Staff

• Dr Howard Smyth

  Veterinary Surgeon

  Howard has over 30 years experience as a veterinarian.  Howard trained in South Africa and has gone on to run successful practices in both South Africa and in the UK. He is passionate about all things veterinary, although he is particularly interested in surgery and is currently undertaking training in laparoscopic-guided surgery.

  Outside of work you can find him exercising, riding his horses or relaxing with his family.

  
• Dr Michael Linton

  Veterinary Surgeon

  Michael graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007. His first postgraduate year was in Brisbane where he completed a rotating internship (medicine and surgery) at Veterinary Specialist Services. Upon returning to Sydney he has worked in both general practice and in the medicine department at North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre.

  Michael has a strong interest in medicine. He successfully passed his membership exams in Small Animal Internal Medicine and now he is a member of the Medicine Chapter of the Royal Australian Veterinary College.

  Outside of work he has a passion for anything outdoors whether it be hiking, kayaking or just lying on the beach.

  
• Dr Jude Smith

  Veterinary Surgeon

  Jude is originally from Aberdeen in Scotland. She graduated from the University of Glasgow Vet School in 2002 and started off her career working in rural Scotland in farm animal (including treating Highland Cows!), equine and small animal practice   In 2005 she embarked on a working holiday in Australia and liked it so much here she decided to stay, and has worked at Rose Bay Vet since August 2009. Her main passion is surgery and she performs most of the surgery at the clinic.

  Jude is a huge advocate of animal adoption/rescue, and has herself adopted a big, ginger cat called Sawyer.  (see picture).

  Outside of work Jude likes to keep active and is a keen runner and also competes in many triathlons and ocean swims.  She became a Australian citizen in 2011, although she also remains a proud Scot!

  
• Chad Tomkins

  Practice Co-ordinator and Head Veterinary Nurse

  Chad is our practice manager and head veterinary nurse. He has been a fully qualified veterinary nurse since 2005.

  Chad has worked in two busy mixed animal practices back in the Hunter Valley. He then moved to Sydney to try life in the big smoke. He has worked with everything from pigs and horses to snakes, bats and birds. His passion is surgical nursing, anaesthetics and exotic animal care which has lead him to do advanced training in anaesthesia as well as working as a reptile rescue worker for Wildlife Aid.

  At home Chad has a menagerie consisting of a cat, 2 dogs, a snake and a tank full of salt water fish.

  
• Claire Richards

  Veterinary Nurse

  Claire is from the South West of England. She has been a qualified veterinary nurse since 2007. In the UK she has worked in a busy Small Animal Veterinary Hospital in addition to emergency work.

  In 2009 she left the UK to travel to Australia. She enjoyed the weather and culture so much that she has decided to move here. Claire's passion includes running Nursing Clinics, puppy school and surgery. She has also completed a number of courses such as advanced anaesthesia and critical care nursing.

  Claire owns a cheeky German Short Haired Pointer called Hugo.

  
• Natalia Wasilewski

  Veterinary Nurse

  Natalia is a fully qualified veterinary nurse and has been with us since December 2009. She is also studying to be a Veterinarian at the University of Sydney. Having come from a medical science background, Natalia has always had a keen interest in health leading her to do research on viral diseases affecting exotic and native parrots.

  Natalia loves all aspects of nursing but is particularly fond of the medicinal side of veterinary science, surgery and exotic animal nursing with a soft spot for birds.

  When she is not working at Rose Bay Vet Hospital or studying at university Natalia is looking after her two Brussels Griffons and two lorikeets.

  
• Megan Gunner

  Veterinary Nurse

  Megan is the newest nurse to join our team. From the UK and initially wanting to become a human nurse, Megan soon discovered her love for the veterinary field and became a qualified nurse in 2006. With over 12 years experience, Megan has worked as a head nurse back in the UK in addition to locuming around the country before heading down to Australia.
  
  Megan has a very keen interest in the surgical aspect of nursing and is extremely fond of conducting nurse clinics in areas such as pet obesity, diabetes and dental care. She has also developed a fancy for our native Wildlife.
  
  In her spare time Megan loves to keep fit, spend time with her friends and continue to discover the culture that Australia offers.

  
• Lindsey Harpur

  Dog Behavioural Trainer

  Lindsey is our Dog behaviourist and puppy school trainer. She began her career in the industry back home in South Africa working as a practise manager at a small animal clinic in Johannesburg. She then worked for Iams & Eukanuba in a Sales & Marketing role. Lindsey has also completed a number of canine behaviour courses and holds a degree in Commerce (with honours).

  In 2007, Lindsey moved to Sydney where she completed an 18 month Delta Canine Good Citizen™ Pet Dog Trainers Course and started up her own behavioural training business, Courteous Canines. She also runs regular puppy school sessions at the clinic. Lindsey is also a member of the Australian Pet Dog Trainers Association.

  In her spare time Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and her exuberant Golden Retriever. Her other passions include travelling & reading.

  
• Marmalade Cat

  Hospital Resident Caretaker

  Marmalade was born in the Blue Mountains south west of Sydney. She spent her first months of life homeless wondering streets before being taken in by an animal shelter. It was then that she was transferred to the Rose Bay Vet Hospital. It didn’t take long before she was promoted to the position of hospital caretaker.

  In her spare time she loves raiding the food cupboard, chasing her tail and of course sleeping.