Dr Michael Heath
Michael owns small animal hospital in Melbourne with Dr Damian McShane and believes one of the many benefits “of being a practice owner is the ability to direct resources towards charities like local schools and community groups and also Vet Beyond Boarders”
Michael and his family often travel to India for holidays whilst also partnering with Vet Beyond Boarders to make use of Michael’s veterinarian skills – plus the whole family also volunteers and lends a hand with the human population there too.
Michael is also a strong believer in continued education and has been to many VetPrac workshops by winning them in the Vet Beyond Boarders auction – where the money raised goes to help fund Vet Beyond Boarders projects.
What have you got out of winning a spot in our VetPrac workshop?
“Most recently one of our vets Dr Joanna Chan gets to further her Rabbit Skills and Vet Beyond Boarders receives a hefty donation from VetPrac!”
Why do you bid to win a place in our VetPrac workshops?
“VetPrac workshops are always practical and informative. It is always an interesting group of vets with similar interests. We always come back with new skills we can use straight away.”
Why would you recommend VetPrac workshops to other vets?
“They are fun and it is very relaxing to focus on one subject without distractions that come from work and being at home. That why I prefer to travel to one of the courses (I have been to Wagga and Gatton)”
What are the best things that you have learnt in a workshop that you have told others?
“How to reliably perform a good stifle joint arthrotomy and deal with the meniscus. And, that good quality ophalmoscopy loupes are super for examination and surgery. They are now never off our heads”
Would you suggest other vets bid for our workshops?
“VetPrac offers many different types of workshops from dental radiology to perineal and urogenital surgery. They are great courses and you may score a bargain.”
What do you like to do on your days off?
“I am learning how to ride a motorbike so my family and I can be more mobile when travelling and working in India. Travel to India can be daunting but it rewards all the effort that you put in.
When we go, we manage to see some sights like the Jain pilgrimage town of Sravanabelagola, rafting and camping on the Ganges, bicycling around Srirangapatnam – mostly it has allowed us to become involved in the Bylakuppe community by contributing to aged care, primary schooling as well as the dog work.”
Michael really enjoys the fact that the whole family is able to get involved linking my son, Archie’s school with the little monk boys of Kargyu is a lot of fun. They exchange powerpoint presentations on their lives and the monks entered the clinics colouring in competition. Next, we are heading to Kolkata, Bodgaya and the Orissan coast.”
What advice would you give to new graduates?
This may sound terrible after studying so hard but try not to over think too often. What you experience in your first 2 years sets you up with skills and confidence for the rest of your career. So, consider taking your first job in the country or a regional center.
If you would like to support Vet Beyond Boarders click here to view our current workshops on auction!