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Animal Referral Hospital Homebush

Proud to be part of the Animal Referral & Emergency Network

Emergency & referral services

250 Parramatta Rd, Homebush West, NSW 2140

Open Monday – Sunday 24 hours

02 9758 8666
arh@arhvets.com

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Emergency and critical care

If you have an emergency or are worried about your pet’s health, please contact us on (02) 9758 8666 and we can assess the need for emergency treatment. 

You don’t need a referral or appointment to attend our hospital in an emergency.

 

About ARH Homebush

For over 25 years, the Animal Referral Hospital has been a pillar of pet healthcare across NSW. ARH Homebush incorporates a specialist referral service and emergency service into one seamless, integrated business, open 24 hours, 365 days.

This means that whether your pet comes to us for specialist treatment or emergency care, they are treated by the same team members, using the same systems and equipment. This ensures your pet’s treatment is as seamless and stress-free as possible. It also allows us to be flexible on pet pick-up and drop-off times.

At ARH Homebush, we treat your pets as members of our family. Our compassionate team has a wealth of experience allowing us to provide the best care to animals and their human friends. We will work with you and your regular veterinarian to find the best treatment option for your pet.

  

How to find us

ARH Homebush Map

All NSW Locations

Minchinbury | Baulkham Hills | Gosford | Wollongong

   

More ways to pay

We offer a range of payment options to suit you and your unique circumstances.

Ways to pay
Ways to pay

   

Meet our team

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Dr Sarah Goldsmid

BVSc MVetClinStud FACVSc

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Dr Sarah Goldsmid

BVSc MVetClinStud FACVSc

 

After graduating, Sarah worked in a small animal practice in the Blue Mountains for 18 months. She returned to the University of Sydney to complete a residency in small animal surgery and a masters degree.

Following her residency, Sarah was senior registrar at the University of Sydney from 1991 to 1995. From 1996 to 1998, Sarah was a consulting specialist to the University Veterinary Centre, Camden. Since 1994, Sarah has also run a referral service in Hobart, Tasmania every couple of months.

Sarah gained membership in 1993 and then fellowship in 1996 of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal surgery.

She was one of the founding directors of the Animal Referral Hospital in 1999. Her interests include all areas of small animal surgery – soft tissue, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, oncology and reconstructive surgery.

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Dr Tim Hugo

BVSc (Hons 1) FANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

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Dr Tim Hugo

BVSc (Hons 1) FANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

 

Tim graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, first class honours. He subsequently worked in mixed animal practice, small animal practice and emergency practice across New South Wales. In 2011 he completed a rotating small animal internship at Veterinary Specialist Services in Brisbane. In 2012, Tim achieved membership to the Small Animal Medicine chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) and commenced a residency in Small Animal Medicine at Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre. Additional externship training was undertaken at the University of Sydney in feline medicine, and the University of California, Davis in neurology and oncology during his residency.

Tim became a fellow of the ANZCVS Small Animal Medicine chapter in 2015, facilitating registration as a specialist in small animal medicine. In 2016 he moved back to Sydney to continue working as a small animal medicine specialist. He has also been an examiner for the ANZCVS at both membership and fellowship levels in small animal medicine.

Tim’s special interests are gastroenterology, neurology, endocrinology, cardiology and nephrology. He particularly enjoys keeping up to date with the latest innovations in veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Tim relaxes by spending time with his young family (including their Belgian Shepherd, Tindra, and cat, Milly).

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Dr Filipe Espinheira

LMV, DACVO, Registered Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

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Dr Filipe Espinheira

LMV, DACVO, Registered Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Originally from Portugal, Dr. Filipe completed his veterinary studies at Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (Portugal). During his last year of veterinary school, he completed externships at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain), UC Davis (USA) and The Ohio State University (USA), which consolidated his dream to become a specialist ophthalmologist. After working for a few years as a general practitioner in Portugal and UK, he pursued advanced training by performing a rotating internship in the Animal Medical Centre (UK), a surgical fellowship at Michigan State University (USA), a Small Animal Rotating internship at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (USA) and a comparative ophthalmology residency at University of Wisconsin (USA).

Filipe became a Diplomate (specialist) of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2013. He has worked as a faculty member in Comparative Ophthalmology at two universities in the US over the last decade - most recently at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. After 6 years living in New York, Filipe and his family (including one very spoilt cat) moved to Australia to be closer to his wife’s family prior to joining ARH in 2023. 

Filipe's professional interests include intraocular surgery, glaucoma, advanced imaging of the eye, and ophthalmology of exotic and wild animals. As a result of his passion for teaching and ophthalmology, Filipe has published several manuscripts in veterinary ophthalmology and has been an invited speaker at several US and international meetings. In his spare time, Filipe enjoys riding his bicycles, bushwalking and drinking salt water while trying to learn how to surf

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Dr Emily Pritchard

BVSc Hons MANZCVS

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Dr Emily Pritchard

BVSc Hons MANZCVS

 

Emily is a senior registrar in Feline Medicine having completed a residency at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital and is a member of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Medicine of Cats. She has published work on feline genetic diseases and is passionate about building and improving feline medicine and welfare. She has four beautiful domestic shorthair cats who are all closely bonded and love each other to bits, and show that a multi-cat household can really work.

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Dr Sonya Yu

BVSc MANZCVS, FANZCVS (Veterinary oncology)

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Dr Sonya Yu

BVSc MANZCVS, FANZCVS (Veterinary oncology)

Dr. Sonya graduated from veterinary science at the University of Sydney in 2004. After a brief period as a primary care clinician in Hong Kong, she returned to Sydney to embark on a medicine internship at ARH in 2007. From 2008 to 2015, she served as an emergency veterinarian. Following the birth of her son, she developed an interest in oncology and began dedicating time to ARH's oncology department, leading to the commencement of her veterinary oncology residency in early 2016. In late 2020, Dr. Sonya become a fellow of the Veterinary Oncology chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.

Dr. Sonya is fascinated by cancer biology, recognising the significant parallels between cancers in humans and companion animals as well as the potential for cross-species advancements in cancer knowledge, and continuously seeks opportunities to contribute to this dynamic field. Outside of work, she and her son spend time with Spanky, their crimson bellied conure and love to go on food adventures.

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Dr Grace Thutell

BVSc MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)

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Dr Grace Thutell

BVSc MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)

 

Dr Grace Thurtell is a qualified veterinarian and a Resident in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine. After completing her veterinary degree at the University of Sydney she practiced in a small animal practice in Penrith. She then started an internship in 2017 with Dr Kersti Seksel, the only Registered Specialist in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine in New South Wales. In 2018 Grace then began a residency in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine.

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Dr Natashia Evans

BVSc(Hons) BSc(Vet) MVetClinStudies DipACVECC

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Dr Natashia Evans

BVSc(Hons) BSc(Vet) MVetClinStudies DipACVECC

 

Natashia attended the University of Sydney where she earned a Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Following her graduation from veterinary school, she spent time in feline only practice for three years. She then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Referral Hospital Sydney, a residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Sydney, and a residency in small animal emergency and critical care at the University of Wisconsin.

Natashia has completed research on infectious diseases, urethral defects and focal pulmonary granulomas. Her findings have been published in multiple journals including the Australian Veterinary Journal and Medical Mycology. She has been invited to lecture on feline uretheral obstructions at the University of Sydney and in 2012 she was granted the Cancer Research Network Travel grant which enabled her to present her research at the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Natashia is experienced in all aspects of small animal emergency and critical care and has a particular interest in management of sepsis and septic shock, infectious diseases (fungal diseases in particular) and mechanical ventilation. Her favourite part of veterinary medicine is seeing critically ill patients reunited with their owners. When not treating patients, Natashia enjoys travelling, exploring new places and ice hockey.

 

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Dr Mark Haworth

BVSc (Hons 1) MANZCVS (ECC) MVMS DipACVECC

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Dr Mark Haworth

BVSc (Hons 1) MANZCVS (ECC) MVMS DipACVECC

 

Mark graduated with first class honours from the University of Queensland and went on to complete a rotating internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists. Having a passion for emergency and critical care he was awarded membership in this field in with the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and subsequently completed a residency in emergency and critical care at Murdoch University. He became a board-certified specialist with the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2012. He obtained a master’s in veterinary medical science in 2014.

Mark then established the 24-hour emergency and critical care service at the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 2015. He has taught at the undergraduate level and successfully mentored two specialists in emergency and critical care. He has published many research articles and authored book chapters in respected peer-reviewed international publications. His many interests include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, snake envenomation, toxicology, point of care ultrasound, sepsis and mechanical ventilation.

When Mark is not in the ICU, he is spending time with his family (including his Maine Coon and Moggy).

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Dr Rachel Soh

BVSc GradCert (ECC) MANZCVS (ECC)

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Dr Rachel Soh

BVSc GradCert (ECC) MANZCVS (ECC)

 

Rachel graduated from the University of Sydney in 2014 and relocated back home to Singapore, where she worked for three years in a busy general practice. She developed a keen interest in emergency work and made the move back to Sydney to undertake a rotating internship followed by a residency in emergency and critical care at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Rachel completed her residency training at the start of 2023 and subsequently joined the critical care team at ARH. She enjoys all aspects of ECC and the challenge that comes with managing the most critical patients. Her clinical interests include cardiorespiratory diseases, sepsis/SIRS and point of care ultrasound. Outside of work Rachel enjoys going on hikes, strength training, and spending time with her black cat Jiji. 

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Dr Corinne James

BVSc(hons) MVS GradCertSAECC MANZCVS(SA medicine)

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Dr Corinne James

BVSc(hons) MVS GradCertSAECC MANZCVS(SA medicine)

 

Corinne graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2002 and then worked around Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Over this time, she fell in love with emergency and critical care work and when the opportunity arose, started a Residency training program back at the University in 2019. Recently finished, she has now joined the ARH ECC Team and is hoping to sit her Specialist exams in the coming year. Corinne enjoys the complexity and variety of cases that are seen in this discipline and being able to make a significant difference to the lives of her patients. When not at work, she's kept busy on the home front being Mum to her four kids, three sight hounds and a cat.

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Dr Kalla Lawson

BSc. BVSc.

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Dr Kalla Lawson

BSc. BVSc.

 

Kaila grew up in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and moved to Australia to study at the University of Sydney, and graduated with a Bachelor degree of Veterinary Science in 2017.

She worked at a small animal general practice on the central coast NSW for 3.5 years before travelling around to locum around Australia. Her interests include internal medicine and emergency care. Kaila lives with her fiancé Matt and their two small dogs, Alfred & Pippa.

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Dr Scott Smith

BVSc (Hons)

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Dr Scott Smith

BVSc (Hons)

 

Scott graduated from the University of Queensland in 1995. After spending two years in a very busy mixed practice in rural NSW, Scott spent several years travelling across the world.

When he was not vetting you may have found him on a mountain somewhere in the world either hiking or playing in the snow.

Scott’s passion for emergency medicine and surgery developed working in dedicated emergency clinics in the United Kingdom, from Edinburgh to London.

Scott has more than 15 years experience in emergency practice with 12 yrs at the Animal Referral Hospital. Scott is the clinical director of the emergency service in Homebush, Sydney. His passion for all aspects of veterinary emergency and critical care remains strong but most of all Scott enjoys being able to help and nature those new to the field in a hope to impart his knowledge and experience.

Outside of work Scott still loves spending time in the outdoors, whether it be on the snow, beach or on a mountain bike, but most of all spending time with his family and furries.

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Justine Naylor

ECC Vet Nurse Team Leader - CertVNECC

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Justine Naylor

ECC Vet Nurse Team Leader - CertVNECC

Justine started out as a vet nurse in 2010 working in a general practice in Mosman. She joined the ARH Homebush team in 2014 as a casual emergency nurse and a couple years later committed to a full-time position. In 2018, Justine joined the leadership team as one of our ECC Vet nurse team leaders. She primarily works in the critical care unit where she finds it very rewarding seeing some of our sickest patients beating all the odds. Justine has a particular love of cats and has 2 beautiful felines of her own named Ellie and Loki.

Referrals and appointments

At ARH Homebush, we offer a comprehensive specialist referral service across surgery, internal medicine, oncology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, cardiology, ophthalmology, and animal rehabilitation.

To make a patient appointment, contact our friendly team via phone or email. Please note a vet referral is required for most appointments.

To make a vet referral, contact us via phone or email, or fill out our online referral form.  We are also happy to discuss a case at any time, including offering after-hours advice from our emergency team.

   

Our services

ARH Homebush works closely with referring veterinarians to provide advanced, comprehensive care. All patients are returned to their regular veterinarian for continued treatment and management of their condition.

As part of the Animal Referral & Emergency Network, ARH Homebush also shares access to leaders in other diverse, specialised veterinary fields. View all services across Australia here.

At ARH, we offer a comprehensive range of surgical solutions for dogs and cats, including orthopaedic, soft tissue, trauma, reconstructive and neurological surgery. Led by surgical specialists Dr Sarah Goldsmid and Dr David Simpson, we take a considered approach to surgery and provide a thorough plan to help ensure the best result for your pet. Common surgical procedures performed at ARH include stifle (knee) stabilisation procedures for cruciate ligament insufficiency, fracture repair, limb deformity correction, arthroscopy, abdominal and thoracic surgery, reconstructive surgery, hemilaminectomy and ventral slot procedures for intervertebral disc disease, and spinal stabilisation for vertebral fracture/luxation. Our specialists are happy to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of patients with referring veterinarians by phone or email correspondence, including a radiographic appraisal of any case.

Our internal medicine specialists are qualified in both canine and feline internal medicine. They treat a broad range of cases, such as gastrointestinal disease (including liver, pancreas and bowel disease); cardiac and respiratory disease; endocrine problems (such as diabetes and thyroid disease); kidney and liver issues; immune problems; and joint disease. The training and experience of our internal medicine specialists enable them to work with your local veterinarian to provide the highest standard of care for your pet. Our specialists receive referrals for patients that are critically ill as well as those with chronic or ongoing problems. They are able to use their expertise combined with diagnostic tools, including endoscopy, ultrasound, CT and MRI, to investigate the cause of a pet’s illness and offer the best possible advice on treatment options.

Our specialists are happy to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of patients with referring veterinarians by phone or email correspondence, including a radiographic appraisal of any case.

ARH Homebush’s diagnostic imaging suite is the most advanced in New South Wales. It enables our specialists and consultants to obtain the highest quality images required for diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis of your pet’s condition.

On-site, ARH Homebush’s imaging suite consists of:

  • 1.5T high-field MRI
  • Siemens 64 Slice Cardiac CT
  • Fuji DR Digital Radiography
  • Cardiac and abdominal ultrasound
  • Digital subtraction angiography fluoroscopy system

Images are interpreted by highly skilled clinicians and supported by specialist radiologists within the ARH group.

Cases that are referred to ARH for cardiology issues are initially booked in to see one of our Internal Medicine Team. The specialist will assess the patient and decide if further work up is needed. The medicine specialists are supported by the Diagnostic Imaging team. ARH Homebush is fully equipped with the latest cardiology equipment including cardiac ultrasound and a cardiac 64 slice CT.

Our animal rehabilitation service is offered by Rhys Donovan from the Animal Rehab Klinik. Rhys has a background in (human) complementary health and completed a Graduate Diploma of Animal Biomechanical Medicine (ABM), which is the only course in Australia combining the knowledge and experience of veterinarians, chiropractors and osteopaths into one degree.

Services offered include:

Post-operative care and physiotherapy

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Laser therapy
  • Injury rehabilitation

Arthritis and joint conditions

  • Arthritis-friendly rehabilitation clinic
  • Older pets
  • Overweight pets

Wellness and weight loss

  • Active pets
  • Older pets
  • Overweight pets

The services available for the ophthalmology department at ARH Homebush include diagnostic and treatment of ophthalmic disorders; extra ocular surgeries (including eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea); intraocular surgeries (glaucoma, cataracts tumors and some retinal procedures). While the majority of ARH Homebush's work involves companion animals, other species can be considered for ophthalmic assessment and treatments.

The Opthalmology service is led by Dr Filipe Espinheira LMV, DACVO, Registered Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology. With over 14 years of extensive experience, Dr Filipe has worked as a faculty member in Comparative Ophthalmology at leading US universities including Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. His professional interests include intraocular surgery, glaucoma, advanced imaging of the eye and ophthalmology of exotic and wild animals.

Our Emergency and Critical Care specialist Dr. Patricia Rosenstein,  run our emergency and critical care department, which offers a high level of patient care, diagnostics, and intensive care medicine. This includes blood transfusions, emergency oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, emergency surgical procedures, blood gas analysis, constant delivery of pain medications, treatment of heart failure, poisonings and trauma.

Referral to specialist emergency and critical care is available by appointment.

ARH is excited to welcome back Dr Sonya Yu as our Medical Veterinary oncologist. She is an incredibly talented and well respected oncologist with a high degree of compassion and skill. Dr Sonya will see all cases requiring oncology treatment and consulting on Tuesday and Wednesday every week. 

Upon seeing our oncology service, further tests may be recommended for your pet. These may include diagnostic imaging, such as radiography, ultrasound, CT or MRI. These facilities are available at our Homebush veterinary referral hospital. Oncology treatment is supported by our ARH specialists in medicine, surgery and intensive care to allow the very best outcome. In addition to chemotherapy and other forms of medical management of cancers, ARH Homebush can proved accession to radiation therapy for veterinary patients, where required. 

What is oncology for pets? 
As pets age, they, like people, are prone to developing tumours. Advances in veterinary medicine have extended the lifespan of our furry friends, which has led to an increase in cancer cases. Fortunately, we now have more effective treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Notably, chemotherapy treatments for pets are administered at lower doses than those used for humans, making them much less taxing. Many pet owners are pleasantly surprised by how well their pets tolerate these treatments.

What is involved in an oncology consult? 
Our Oncologist, Dr. Sonya, will meet with you and your pet and, after a warm hello and initial chat, will discuss your pet's diagnosis, including what treatment options and what to expect going forward. She knows how stressful a cancer diagnosis can be and is very gentle and empathetic. She is also very understanding of the financial pressures that almost everyone is facing nowadays and will tailor her recommendations to your circumstances.

   

Our facilities


ARH Homebush is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it features:

  • High field MRI (1.5T)
  • 64 slice CT
  • Intraoperative fluoroscopy
  • Advanced ultrasound
  • Endoscopy
  • Comprehensive laboratory

   

Meet our team

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Dr Sarah Goldsmid

BVSc MVetClinStud FACVSc

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Dr Sarah Goldsmid

BVSc MVetClinStud FACVSc

 

After graduating, Sarah worked in a small animal practice in the Blue Mountains for 18 months. She returned to the University of Sydney to complete a residency in small animal surgery and a masters degree.

Following her residency, Sarah was senior registrar at the University of Sydney from 1991 to 1995. From 1996 to 1998, Sarah was a consulting specialist to the University Veterinary Centre, Camden. Since 1994, Sarah has also run a referral service in Hobart, Tasmania every couple of months.

Sarah gained membership in 1993 and then fellowship in 1996 of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal surgery.

She was one of the founding directors of the Animal Referral Hospital in 1999. Her interests include all areas of small animal surgery – soft tissue, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, oncology and reconstructive surgery.

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Dr Tim Hugo

BVSc (Hons 1) FANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

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Dr Tim Hugo

BVSc (Hons 1) FANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

 

Tim graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, first class honours. He subsequently worked in mixed animal practice, small animal practice and emergency practice across New South Wales. In 2011 he completed a rotating small animal internship at Veterinary Specialist Services in Brisbane. In 2012, Tim achieved membership to the Small Animal Medicine chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) and commenced a residency in Small Animal Medicine at Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre. Additional externship training was undertaken at the University of Sydney in feline medicine, and the University of California, Davis in neurology and oncology during his residency.

Tim became a fellow of the ANZCVS Small Animal Medicine chapter in 2015, facilitating registration as a specialist in small animal medicine. In 2016 he moved back to Sydney to continue working as a small animal medicine specialist. He has also been an examiner for the ANZCVS at both membership and fellowship levels in small animal medicine.

Tim’s special interests are gastroenterology, neurology, endocrinology, cardiology and nephrology. He particularly enjoys keeping up to date with the latest innovations in veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Tim relaxes by spending time with his young family (including their Belgian Shepherd, Tindra, and cat, Milly).

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Dr Filipe Espinheira

LMV, DACVO, Registered Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

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Dr Filipe Espinheira

LMV, DACVO, Registered Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Originally from Portugal, Dr. Filipe completed his veterinary studies at Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (Portugal). During his last year of veterinary school, he completed externships at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain), UC Davis (USA) and The Ohio State University (USA), which consolidated his dream to become a specialist ophthalmologist. After working for a few years as a general practitioner in Portugal and UK, he pursued advanced training by performing a rotating internship in the Animal Medical Centre (UK), a surgical fellowship at Michigan State University (USA), a Small Animal Rotating internship at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (USA) and a comparative ophthalmology residency at University of Wisconsin (USA).

Filipe became a Diplomate (specialist) of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2013. He has worked as a faculty member in Comparative Ophthalmology at two universities in the US over the last decade - most recently at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. After 6 years living in New York, Filipe and his family (including one very spoilt cat) moved to Australia to be closer to his wife’s family prior to joining ARH in 2023. 

Filipe's professional interests include intraocular surgery, glaucoma, advanced imaging of the eye, and ophthalmology of exotic and wild animals. As a result of his passion for teaching and ophthalmology, Filipe has published several manuscripts in veterinary ophthalmology and has been an invited speaker at several US and international meetings. In his spare time, Filipe enjoys riding his bicycles, bushwalking and drinking salt water while trying to learn how to surf

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Dr Emily Pritchard

BVSc Hons MANZCVS

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Dr Emily Pritchard

BVSc Hons MANZCVS

 

Emily is a senior registrar in Feline Medicine having completed a residency at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital and is a member of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Medicine of Cats. She has published work on feline genetic diseases and is passionate about building and improving feline medicine and welfare. She has four beautiful domestic shorthair cats who are all closely bonded and love each other to bits, and show that a multi-cat household can really work.

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Dr Sonya Yu

BVSc MANZCVS, FANZCVS (Veterinary oncology)

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Dr Sonya Yu

BVSc MANZCVS, FANZCVS (Veterinary oncology)

Dr. Sonya graduated from veterinary science at the University of Sydney in 2004. After a brief period as a primary care clinician in Hong Kong, she returned to Sydney to embark on a medicine internship at ARH in 2007. From 2008 to 2015, she served as an emergency veterinarian. Following the birth of her son, she developed an interest in oncology and began dedicating time to ARH's oncology department, leading to the commencement of her veterinary oncology residency in early 2016. In late 2020, Dr. Sonya become a fellow of the Veterinary Oncology chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.

Dr. Sonya is fascinated by cancer biology, recognising the significant parallels between cancers in humans and companion animals as well as the potential for cross-species advancements in cancer knowledge, and continuously seeks opportunities to contribute to this dynamic field. Outside of work, she and her son spend time with Spanky, their crimson bellied conure and love to go on food adventures.

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Dr Grace Thutell

BVSc MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)

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Dr Grace Thutell

BVSc MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)

 

Dr Grace Thurtell is a qualified veterinarian and a Resident in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine. After completing her veterinary degree at the University of Sydney she practiced in a small animal practice in Penrith. She then started an internship in 2017 with Dr Kersti Seksel, the only Registered Specialist in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine in New South Wales. In 2018 Grace then began a residency in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine.

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Dr Natashia Evans

BVSc(Hons) BSc(Vet) MVetClinStudies DipACVECC

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Dr Natashia Evans

BVSc(Hons) BSc(Vet) MVetClinStudies DipACVECC

 

Natashia attended the University of Sydney where she earned a Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Following her graduation from veterinary school, she spent time in feline only practice for three years. She then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Referral Hospital Sydney, a residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Sydney, and a residency in small animal emergency and critical care at the University of Wisconsin.

Natashia has completed research on infectious diseases, urethral defects and focal pulmonary granulomas. Her findings have been published in multiple journals including the Australian Veterinary Journal and Medical Mycology. She has been invited to lecture on feline uretheral obstructions at the University of Sydney and in 2012 she was granted the Cancer Research Network Travel grant which enabled her to present her research at the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Natashia is experienced in all aspects of small animal emergency and critical care and has a particular interest in management of sepsis and septic shock, infectious diseases (fungal diseases in particular) and mechanical ventilation. Her favourite part of veterinary medicine is seeing critically ill patients reunited with their owners. When not treating patients, Natashia enjoys travelling, exploring new places and ice hockey.

 

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Dr Mark Haworth

BVSc (Hons 1) MANZCVS (ECC) MVMS DipACVECC

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Dr Mark Haworth

BVSc (Hons 1) MANZCVS (ECC) MVMS DipACVECC

 

Mark graduated with first class honours from the University of Queensland and went on to complete a rotating internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists. Having a passion for emergency and critical care he was awarded membership in this field in with the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and subsequently completed a residency in emergency and critical care at Murdoch University. He became a board-certified specialist with the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2012. He obtained a master’s in veterinary medical science in 2014.

Mark then established the 24-hour emergency and critical care service at the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 2015. He has taught at the undergraduate level and successfully mentored two specialists in emergency and critical care. He has published many research articles and authored book chapters in respected peer-reviewed international publications. His many interests include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, snake envenomation, toxicology, point of care ultrasound, sepsis and mechanical ventilation.

When Mark is not in the ICU, he is spending time with his family (including his Maine Coon and Moggy).

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Dr Rachel Soh

BVSc GradCert (ECC) MANZCVS (ECC)

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Dr Rachel Soh

BVSc GradCert (ECC) MANZCVS (ECC)

 

Rachel graduated from the University of Sydney in 2014 and relocated back home to Singapore, where she worked for three years in a busy general practice. She developed a keen interest in emergency work and made the move back to Sydney to undertake a rotating internship followed by a residency in emergency and critical care at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Rachel completed her residency training at the start of 2023 and subsequently joined the critical care team at ARH. She enjoys all aspects of ECC and the challenge that comes with managing the most critical patients. Her clinical interests include cardiorespiratory diseases, sepsis/SIRS and point of care ultrasound. Outside of work Rachel enjoys going on hikes, strength training, and spending time with her black cat Jiji. 

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Dr Corinne James

BVSc(hons) MVS GradCertSAECC MANZCVS(SA medicine)

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Dr Corinne James

BVSc(hons) MVS GradCertSAECC MANZCVS(SA medicine)

 

Corinne graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2002 and then worked around Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Over this time, she fell in love with emergency and critical care work and when the opportunity arose, started a Residency training program back at the University in 2019. Recently finished, she has now joined the ARH ECC Team and is hoping to sit her Specialist exams in the coming year. Corinne enjoys the complexity and variety of cases that are seen in this discipline and being able to make a significant difference to the lives of her patients. When not at work, she's kept busy on the home front being Mum to her four kids, three sight hounds and a cat.

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Dr Kalla Lawson

BSc. BVSc.

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Dr Kalla Lawson

BSc. BVSc.

 

Kaila grew up in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and moved to Australia to study at the University of Sydney, and graduated with a Bachelor degree of Veterinary Science in 2017.

She worked at a small animal general practice on the central coast NSW for 3.5 years before travelling around to locum around Australia. Her interests include internal medicine and emergency care. Kaila lives with her fiancé Matt and their two small dogs, Alfred & Pippa.

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Dr Scott Smith

BVSc (Hons)

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Dr Scott Smith

BVSc (Hons)

 

Scott graduated from the University of Queensland in 1995. After spending two years in a very busy mixed practice in rural NSW, Scott spent several years travelling across the world.

When he was not vetting you may have found him on a mountain somewhere in the world either hiking or playing in the snow.

Scott’s passion for emergency medicine and surgery developed working in dedicated emergency clinics in the United Kingdom, from Edinburgh to London.

Scott has more than 15 years experience in emergency practice with 12 yrs at the Animal Referral Hospital. Scott is the clinical director of the emergency service in Homebush, Sydney. His passion for all aspects of veterinary emergency and critical care remains strong but most of all Scott enjoys being able to help and nature those new to the field in a hope to impart his knowledge and experience.

Outside of work Scott still loves spending time in the outdoors, whether it be on the snow, beach or on a mountain bike, but most of all spending time with his family and furries.

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Justine Naylor

ECC Vet Nurse Team Leader - CertVNECC

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Justine Naylor

ECC Vet Nurse Team Leader - CertVNECC

Justine started out as a vet nurse in 2010 working in a general practice in Mosman. She joined the ARH Homebush team in 2014 as a casual emergency nurse and a couple years later committed to a full-time position. In 2018, Justine joined the leadership team as one of our ECC Vet nurse team leaders. She primarily works in the critical care unit where she finds it very rewarding seeing some of our sickest patients beating all the odds. Justine has a particular love of cats and has 2 beautiful felines of her own named Ellie and Loki.