She says “Lort Smith gives me the opportunity to do this and are unwavering in supporting my integrative approach to medicine. I can tap on the vast collective knowledge of my colleagues in Western medicine, whilst being given the space to work in acupuncture, CBD and other different treatments.”

The results of her work are outstanding and some of Dr Amanda’s proudest professional moments have been treating our shelter animals. “Seeing a surrendered animal move from a place of fear and illness to full health and a happy home for keeps is very special to be part of.”

There are many things that Dr Amanda values about working at Lort Smith. “I love the team effort and collaborative approach – our people are passionate and caring. And they’re smart! I call them ‘the brains trust’ because everyone has their own interest and are encouraged to pursue that area. That gives us a massive pool of knowledge to draw on, something you don’t see at many veterinary organisations.”

And this collaborative approach extends to Lort Smith’s support for staff to develop and grow their skills with formal training opportunities. “Our environment is one of learning and best practice. We all gather new information from conferences and courses, and then share and implement it.”

Dr Amanda is excited about the opportunities that the new hospital will present when it opens in 2023. “Having a brand-new facility built using fear-free principles means that we can help even more animals and the people who love them.”

She regularly works out of the recently opened clinic and Adoption Centre in Campbellfield, in Melbourne’s Northern suburbs, giving her firsthand experience in what the new hospital will be like to work in. “Our Campbellfield clinic is a joy to work in – the facilities and equipment are state-of-the-art and the teams feel incredibly lucky to be working there.”

Like Campbellfield, the new hospital will house Lort Smith’s advanced equipment that is used across our different services from standard clinical consults, through to A&E and ICU. Dr “Ultrasounds, medical consultants, CT scanners, theatres, radiology, diagnostics…I feel blessed to have these tools to use.” Dr Amanda says.

“Our team of veterinary staff combined with our facilities make us a great force to care for the needs of animals. Our ICU is well equipped and the staff passionate. Our nurses are superb in supporting the vets and ensuring any animal in pain or distress is attended to promptly and relieved of their pain,” says Amanda.

Thank you Amanda for your care, compassion and ability to help animals achieve their best health with a skilful balance of treatment.

 

Interested in wildlife and exotics? See some of the extraordinary work of Dr Tristan Rich here.