Dr Jennifer Smith

BVSc (Hons), Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

CLINICAL DIRECTOR AND HOSPITAL VETERINARIAN

Jennifer graduated from Sydney University in 2002 with honours and has over 20 years of practice experience, working at various leading Emergency and Specialist Centres within Sydney, along with 'A' class Small Animal Hospitals and mixed practice both in Australia and abroad. She has a diverse skill set and is a proficient surgeon while also holding a  keen interest in small animal internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, anaesthesia, imaging, palliation and critical care having further studies in each of these areas. Jennifer has a real passion in caring for our most critical and recovering patients and helps bridge the gap between the various hospital specialties throughout the day.  Her fundamental goal is to enhance the experience and outcome of our patients, clients and referring Vets.

Dr Eugene Buffa

BVSc MMedVet Surgery

SMALL ANIMAL SURGICAL SPECIALIST & DIRECTOR

Eugene is the founding surgeon of The Pet Specialists Group. He qualified as a Specialist Small Animal Surgeon in 1995 and brings many years of surgical experience and expertise to the team. He has worked in multiple Specialist small animal hospitals within Australia and abroad, including the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Eugene has completed research into canine wound healing which was published internationally and is particularly interested in the surgical management of Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease. Eugene is passionate about animals’ wellbeing and focuses on helping his patients and their owners achieve the best possible outcome using the highest standards of veterinary care.

Dr Alen Lai

BVSc(hons), GradCertVetStud, FANZCVS (Surgery)

SMALL ANIMAL SURGICAL SPECIALIST & DIRECTOR

Alen is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a specialist in Small Animal Surgery. Following graduation from the University of Queensland with first class honours, he completed a multi-disciplinary internship at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital, followed by a surgical specialty residency at North Shore Veterinary Specialist Hospital. Alen has served on the membership examiner panel for the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. His clinical research has focused on fracture biomechanics, canine cruciate ligament disease and hip dysplasia. He is active in providing continual education for general practitioners and referral clinicians, to ensure that optimal care is always provided to our patients.

Dr Ross McGregor

BVSc FANZCVS Small Animal Surgery

SMALL ANIMAL SURGICAL SPECIALIST

Ross is a fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Surgery. He graduated as a vet in 1989 and worked in general practice before joining the University of Sydney as a surgical registrar in 2003. Here he worked under the renowned Australian Surgeon, Dr Geraldine Hunt. Ross commenced his specialist training programme in 2015, which has since been successfully completed and has since been asked to join the Australian College, as an examiner in the surgery chapter. Ross has a vast amount of experience in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery and loves working with animals in his adopted home of the Northern Beaches, where he can be found surfing the waves in his spare time.

Dr Carissa Stamati

BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)

SURGICAL RESIDENT

Carissa graduated from the University of Sydney in 2015 and began her career in a general practice on the Central Coast. She subsequently undertook a Rotating Internship at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital before joining us as a surgery intern in 2019. In 2021 Carissa attained Membership in the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery. Carissa progressed to the surgical residency program in 2024.

Dr Bruce Thompson

BVB DVM PgCert CertAVP

SURGICAL RESIDENT

Bruce graduated from the University of Sydney in 2021. After spending a year in a busy general practice on the North shore, he relocated to the UK to undertake a surgical internship at a renowned orthopaedic and neurological referral hospital in Surrey. At this time, he undertook further surgical training and later completed his Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice and Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Professional Studies through the University of Liverpool and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Following his UK training, Bruce returned to Sydney where he completed an additional surgical internship at The Pet Specialists, before commencing a residency program in Small Animal Surgery in November 2024. 

Dr Elizabeth Thrift

BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS

SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST & HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Dr Elizabeth Thrift  is an accomplished Registered Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. As the Head of Internal Medicine and Director of Clinical Improvement & Innovation at The Pet Specialists (TPS), Elizabeth is known for her unwavering focus on exceptional patient care, clinical collaboration and evidence-based practices.  She is committed to delivering high-quality care and offering transparent guidance, tailoring diagnostic and treatment plans that meet the medical needs of pets and ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care within the financial preferences of the pet owner.

Elizabeth graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007. When working as a small animal general practice vet in Sydney for three years, she was mentored by one of the leading feline medicine specialists in Australia at that time who encouraged her to pursue veterinary specialist training. She subsequently undertook a multi-disciplinary internship at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in 2011 where she then stayed to continue her specialist training. She started working for TPS in 2017 as she was drawn to the close-knit, boutique-style veterinary referral hospital environment that allows for a uniquely personalised approach to patient care. She loves caring for the pets of the Northern Beaches and North Shore, where she also lives with her family and 2 cats, Ame and Baci.

In addition to her clinical role, Elizabeth is deeply committed to advancing the veterinary profession through education and mentorship. She currently serves as President of the Small Animal Internal Medicine Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), where she leads initiatives that shape the future of veterinary care. She has also been an examiner in small animal medicine for ANZCVS and Co-Chair of the ANZCVS small animal medicine fellowship (specialisation) examination committee. 

Her clinical interests are diverse, with a particular emphasis on immune-mediated diseases (eg IMHA and IMT), as well as gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, and gallbladder diseases, and aerodigestive disorders (the combination of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases). Elizabeth is an expert in feline medicine and feline friendly practices, having previously tutored vets on feline medicine as part of their continuing education. She is passionate about utilising key diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT imaging and  gastrointestinal and respiratory endoscopy. While her expertise in complex cases is well known in the local veterinary area, she prides herself on being a well-rounded internal medicine specialist.

Dr Joshua Bool

BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE REGISTRAR

Following his graduation from the University of Sydney, Josh joined a busy general practice on the Northern Beaches. During his four years in general practice, Josh developed a keen interest in Internal Medicine and in order to pursue his passion, he joined The Pet Specialists Internal Medicine team in 2020. He achieved Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2021 and has since examined for the College in 2022. Josh successfully completed a three year ANZCVS specialist training program in Internal Medicine in 2024. Josh loves all things Internal Medicine, and strongly believes that in our role as veterinarians we need to work closely with pet owners to provide the best well-rounded care for their pets.

Dr Mariko Yata

BVSc (hons), MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine), PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

VETERINARY CARDIOLOGIST SPECIALIST

Mariko graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honors and worked as a general practitioner and emergency and critical care veterinarian across various practices in Sydney for several years. After completing a PhD investigating canine and feline congestive heart failure therapeutics in 2018, Mariko undertook a residency in veterinary cardiology at the North Carolina State University and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the field of cardiology in July, 2022. She is interested in the pathophysiology and management of congestive heart failure and arrhythmias, as well as collaborative research encompassing human and veterinary medicine.

Dr Kathleen Chow

BVSc (Hons I) BSc(Vet) MVS FANZCVS

VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SPECIALIST

Kathleen graduated from the University of Sydney in 2006. After working as a small animal veterinarian she undertook an internship in small animal medicine and surgery. Her interest in veterinary imaging developed during this time and she then completed a residency in Veterinary Radiology at the University of Melbourne during 2014. Kathleen is a Member and a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Radiology. She has published in internationally recognised journals and spoken at multiple international and local veterinary conferences. Kathleen has been working solely in the field of Veterinary Radiology for 7 years. 

Dr Sarah Davies

BVSc MS DipACVR

VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SPECIALIST

Dr Juan Podadera

Med. Vet. FANZCVS (Radiology)

VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SPECIALIST

Dr Keely Wilson

BVSc MVetClinStud MVA MANZCVS DipACVAA RCVS

SPECIALIST IN ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA

Keely graduated from Sydney University in 2008 before gaining experience in both mixed and emergency practices both in Sydney and overseas. She then joined an equine referral practice where she developed her love of anaesthesia. Following completion of her memberships, she completed a residency in anaesthesia and analgesia at Murdoch University, before workin in the UK for 18 months at the University of Cambridge and Willows Referral Centre. Keely enjoys all aspects of anaesthesia but has a particular interest in anaesthesia for cardiac interventions, anaesthesia of critically ill patients and the use of ultrasound guided locoregional anaesthesia. 

Dr David Lurie

Diplomate, ACVIM (Oncology); Diplomate, ACVR (Radiation Oncology)

ONCOLOGY & RADIATION SPECIALIST

David completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery with an emphasis on medical oncology at the University of Illinois in 2001. He subsequently completed residencies in medical and radiation oncology at the University of California, Davis in 2003 and 2005 respectively.

David then went on to take a faculty position at the University of Florida from 2005 to 2009 where he was a founding member of the oncology program. Since then, he has worked in private practice, serving as the head of oncology at both Miami Veterinary Specialists and Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Orlando, Florida.

David is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Radiology. He is also a co-founder of ONE Cancer Care for Pets.

Dr Alex Moore

BSc BVMS, DACVD

VETERINARY DERMATOLOGIST

Alex graduated with a veterinary science degree from Murdoch University in Perth in 2017, before completing an internship and ACVD dermatology residency. Returning to Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 2023, Alex joined the Veterinary Dermatology Clinic and became a board-certified veterinary dermatologist in 2024. 

While enjoying all aspects of dermatology, Alex has a special interest in allergic skin disease and immunotherapy. Her research into bee and wasp desensitsation in dogs was recognised with the ACVD Resident Research Award at the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum (NAVDF) in Seattle, 2023.

Dr Matt Annear

BSc BVMS MS MANZCVS DipACVO

VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Matt graduated in Veterinary Medicine in 2002 (BVMS), subsequently relocating to America to undergo internship and residency training in Veterinary Ophthalmology. He is a Specialist Veterinary Ophthalmologist and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO). While overseas, he was on staff as Assistant Professor and Consultant Ophthalmologist at The Ohio State University and completed a Master’s degree researching canine and human childhood blindness. Matt has published a number of peer reviewed journal articles and several textbook chapters and enjoys teaching and contributing at international meetings. 

Returning to Australia in 2016, Matt is strongly committed to improving his patient’s quality of life, holding the animal-human bond in high regard. He has a love for all aspects of ophthalmology, from medical management of eye disease through complicated ophthalmic surgeries. Matt has extensive surgical experience and performs a wide range of surgical procedures including cataract removal, corneal reconstruction and grafting, and glaucoma surgeries.

Dr Sarah Coall

BVSc MANZCVS FANZCVS DipECVO

VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Sarah is a double boarded Veterinary Ophthalmologist with European and Australian certification. With numerous years of dedicated service within various multi-disciplinary specialist hospitals, Sarah has developed a profound expertise in a wide array of areas within veterinary medicine. In addition to Ophthalmology, she possesses comprehensive experience of both Internal Medicine and Critical Care, making her a valuable asset to complex veterinary settings.

Passionate about improving clients and patients’ quality of life, Sarah ensures clients are well informed and comfortable via her approachable communication style. She enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of Ophthalmology with general practitioners, nurses, students and interns. Her Ophthalmology interests are numerous and she performs a variety of surgical procedures including glaucoma implants, cataract removal and eyelid reconstruction.

Dr Helen Paris

BVSc MANZCVS Small Animal Medicine

HOSPITAL VETERINARIAN

Helen has extensive experience as an emergency vet, and is rapidly becoming our expert in ventilation to improve management of tick paralysis (a huge problem for Northern Beaches pets). 

Dr Claire Bowland

BVSc, Graduate Diploma in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

HOSPITAL VETERINARIAN

Claire graduated from the University of Sydney in 2002 and has spent the past 15 years of her career working as a dedicated Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian.  Her special interests are ventilation, kidney failure and critical care. Claire lives on the Central coast with her three boys, two Spynx cats and an axolotl.

Dr Lucy Kirton

BVetMed MANZCVS (VetECC) MRCVS

HOSPITAL VETERINARIAN

Lucy graduated from The Royal Veterinary College, London in 2004. She initially worked in mixed practice in the South West of England before moving into small animal practice around London and the South East of England.
In 2011 she moved to Australia, initially travelling and then settling on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Lucy has worked as an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian for 7 years, passing her Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Emergency and Critical Care Membership Exams in 2014, and was then an examiner for them in 2017 and 2018. Her particular interests are critical care, tick paralysis and CPR and she is also a RECOVER CPR trainer who facilitates CPR courses for vets and vet nurses

Dr Sophie Sweet

BVC DVM

HOSPITAL VETERINARIAN

Dr Barbara Capellini 

BVSc

HOSPITAL VETERINARIAN 

Barbara graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree in 2010. She initially worked in small animal private practice for three years, before completing a Rotating Internship at a multi-specialist hospital, followed by an Emergency and Critical Care Internship. On completion of the internships, she continued to work as emergency vet at different small animal practices throughout Sydney, before joining the team at The Pet Specialists.