OUR STAFF

CertZooMed is the abbreviation for Certificate of Zoological Medicine, this is a British qualification, which encompasses zoo animals, birds and exotic pets and wildlife. Deborah studied and trained for this qualification which she received in 2004. Her case book was of such a high standard that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgery in London requested a copy for their library, only the second time in the history of the Certificate of Zoological Medicine that such a request had been made. There are only 3 people in Australia with this qualification.

DipECAMS signifies that Deborah is a Diplomate (Specialist) of the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery, which is the European organisation responsible for training and assessing veterinarians who wish to become avian specialists. Deborah was given Diplomate status in 2006 and is the only Australian veterinarian with this qualification having undertaken the necessary training and study required between 2003 and 2006.

In addition to her Zoological Medicine Certificate and European Diplomate qualification Deborah achieved Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Avian Health in 1999 (MACVSc (Avian Health)) and improved on this initial qualification by achieving her Fellowship (Specialist) status in July 2006 (FACVSc (Avian Health)). Although there are now a number of Members of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Avian Health, Deborah is only the fifth person to have attained Fellowship level and is one of only two in Queensland, the other being Dr Bob Doneley who practices at the West Toowoomba Vet Surgery.

Melinda Cowan
BVSc (Hons) Resident (Avian Medicine)

Melinda was raised in the southern suburbs of Sydney and was always going to be a vet. Growing up she often cared for injured animals and eventually realised a love of birds when she was given a pet budgie. One turned into many very quickly and eventually she was successfully breeding budgies and lorikeets.

At the University of Sydney, Melinda studied Veterinary Science and graduated with First Class Honours. During her studies she worked as a vet nurse for a busy bird, exotics and small animal hospital in Sydney. Her final year was spent at numerous veterinary clinics, which included bird and exotics practices. After graduation Melinda worked at a busy small animal clinic in the northern suburbs of Brisbane before seeing the light in October 2008 and joining Brisbane Bird and Exotics Service.

In June 2010 Melinda became the first veterinarian to start an Australian based residency training program in Avian Medicine approved by the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. The training program will last three years after which Melinda will be eligible to sit specialist examinations in Avian Medicine.

Melinda shares her home with 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 cockatiels and several pigeons. In her spare time she enjoys running, attending music concerts and spending time with family and friends.

Alana
Veterinary Nurse (Certificate 2)

Alana really enjoys working at BBEVS with such a wide variety of wonderful animals. Alana is studying to improve on her veterinary nursing qualifications by working to get Certificate IV in Veterinary nursing with her last exams in 2009.

Ever since she was young, Alana has always had a keen interest in working with animals, particularly birds and exotics. At home, Alana has 3 mischievious rainbow lorikeets, Raz, Taz & Skittles, a 10yr old British Budgie, Buddy and two dogs, Luna and Knox.

Nikki
Veterinary Nurse (Certificate 4)

Nikki moved from New Zealand at the beginning of 2008 and has been working at BBEVS since her arrival. Nikki had been working in a busy general/exotics practice in Auckland for nearly 4 years prior to moving to Brisbane.

There have been a few new species for her to get used to but she has done so very easily and now would love a pet snake if only her partner would let her!

Nikki's horse came over from NZ with her and has also adapted very well to his new country, even collecting a few ribbons and trophies! At home, Nikki has two cockatiels which she's currently trying to teach to speak!

Meilsa
Veterinary Nurse (Certificate 2)

Melisa joined the BBEVS team in June 2009. She has a keen interest in Australia animals, especially reptiles. She has studied Environmental Science and Native Animal Conservation and have previously worked as an Environmental Inspector with the Queensland Government. In addittion to her reptile interest Melisa has had extensive experience with the aquarium industry. With this background she brings a wealth of knowledge with aquarium keeping and water chemistry.

Jess
Veterinary Nurse (Certificate 3)

After recognizing the only career I wanted was one that involved working with animals, I commenced as a Junior Veterinary Nurse. Over the next five years I had the opportunity to work with some amazing people on a broad cross section of domestic animals and the occasional native. During this time I also completed Certificates II and III in Veterinary Nursing.

Punctuated by a brief period in the Griffith University Animal Facility, I returned to Veterinary Nursing in a larger Veterinary Hospital on Brisbanes southside. At the hospital I held the position of Senior Veterinary Nurse gaining invaluable experience assisting in a wide variety of operations, exposure to better animal management and customer care and involvement.

While I enjoyed working on a wide variety of domestic animals, my heart and interests was pulled towards the small and furry. Greater care and education for Guinea Pigs is what attracted me to Brisbane Bird and Exotics Veterinary Service.

At a personal level I have a Ridgeback cross named Maddison, and two Guinea Pigs named Olive and Cricket, who think they are human. Brisbane Bird and Exotics allows me to combine personal passion with professional development. So far the opportunities and variety of small critters have been fantastic, topped off with a great team of people to work with. I feel I have the best of all worlds and a job I truly love.

Sasha
Veterinary Nurse

Sasha is a fifth year vet student who loves working at BBEVS when her studies permit. She has wanted to be a vet since she was three and has always had a keen interest in zoos and exotic animals.

At home she has two turtles named Yurtle and Spike, a cat called Fatima and a lovebird. When Sasha graduates, she hopes to continue working with exotic animals and wildlife at a clinic or zoo, maybe even BBEVS!

Bec
Veterinary Nurse

Although I have had a love of animals all my life, this interest really took off after my family purchased a large pet store in 1991. I worked there for nearly 20 years, taking time off over the years for university studies. Our store specialised in birds, fish and reptiles so I became familiar with caring for a wide range of these animals. I really enjoyed looking after the animals and helping customers get the most out of their pets.

Although I have always been interested in the health and wellbeing side of animal care, this interest really flourished following an accident three years ago which led to one of my pet birds losing part of his leg. During the rehabilitation period I decided that I wanted to learn more about birds, so I started work in a veterinary clinic.

I joined the BBEVS team at the beginning of the year, and although I am only here one day per week, I love it. The team is great, the animals even better, and I have really enjoyed meeting so many of our clients