Meet the Staff at Ballarat Equine Clinic
Partners
Dr Brian Anderson
B.V.Sc., M.S., MVSc, Diplomate A.C.V.S.
Partner and Specialist Equine Surgeon
BVSc with distinction 1986 (Massey University New Zealand), MVSc in Equine Pharmacology and internship in equine medicine and surgery 1989-1991 (Massey University New Zealand), Resident in Large Animal Surgery and MS degree 1991-1994 (University of Minnesota USA), Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons 1996 in Large Animal Surgery and Specialist in Equine Surgery Victoria Australia 2009, Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Surgery 1996-2000 Massey University.
s Brian joined the Ballarat Veterinary Practice in September 2000 via the Sydney Olympics where he was one of two vets looking after the dressage and show jumping teams. He became a partner in the practice in 2003 and has established with Ian Fulton, Andrew Cust and former partners the equine hospital and referral service that is today one of Australia’s leaders in the field of equine veterinary services.
Brian has many years of experience in upper respiratory tract, orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. He was the endoscopic consultant for New Zealand Bloodstock from 1996-2002 where he examined and adjudicated on the sales examination of the upper respiratory tract of thousands of Thoroughbred Yearlings. He has published the results of normal and abnormal function of the larynx in young thoroughbreds and described the cause and outcome of disease affecting the arytenoid cartilages (arytenoids chondritis). He has over 20 years of experience and expertise in the field of Nuclear Scintigraphy (Bone Scanning) and referral lameness evaluation.
To help his clients achieve the best results Brian strives to keep abreast of many new techniques and in the last 12 years has updated his skills in the area of stem cell and regenerative medical technology for tendon/ligament repair, specialist stifle arthroscopic techniques and received further specialist training in equine laparoscopy in Australia and the United States in 2009 and 2010. This led to the introduction of this innovative procedure to the practice. Both Brian and Ian Fulton have been interested in developing methods and techniques for performing standing surgery (which avoids the risks and cost of general anaesthesia) and now perform a number of techniques in the standing sedated horse including spine surgery, laser surgery of the upper respiratory tract, sinus surgery of the head, articular facet injections of the neck and back, skin grafts, eye enucleation, sarcoid therapy and wound repair.
Brian is one of the leading sales veterinarians in Australia when it comes to presale evaluation of radiographs and services some of Australia’s top buyers.
Brian is an invited speaker and he presents frequently to other veterinarians in Australia and internationally on topics relating to equine surgery and on results of research and clinical conditions evaluated at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice.
When not working Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, playing golf, cycling and he is an avid reader.
Dr Andrew Cust
BSc, BVSc (Hons), MVSc, GAICD.
Partner and Equine Veterinarian
Andrew studied for a Bachelor of Science at Latrobe University before travelling overseas to England, America and Argentina. On returning to Australia, he studied Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 2001, his studies having included a stint of practical experience here at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice.
Andrew started his career at the Kilmore Veterinary Practice, initially working with both large and small animals. Andrew grew up on a horse stud, has played polo in Australia and overseas and has also worked casually for Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria, officiating at race meetings. Andrew and his wife Louisa then moved to Macau, China, to live and work for the Macau Jockey Club, working with 1000 horses stabled at the Macau racetrack. They returned to Australia in 2008 and started with BVP.
Andrew completed his Masters of Veterinary Studies, focussing on the relationship between equine hoof conformation and racing performance. Andrew joined the partnership in July 2010. Andrew has attended a conference on “The Functional Hoof 2014”, a 5 day dental workshop to become a member of Equine Dental Vets Australia (2015) and completed the examinations to become an FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian (PTV).
In June 2018 Andrew graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. Andrew recently celebrated his 10 year anniversary of becoming a Director of BVP Equine Clinic. In May 2021 Andrew joined the board of directors of the Ballarat Turf Club.
Paul Dempsey
B App Sc. Ag., MBA.
Managing Director, BVP
Paul comes to BVP with over 15 years experience in senior management and leadership roles in the Agribusiness and retail sectors. With skills in general and operations management, Paul is a commercial business leader who adopts a pragmatic, hands-on approach. Originally from the Canberra region, much of Paul's experience has been gained throughout many areas of NSW including the New England, Hunter Valley and Southern NSW regions before moving to Ballarat nearly 10 years ago with his wife and family.
Dr Tom Dolan
BAgSc, BVM&S.
Partner and Equine Veterinarian
Tom grew up in Blessington, Ireland. He has ridden all his life. Starting with show jumping and hunting then riding racehorses and point to point steeple chasing. He worked for Niall 'Boots' Madden racing for several years developing a lot of core horsemanship skills and was lucky enough to sit on some nice horses and ride a few winners. He spent a season with Coolmore America in Kentucky where he established a solid understanding of thoroughbred breeding and yearling preparation.
Tom graduated as a vet from the University of Edinburgh before joining the team at Equine Veterinary Services (Toowoomba) in 2017-2019. His main interests include lameness, reproduction and racetrack medicine all of which he is keen to further advance. His interests away from vet include the outdoors and keeping active, playing Aussie rules, Gaelic football and soccer.
Dr Travis Smyth
DVM, MSC, DACVS (Large Animal)
Partner and Specialist Equine Surgeon
Dr Travis Smyth is a Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. After completing his DVM at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) Saskatoon, SK, Canada, Travis completed an Internship at Idaho Equine Hospital, Idaho and then returned to WCVM to undertake a Surgical Residency.
Upon completing his Residency, Travis worked at Ballarat Equine Clinic as an associate surgeon for 5 years and then at Delaney Veterinary Services in Edmonton Canada for 2 years before once again returning to Ballarat Veterinary Practice Equine Clinic as a partner in 2004. As a husband and as a father of two small boys, Travis’ life is very full, but in his spare time he enjoys fly fishing and all things outdoors.
Associates
Dr Kirsty Tyler
BVSc
Kirsty grew up around Bacchus Marsh, and attended pony club from age 5, where her love of horses began. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1997 with a keen interest in equine practice, which has not wavered after 19 years in the field.
Kirsty is an FEI official veterinarian attending eventing, dressage and show-jumping competitions at an international level.
When not in vet mode, Kirsty is kept active with two busy, sporty sons and enjoys hiking, reading, catching up with friends and a glass of something bubbly!
Dr Wei Yeh Lee
BSc, DVM (Hons)
Dr Wei Yeh grew up in Malaysia and moved to Melbourne in 2009. He completed a Bachelor of Science in 2013 and then a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (with Distinction) in 2016 at the University of Melbourne. Wei then completed an 18month Internship at Ballarat Equine Clinic in March 2018.
Upon completing his internship with us, Wei Yeh stayed on as an associate veterinarian and he is now in charge of Imaging Services at the Clinic.
Dr Rachel Bartels
BVSc (Hons), BAppSci (Hons).
Rachel was born and raised in Brisbane and developed her love of horses from a very young age, spending many years competing in show jumping and pony club. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Equine Science before going on to complete her veterinary degree at the University of Queensland.
Dr Marie-Camille Repecaud
DVM (Lyon, France)
Marie joins us from France via Wales. She is an experienced equine veterinarian who completed her veterinary degree at Lyon, France and her final year thesis topic was “A preliminary study for development of a new, practical test for the diagnosis of Neonatal Isoerythrolysis in the newborn foal.”
Prior to joining us at the Ballarat Equine Clinic, Marie completed an internship at Clinique Veterinaire Equine de Meheudin (Normandy, France) and held an associate position at Cotts Equine (Wales, UK).
Marie is keen on travelling, surfing, hiking and skiing. She also loves listening to and discovering new music.
Dr Joel Hummel
DVM
Joel joins our team having completed an Equine Racetrack and medicine internship and as a graduate of the University of Adelaide. Joel enjoys swimming and camping in his free time.
Interns
Dr Daniel Lightley
BVSc
Daniel graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 2022.
Having completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Daniel spent 12 months working as a CCS Veterinarian in Elsenberg, Stellenbosch. He then completed 3 months at Baker MCVeigh Equine Hospital in the Cape Town before relocating to Australia with his wife to join our Equine team.
Daniel is a keen outdoors man, and enjoys running, hiking and endurance riding. When he is not busy outdoors, Daniel likes to visit the gym and relax with a good book.
Dr Claire O'Leary
MVB
Dr Claire O’Leary comes to us from Ireland with a veterinary degree from the University of Dublin.
After working in large animal practice in Canada, she has developed a special interest in equine surgery, diagnostic imaging and sports medicine.
With a love of all outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and surfing Claire is also a keen horse rider having competed in dressage, jumping and eventing.
Dr Katie Edwards
BVSc MRCVS
Dr Katie Edwards completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool in England and comes to us with a keen interest in equine sport medicine.
Running, hiking and skiing and a love of travel keep her busy when she is not working and studying.
Clinic Manager
Jess Koene – Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing
Head Equine Nurse
Jess started her BVP career when she joined the team as a full-time stable attendant in 2011. Back then her spare time was spent assisting with the care and re-education of standardbreds as a part of a not for profit. So having an opportunity to work in an equine clinic was beyond exciting to her, little did she know it would become her dream career.
In early 2013 she got the opportunity to become the clinic’s first ambulatory nurse. She assisted the head of the ambulatory team in developing this role, all the while traveling to farms and stables assisting our primary veterinarians with everything from simple procedures to field anaesthesia and surgeries.
In 2015 she split her time between ambulatory and surgical nursing. Finding a passion in surgery, particularly a good wound, from this point she was usually found in the surgical suite with our specialist surgeons.
During this time, she also became very proficient in performing specialist diagnostic procedures such as scintigraphy and standing MRI.
In 2021 Jess became Head Nurse and hospital manager at the equine clinic. It is in this role she is most excited to share her passion of the clinic and industry in helping to educate the next generation of equine nurses. In 2023, Jess was awarded the Equine Veterinary Association Excellence in Equine Nurses Award for her contribution to the Bain Fallon Equine nurses conference and excellence in the industry.
Human Resources
Claire McAteer – BMan (HR), CPHR, MAHRI
HR Manager
After completing a Bachelor of Management (HR) and spending time working in the recruitment sector in the UK, Claire spent eight years employed in the Executive Office of Bunnings Group Limited, at their head office in Hawthorn.
Equine Clinic Staff at Ballarat Veterinary Practice
Contact the Equine Clinic Staff at Ballarat Veterinary Practice
To get in touch with the team at the Equine Clinic Staff, you can get in touch via our contact page or by phoning on (03) 5334 6756.
To keep up with the latest from the Equine Team, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Equine Emergency?
If you have an AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY between the hours of 6pm and 8am only please call us at this number.
Equine Emergency Number