years of her career were spent in mixed and companion animal and practice in the south of England, followed by a return to Glasgow 15 years ago, where she works in small animal practice. As a general practitioner she loves being able to help pet owners and their 4-legged family members with the full spectrum of their issues and concerns, recognising that her wide experience and communication skills are some of the upsides of her advancing age! Judy is currently studying for a Masters degree in One Health - a discipline that uses an integrated approach in human, animal and environmental health, to improve outcomes in all three areas. The use of telemedicine (health care via video) is an important aspect of this approach to global development, and she is very excited about using this resource. She has two school age children, two preloved terriers and the recent addition of George, the preloved corn snake (she is surprised how attached she has become to gorgeous George!). Judy joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Viktoria Tsari
Viktoria has been a practicing small animal vet in the UK for eight years. Viktoria completed a AFAVP and BSAP at the Royal Veterinary College and is currently finishing a PgCert in small animal surgery with Improve International at Harper's University. She is passionate about surgery and has an increasing interest in soft tissue surgery. Independent hospitals and leading corporate clinics offered Viktoria a lot of internal medicine experience as well as surgical. She is currently working as a locum vet in the London area and enjoying a new form of vet-client communication in veterinary telemedicine. Viktoria joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Maggie Doherty
Maggie completed her veterinary degree with Honours at the University of Wroclaw, Poland in 2003. Immediately following graduation, Maggie pursued a career in the UK, working with a number of quality first opinion, hospital and emergency veterinary providers. Her interests are small animal general internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, diagnostics and critical care patients. Maggie completed a postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2018 and achieved Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Advanced Practitioner status in 2021. Maggie has run her own highly successful surgery in the UK. Maggie has developed a broad network in the veterinary profession and is well respected by both clients and colleagues for her dedication to welfare and patient outcomes. Maggie joined FirstVet in May 2021.
Dr Ioana Junquera
Ioana graduated in 2004 from the University of León, Spain. Since then she has practiced veterinary medicine in a wide variety of situations, from wildlife centres in Spain, to volunteering with street dogs in the Indian Himalayas. Ioana has been working as a vet in the UK for the last 17 years. Ioana has a keen interest in exotic species, and also enjoys abdominal ultrasonography and soft tissue surgery. In her free time, she likes watching movies, travelling and exploring new places with her daughter. They live with Tashi the cat, Ramón the tortoise, and seven fish. Ioana joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Rebekah Dudek
Rebekah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2007. After initially working as an exotics vet across Southern Africa where lions and elephants were frequently her patients of the day, she returned to the UK where she has worked in both general practice and referral hospitals for the last 11 years. Focussing her time now in small animal medicine she has developed a keen interest in the fields of Emergency and Critical Care, Neurology and Dermatology. She loves the variety of cases and creatures that veterinary work brings and is dedicated to providing the best standards of care for both her patients, and clients alike. Rebekah joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Henry Mosey
Henry graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2017. Whilst studying Veterinary Medicine he also completed an intercalated degree in Comparative Pathology. He is currently serving as a Veterinary Officer in the British Army where his clinical responsibilities involve the care of Military Working Dogs and Horses. Henry also works in civilian practice in the first opinion and veterinary hospital environments. His clinical priorities are analgesia and effective triage. Concurrent to completing his CertAVP, Henry’s primary research interest is osteoarthritis and he is currently undertaking a part-time Master’s degree in research (MRes) in this field. Henry has recently welcomed baby Sienna into the world and hopes she one day will also consider the veterinary profession. Henry joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Brandon Spolander
Brandon has been passionate about animals, wildlife and conservation since he was a young boy. Qualifying to be veterinarian was something he dreamed of and set his mind on from the age of about 11. Brandon was born in South Africa and spent his formative years there, including qualifying as a veterinarian. He came over to the UK quite soon after qualifying and spent the next number of years honing his skills as a companion animal and exotic animal veterinarian. Brandon established a two site veterinary clinic in London in 1997 but sold this in order to get back to the basics of enjoying being a vet. Additionally, he went back to University to obtain a masters in aquatic veterinary medicine, which was a fantastic experience. Helping owners to take good care of their animal friends is motivating and rewarding. Brandon has an ongoing keen interest in medicine and how fascinating biology is. He enjoys spending his time off with various outdoor activities such as bodyboarding, distance running, scuba diving, open-water swimming and organising social events with friends. Most importantly lots of cuddles with his rescue dog called Khaya who is just adorable and certainly makes life better just for being there. Brandon joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Kathryn Waddington-Morris
Kat graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2012. After graduation she went on to complete a 12 month rotating internship at a private referral hospital in the North West. Upon completing her internship Kathryn has been working in first opinion small animal practice ever since. Kat currently works in practice in the North West in a consulting only role and is working towards her certificate in small animal internal medicine with the BSAVA. Kat loves all aspects of being a general practitioner and is particularly interested in feline medicine and the management of chronic pain in small animals. She lives with her husband, young son and 2 rescue cats, Mango and Hendricks. Outside of work she enjoys travelling, music and baking. Kat joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Rita Alitalo
Hello! Rita graduated from Murdoch University (Perth, Western Australia) in 1996 after fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a vet. She has always worked in small animal practice and been lucky enough to experience a rewarding and varied life as a vet surgeon around much of Australia and the UK, including emergency based hospitals. Rita is now permanently settled in Buckinghamshire with her family, which includes two dogs and two cats. Her special interests include dermatology, internal medicine and both paediatric and geriatric care. Outside of her professional hours Rita enjoys exercising on her peloton bike, baking with her children and connecting with nature. Her role as a veterinarian is based on a deep love for animals but naturally extends to looking after people too. She looks forward to helping you with any concerns you may have about your precious pets. Rita joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Cecilia Vieira
Cecilia graduated in Lisbon, Portugal in 2005. Soon after her qualification she moved to the UK where she works with companion animals. She holds a Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging and has worked in the Midlands and the South East, both in small practices and busy 24-hour hospitals over the last 15 years. She was also a consultant for an RSPCA shelter. Cecilia has a keen interest in diagnostics and internal medicine of cats and dogs and loves helping pets and owners reach the best outcome possible. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling with her young family, yoga and playing the piano. Cecilia joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Anne Seawright
Anne graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 2004 from the University of Bristol. Following graduation she spent two years working in a busy small animal hospital where her interest in behaviour and welfare grew, and so she returned to the University of Bristol to undertake a residency and PhD in clinical behavioural medicine. During this time Anne continued to undertake clinical work as a locum veterinary surgeon in first opinion practices in the South West of England, which she has continued alongside clinical behaviour practice. Anne has two young children, four cats and a dog, and is just about to put all the behaviour training in practice with her new puppy. Anne joined FirstVet in June 2021.
Dr Carina Rocha
Carina qualified from the University of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, North of Portugal in 2010. Since then, she has been working in small animal general practice. She has a wide range of interests, including internal medicine, feline medicine, and ultrasonography. Carina is also an Official Vet (OV) for Small Animal Export Certification. Carina regularly volunteers as a veterinary surgeon in Cape Verde islands, Africa. She speaks Portuguese, Spanish, a bit of French and of course English. In her spare time, she likes to spend time travelling and reading. Carina joined FirstVet June 2021.
Dr Serena D'Anna
Serena qualified in Italy from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Messina in 2015. Shortly after graduation she moved to the UK where she has been working primarily with small animals. Serena haa been working as a locum veterinary surgeon since 2020 and enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine. Her particular interest is in soft tissue surgery and emergency medicine. When she is not working Serena spends her time traveling with her husband, spending time outdoors, or taking care of her two rescue cats. Serena speaks English, Italian and Spanish. Serena joined FirstVet in July 2021.
Dr Blaise Callan
Blaise graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Košice in 2016 and has been working as a small animal veterinarian in the UK for the last 5 years. She has a passion for shelter medicine and has done volunteer work at shelters in Nicaragua, Nepal and Thailand. She has a special interest in dermatology and passing on her tips and tricks for keeping skin happy and healthy. Blaise has two dogs of her own that she has adopted from Romania and a very special cat that she rescued here in the UK. When she’s not working hard to help keep pets healthy, she enjoys hiking, camping and yoga. Blaise joined FirstVet in July 2021.
Dr Angel Martin
Angel qualified as a veterinary surgeon in Spain in 2005 at the faculty of Leon and worked for seven years in Sevilla, the town of his birth, mostly specialising in small animals but also working with exotics. He moved to the UK and worked in the north of England for a couple of years before moving down to London in 2015 to work in a first opinion practice as a sole charge vet. Angel enjoys all aspects of first opinion practice and has a keen interest in birds and dentistry. Angel joined FirstVet in July 2021.
Dr Emma Alsop
Emma qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2001. After two years of mixed practice, she concentrated on horses and equine internal medicine, completing an internship followed by a hospital clinician and neonatology position, whilst gaining her certificate in equine internal medicine. Emma then travelled the world whilst working as an equine veterinary surgeon. Now settled with a partner, who is also a vet, and their 2.5 year old daughter, Emma has returned to small animal veterinary work, including volunteer work in a charity clinic performing surgeries whilst also consulting in private practice for small animals and horses. She also spent some time working in research, being primarily involved in the development of heart valve replacement equipment and techniques for developing countries. In her free time Emma can be found mountain biking or sea swimming. Emma joined FirstVet in July 2021 and looks forward to providing pet owners with a professional yet approachable and friendly service.
Dr Jelena Pearce
Jelena qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2007. She spent the first few years of her career working with 'all creatures great and small' before concentrating on companion animals for the past decade. She has a passion for being a GP vet and enjoys working with her clients to ensure the best day-to-day care of their pets, with a special interest in the management of chronic conditions in older patients. She also enjoys soft tissue surgery. Her own pets mean the world to her, and she loves nothing better than walking in the Mendips or Brecon Beacons with her dogs. Jelena joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Luisa Coelho
Luisa qualified in Portugal, her beautiful country by the sea, in 2012. After spending several years working in busy first-opinion and emergency and critical care small animal hospitals, and being a proud cat lady and advocate, Luisa joined Portugal's first feline-exclusive veterinary hospital in Lisbon. She eventually moved to London in 2017 where she continues to work as a feline-focused clinician. Luisa happily obtained her membership of The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in Medicine of Cats in 2018, becoming a part of the International Society of Feline Medicine's expert panel. She is fascinated by all aspects of feline medicine but has a particular interest in geriatric/paediatric medicine, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care and infectious disease management. Luisa currently travels to work abroad on a regular basis whilst based in Portugal, where she lives with her two beloved three-legged dogs, and one very cheeky cat! Luisa joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Aneta Duszak-Kowal
After graduating in Lublin, Poland, in 2002 Aneta moved to the UK to study feline medicine. While working in a small animal practice, she gained a GP Certificate in Feline Medicine. Two years later, in 2010, she obtained a GP Certificate in Ophthalmology. In 2018 she passed the board exam to become a member of Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS Feline Chapter) and joined the Academy of Feline Practitioners (accredited by International Society of Feline Medicine). In 2020 Aneta spent several months working in a first and second opinion hospital in Falun, Sweden, which allowed her to exchange the experience with the Swedish colleagues, especially in the field of antibiotic stewardship, in which she holds a special interest. In her free time, Aneta loves reading, running and travelling with her husband and 11 year old son. Her two cats, Sally and Caramel, kindly allow the whole family to live in their house in Surrey. Aneta joined FirstVet in August 2021.
Jo Whitehead - Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Jo is a Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB / ABTC) and a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). She has worked with and studied cats, dogs and a variety of other animals. Jo has been actively involved in animal behaviour and welfare research for over 17 years. Having begun her training as a veterinary nurse with the PDSA, she then went on to gain her PhD in Biology (Animal Behaviour and Physiology) from York University in 2002. In 2016 she did further studies with Newcastle University on their MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Jo has been running a successful behaviour consultancy service since 2014. She is a keen advocate of positive training methods and strongly believes that flexibility, adaptability and understanding are key to helping people achieve a happy and positive relationship with their pets. Jo is looking forward to meeting you and your pets.
Claire Arrowsmith - Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Claire is a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB / ABTC) and a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). She qualified with a Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare from the University of Edinburgh in 2000 and has been working with pets with problems ever since. She runs a very busy pet behaviour centre based in the Midlands. Claire has also published several books for pet owners, including Brain Games for Dogs. At home she is always busy with her son, two dogs, two cats and a flock of Brahma hens. Claire is excited to join FirstVet for the launch of our behaviour service and is looking forward to helping you understand your pet's behaviour.
Dr Joan Burke
Joan graduated from Warsaw University of Life Sciences in 2016. Originally from the west of Ireland, she has practiced as a small animal veterinary surgeon in the UK since 2016. Joan works in both first opinion practice and 24-hour emergency critical hospital care. She completed her RCVS Advanced Practitioner Qualification with focus on small animal Dermatology in 2020, but also enjoys other aspects of veterinary medicine including ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery and oncology. Joan is also an Official Vet for Small Animal Export Certification. Joan spends the majority of her spare time exploring the UK countryside with her two Irish Setters and when life allows for it, she enjoys travelling to experience new cultures and places. Joan joined FirstVet in August 2020 and is excited to help pet owners in a new innovative way.
Dr Jessica McNamara
Jess qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005. Initially after graduation, she completed an Equine internship and then took a role in mixed practice before settling into small animal practice. Jess enjoys all aspects of general practice and the balance between surgery and internal medicine. She particularly likes the consulting aspect of her job, meeting different people and developing trust while ensuring that consultations are stress-free for the dogs, cats and their owners. Her special interests are geriatric medicine and management of chronic pain. Jess joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Sally Ashbridge
Sally qualified as a vet from the University of Cambridge in 1989, having graduated with a BSc in Physiology from the University of Liverpool beforehand. In 2015 she gained a Masters degree in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare from Newcastle University. This has opened up a whole new dimension to practising as a vet, making it even more rewarding. Sally likes all aspects of small animal medicine, but particularly enjoys using her experience of working for a specialist veterinary behaviour practice to help people understand their dogs better and to manage quality of life in older pets. Away from work, Sally enjoys cycling, walking and camping in the mountains with friends and family. She is looking forward to working with the team at FirstVet to help more pets and their families. Sally joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Hannah Capon
Hannah qualified from Cambridge University in 2002 and has worked in a large variety of practices and roles from sole charge first opinion practice to teamwork emergency practice. She won the 2020 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award, the 2019 CEVA Vet of the Year and was a finalist Petplan Vet of the Year in 2019. Hannah has an incredible passion for chronic pain management, geriatrics and musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation and has been recognised for her tireless work on Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), an online education and support service for owners of arthritic dogs and professionals. When Hannah is not working you will find her paddle boarding, kitesurfing and camping by the coast with her dog Luna. Hannah joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Sophie Hopker
Sophie graduated from the University of Bristol Veterinary School in 2007. She started her career working in rural India, following her passion for helping those animals most in need. Sophie has returned to India regularly ever since, travelling to remote areas to provide veterinary care for injured and sick animals, and sustainable education for animal keepers. In the UK she has worked in a variety of settings from small rural practices to large referral centres and a cat only clinic! Sophie’s favourite job has been working for a wonderful shelter specialising in rehoming breeding dogs rescued from puppy farms. After moving to Scotland eight years ago Sophie continued to work in small animal practice as well as at the University of Edinburgh, teaching final year students in clinical skills. Sophie recently completed the foundation course in Veterinary Acupuncture and is working towards a certificate in Integrative Care in Veterinary Practice, focussing on the management of chronic pain. She strives to help all of her patients stay happy and healthy by advising on practical and affordable veterinary care, ideally while getting a cuddle! She is also a qualified yoga teacher and loves to spend time in wild places with her husband (who is also a vet), two lovely children and beloved ancient spaniel, Inky. Sophie joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Fiona Diamond
After growing up in the UK, US and Germany, Fiona qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009. Since then she has worked in first opinion small animal practice all over the country. She has particular interests in general surgery and rabbit medicine. Fiona now lives by the sea in Norfolk, kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding and growing veg in her allotment in her spare time with her husband, son and rescue Labrador. Fiona joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Caroline Gouldney
Caroline qualified from University of Bristol in 2016. She spent 3 years working in mixed practice in North Wales with a keen interest in sheep. For the last 2 years she has been working with companion animals in a busy not-for-profit 24 hour hospital in Shrewsbury. Caroline enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and behaviour. In her spare time she enjoys walking around the Welsh countryside with her 2 cocker spaniels. Caroline joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Joanna Kin
Joanna graduated in Wroclaw, Poland in 2017 and registered with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons the same year to practice small animal medicine in beautiful Yorkshire. She worked in small, local practices as well as busy hospitals managing out of hours care. She enjoys seeing all small animals but her main interest lies in feline medicine. In May 2021 she achieved the Feline Practice General Practitioner Certificate and is currently undertaking the ISFM Advanced Feline Behaviour for Professionals course. She is never bored with her three dogs and three cats. In spare time she enjoys cooking, gardening and mountain hiking. She is looking forward to meeting you and your furry friends! Joanna joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Rachel Sant
Rachel qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 1992. She has worked in multiple practices in the South of England, and spent 19 years working in Kent before moving to Devon with her husband and Willow, the tabby cat, in 2019. Rachel has a special interest and further qualifications in dermatology and feline medicine. In her spare time Rachel enjoys yoga and playing tennis. Rachel Sant joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Dominique Baranska
Dominique is originally from South Africa and came to the UK to start her childhood dream of becoming a vet. She studied veterinary medicine in Warsaw, Poland at SGGW, graduating in 2015. Dominique enjoys every aspect of her veterinary career, and has key interests in acupuncture and dermatology. She works as a small animal veterinarian in the Scottish Highlands for a mixed practice where she is also completing a dermatology certificate, and plans to advance to specialisation in dermatology in the future. A short quote which defines Dominique’s love for her career is one by Steve Jobs: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Dominique joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Dzunisani Ngobeni
Dzuni graduated in 2017 from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She spent a year as a state veterinarian, servicing underprivileged communities. She thereafter worked in mixed practice helping small and production animals and the odd wildlife. Dzuni is currently a small animal vet based in London, pursuing a certificate in small animal surgery, with a keen interest in medicine. Outside of work, she can be found sightseeing and finding new restaurants. Dzuni joined FirstVet in September 2021.
Dr Hannah James
Hannah graduated from University of Glasgow in 2012 and has worked in multiple practices across the UK. She achieved a certificate in small animal surgery in 2017. Hannah has a particular interest in soft tissue and laparoscopic surgery. Outside of work she likes to explore the countryside with her family and cocker spaniel. Hannah joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Peter Howe
Pete qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009. Initially, he worked in mixed practice before making the move into small animal practice. Pete’s main interest is soft tissue surgery and he enjoys the rapport developed with clients. Outside of work Pete likes to travel, keep fit, and spend time on the beach with his young family. He has a keen interest in conservation and enjoys spending time improving the habitat on his small holding. Pete joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Michelle Beckert
Michelle achieved an undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Smith College in the USA before attending the Royal Veterinary College in London. She qualified in 2009 and completed the rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Dick White Referrals in 2011. Michelle always knew she would work with small animals and has developed a keen interest in Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging. She lives in beautiful North Norfolk with her partner and their dog, Bonzo, who is the most popular member of the household! She finds the connection between an owner and patient paramount and the relationship between a vet and their client in service to this. Michelle joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Aimee Nudds
Aimee graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005. She has been working in different small animal first opinion and referral practices ever since. In 2014 Aimee completed a certificate in Small Animal Medicine. She particularly enjoys giving advice and support to elderly patients with chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and osteoarthritis. Aimee has implemented the “Fear free” principles in caring for her patients, which allows her to look after both a pet’s emotional and physical well-being. She really enjoys being able to offer advice through video consultations in the comfort of your own home. Over the years Aimee has also treated many rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and degus! And in her spare time she can be found walking the beach with both her wonderful son and superstar geriatric dog, Locky. Aimee joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Anna Minoli
Anna graduated from the University of Turin in Italy in 2003. She moved to the UK shortly after and worked at a few different practices and hospitals in the South East. Anna settled in London where for the past 10 years she’s been a small animal GP. She enjoys all aspects of general practice but especially geriatric and feline medicine. Anna can’t wait to put her knowledge and experience to use by helping pet owners in the innovative way that is FirstVet. She joined the team in October 2021.
Dr Simoné Weideman
Simoné qualified from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2007. She worked in small animal clinical practice in South Africa for 7 years before braving the move across the equator... and her first Yorkshire winter. She has continued working as a small animal clinician and, in her spare time, she is trying to master the art of archery. Preventative healthcare is something she feels strongly about as it forms the cornerstone of ensuring optimal health and well being for all our pets through the different life stages. Simoné joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Lucinda Dovey
Lu graduated from Liverpool in 2007, having previously gained a Zoology degree there. After a short time in mixed practice, the last 13 years have been spent in Small Animal practice. Lu has an interest in both medicine and surgery and also acupuncture. She particularly enjoys looking after the clients and interacting with the pets. Lu lives in Wiltshire with her husband and two little boys who keep her busy! Over the years they have had a cat, four dogs, exotic pheasants, chickens, hamsters, fish, guinea pigs and a rabbit. With their love of animals and the outdoors, one day they hope to have their dream of a small holding! Lu enjoys spending her spare time at their allotment, in the countryside, at the beach and keeping fit. Lu joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr James Tilling
James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009. His first job was working at the RSPCA hospital in Manchester, where he adopted his first rescue cat. James has worked at a variety of small animal practices in both London and Manchester. He enjoys all the varied and challenging aspects of general practice. James has a special interest in infectious diseases and dermatology. When not working, he enjoys traveling to faraway places, trying to keep on top of the weeds in his garden, and resisting the urge to adopt any more pets! James joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Sabrina Ramsey
Sabrina qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2014. Since then she has worked both within private practice and the charity sector. Sabrina currently works in a busy small animal practice in Clacton on Sea. She enjoys all elements of internal medicine and has a keen interest in animal behaviour. She is currently undertaking a degree in canine aggression. Outside of work Sabrina enjoys walking by the coast, dancing, sketching and reading. She has a spoiled black and white rescue cat called Jefferson. Sabrina’s family have also recently rescued a husky; he is lovely but certainly keeps her on her toes! Sabrina joined FirstVet in October 2021.
Dr Danielle MacGill
Danielle graduated from Glasgow university in 2017. She then moved south to the small rural town of Barnard Castle to work, initially in a mixed but mainly small animal practice. After two and a half years she then moved up to Morpeth and now works in a first opinion small animal practice in Newcastle. She has a keen interest in surgery and emergency medicine as well as ophthalmology and is currently working towards her CertAVP in small animal surgery with the university of Liverpool. In her spare time Danielle can be found running or walking her lurcher through the Northumberland countryside, or spending time with her three cats and her little old rescue African pygmy hedgehog. Danielle joined First Vet in October 2021.
Rachel Rodgers - Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Rachel Rodgers is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB / ABTC) and experienced dog trainer. Rachel is a fully accredited member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. She has a PGCE (Professional Graduate Certificate in Education) and has spent time as a lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and Canine Behaviour and Training. With a Master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Rachel has a thorough theoretical knowledge to underpin her practical skills. Rachel has spent over 10 years training rescue dogs and has been a manager for the RSPCA and Dogs Trust. In September 2021 Rachel won Dog Trainer of the Year for the second year running with the Prestige Awards, and also won Clinical Animal Behaviourist of the Year (North West UK) in the Small Business Awards.
Dr Peter Higgins
Peter has been a vet for over 30 years. He hails from Australia and has worked in a variety of practices. Before moving to the UK, Peter was a tutor in the School of Veterinary Science at The University of Sydney teaching, and demonstrating to veterinary students. He has written two books on pet care He has his own pet YouTube channel and has appeared regularly in Australian media talking or writing about animal care. Peter has lived with a menagerie of animals during his time including rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, ducks, chickens, dogs and cats of course, and horses. He even had an ant farm… until the day of the great escape. Since moving to the UK, he has worked in a variety of companion animal clinics in London. Peter is also an Official Veterinarian for the Animal and Plant Health Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In Australia Peter also worked at two charity clinics which provided veterinary services for homeless and other disadvantaged people and their pets. As well as dogs and cats, Peter has worked with and treated a wide variety of animals including tortoises, snakes, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and of course koalas and kangaroos. He is a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and currently a Trustee of the Society. Outside of veterinary medicine and surgery Peter is an avid sports fan and in particular rugby union, cricket, and athletics. Currently Peter has two German Pinschers called Heidi and Kaiser and a cat called Tilly. Don’t forget to say “G’day” if you are talking to Peter at FirstVet.
Dr Alexander Morley
Alex has been a practising veterinary surgeon since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2008. After an initial foray into mixed animal practice, he has spent most of his career working with companion animals. Alex has been the lead veterinary surgeon in 2 practices and his most recent role was as a veterinary team leader in one of the biggest companion animal charities in the country. He really enjoys the problem solving nature of veterinary medicine and he is especially keen on surgery, particularly orthopaedic surgery. In his free time Alex is a member of a local choir, enjoys playing computer and board games. He is also currently learning to coax a piano into producing some appropriate noises, helped by Dexter the cat who he considers to be his personal muse (or should that be mews...). Alex joined FirstVet in November 2021.
Dr Joseph Clarke
Originally from the North East of England, Joe made the trip further North to Edinburgh University for his veterinary studies. Here, he met his wife, who is also a vet, before moving back to Newcastle. Since then Joe has worked in small animal practice for seven years before our recent move to London. Joe is determined to ensure that owners can enjoy a healthy and happy bond with their pet, through ongoing reassurance, clinical care and advice. Joe now has a family of five, with two black cats (Nobu & Shimokitazawa) & a red footed tortoise (Ho Wan, or “Lucky One” in Cantonese!). Joe’s in-laws live in Hong Kong. He and his wife enjoy travelling to be with them, hiking and cold water swimming. Joe is also studying for a MSc in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine on a part time basis, furthering his passion for understanding the interconnections between human, animal and environmental health. Joe joined FirstVet in November 2021.
Dr Janet Bain
Janet returned to the UK after graduating as a Veterinary Surgeon from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Košice, Slovakia in 2017. She has worked in small animal general practice for 3 years, after which she undertook additional training to work exclusively in Emergency and Critical Care. She currently works as a locum in both emergency and general practice. Janet will be starting a rotating internship at the beginning of 2022. She is also undergoing the examination process to become qualified to practice as a vet in the United States. She has a Persian cat named Cindy, who grew up travelling between Slovakia and Austria but now enjoys long naps on the windowsill. She is looking forward to helping pets and their owners in a stress free environment. Janet joined FirstVet in November 2021.
Dr Silas Goldsworthy
Silas qualified from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. Initially, he worked in mixed practice before completing a small animal rotating internship at Davies Vet Specialists in Hertfordshire. Silas has spent the last 10 years working in small animal practices in the UK and also in Australia. He enjoys all aspects of general practice veterinary medicine and helping his patients. When not working he is often found out cycling, or travelling the world alongside developing his interest in languages. Silas joined FirstVet in December 2021.
Dr Elaine Pratt
Elaine qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2007. She spent the first year of her career working in a rural mixed practice before moving to focus on companion animals. Elaine enjoys working with pet owners to provide the best possible care for their pets. With a special interest in behaviour, she is always keen to improve understanding of pets’ behaviour at any opportunity. In her leisure time Elaine can be found walking her lurcher on the beach, ‘keeping fit’ or reading. Elaine joined FirstVet in December 2021.
Dr Kathryn Lovegrove
Kathryn qualified from the University of Budapest in 2018. Since then she has been working in small animal general practice in London. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a particular interest in feline medicine. In her spare time, if not running or cycling, you can find Kathryn curled up with her three legged cat called Pegleg Peggy. Kathryn joined FirstVet in 2021.
Dr Sarah Phillips
Sarah graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2009 after first completing a BSc honours degree in Animal Science. Since graduation she has been working entirely within small animal first opinion private practice. Sarah is currently a part time locum for an independent practice in the Midlands. She enjoys all aspects of practice life but has real interests in dermatology and reproductive medicine. Sarah is currently undertaking a certificate and further studies in Small Animal Internal Medicine. When not working, she is kept busy with her four young children and menagerie of her own pets. Sarah adores dogs, has quite a few of her own and owns a small flock of hens. She looks forward to meeting you and your amazing animals! Sarah joined FirstVet in December 2021.
Dr Marta Vidal-Abarca
Marta wanted to be a vet for as long as she could remember. She graduated in Valencia, Spain in 2006. Marta worked for two years on the sunny coast of Alicante. In 2008 she moved to the UK to develop her career and explore new horizons. Marta has worked in different small animal clinics. She has obtained two Ophthalmology certificates, developing her main field of interest. Marta moved back to Spain in 2015 where she lives with her partner, who is also a vet, and their two children. Marta has worked in critical care and emergency medicine at a teaching hospital and, also as a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in a referral clinic. She is interested in all aspects of general medicine. She also has a soft spot for cats. Marta loves emergency medicine and hospital care. She is very excited to be part of the great team of vets at FirstVet and is looking forward to helping pet owners in need of advice and support. Marta joined FirstVet in December 2021.
Dr Emma Foster
Emma graduated from The University of Edinburgh in 2015. She started her career in London, working in several large hospitals as a companion animal day and a dedicated night vet. After a three month sabbatical, enjoying life in Europe, she returned to work in Cornwall where she currently lives and locums full time. She has a particular for all things dental, ultrasound and medical. Emma is currently studying towards a further qualification in Internal Medicine. Outside of work, she has her hands full with Inca and Winston, the dogs, and sassy Domestic Short Hair (DSH), Edwina Sheeran! She loves to cook, eat and go for long beach walks on the weekends. Emma joined FirstVet in December 2021.
Dr Vanessa Persson
After growing up in Ireland and then on a farm in Eswatini, Vanessa graduated from the University of Glasgow 20 years ago. After 2 years in practice, she completed a Masters in Tropical Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Vanessa has practiced as a vet in both in the UK and South Africa. Initially she worked in mixed practice and then for the last ten years has owned and run her own small animal clinic. During her lengthy career Vanessa has learnt to appreciate the depth and importance of the bond between her clients and their pets. She endeavours to always take the time to understand her clients concerns and worries before attempting to give caring, sensible advice, or appropriate treatment. Vanessa is currently working toward a Masters in One Health at the University of Glasgow. She has a special interest in emerging zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance which are both topics covered in this course. When not studying she enjoys spending time with her two young children and husband, camping, trail running and hiking. Vanessa joined FirstVet in December 2021.
Jo Wriglesworth
Jo began her career with a degree in psychology followed by an MSc in
Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Edinburgh in
2005. She trained as a Puppy School tutor and taught puppy classes for
twelve years and was the North West area manager. Since 2006 she has
been helping owners of dogs and cats in her own behaviour practice. In
2018 she moved to Dogs Trust and worked in Post Adoption support
where she provided behaviour advice to over four thousand rescue dog
owners. Jo joined Firstvet in 2022 and enjoys helping all kinds of behaviour cases.
She specialises in puppy problems, has lots of experience working with
aggression, and particularly enjoys talking to owners about their cats!
She lives with her daughter, two cats and two very cheeky house rabbits!
Dr Clare Wilson
Clare Wilson graduated from Cambridge University Veterinary School in 2001, having spent her third year studying Biological Anthropology and completing a first-class dissertation on ‘Deception and Cognitive Strategies in Monkeys and Apes’. Whilst working in mixed practice in the Welsh borders and then Warwickshire, Clare graduated from Southampton University in 2006 with a postgraduate diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling. She is an ASAB Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist and ABTC Registered Veterinary Behaviourist. Clare runs a behaviour referral service in Warwickshire in addition to working as a locum vet in general practice, providing CPD for vets and vet nurses, writing on behaviour topics and sitting on the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Accreditation committee.