Mobile veterinarians are transforming animal care in rural Australia, providing essential services to a diverse range of patients, from prize bulls to backyard chickens. These dedicated professionals have left urban life behind to bridge the veterinary gap in remote communities, ensuring that animals receive timely and effective care.
One such initiative is the **Western Plains Veterinary Service**, launched by veterinarians **Angus Blackwood** and **Grace Glynn** in December 2023. Their service aims to address the growing demand for veterinary care in the Dubbo area, where local veterinarians are often overwhelmed. With a shared vision, the pair decided to establish a flexible clinic that could reach those in need across the region.
Dr. Blackwood, who hails from southwest Victoria, has a deep-rooted passion for veterinary medicine, influenced by his father’s career in the field. He fondly recalls, “My earliest memories are with dad going to calvings on weekends when he was on-call.” His enthusiasm for veterinary work never waned, even during his teenage years.
On the other hand, Dr. Glynn, a Sydney native, pursued her dream of becoming a vet focused on rural practice. “I spent my whole childhood convincing mum and dad to go and pick up various different animals,” she said. Her education at **Charles Sturt University** in Wagga Wagga solidified her commitment to working with a broader variety of animals in rural settings.
The two veterinarians’ friendship blossomed during their university years and was rekindled at an equine dentistry course after they had taken separate paths in their careers. Recognizing the need for additional support in their chosen area, they decided to establish their veterinary practice, focusing on providing comprehensive services to the local community.
Dr. Glynn highlighted the pressing need for more veterinarians in the area, stating, “I think there were many close to burnout, and I felt like there was a need for extra vets there.” The pair’s commitment to serving the community over commercial interests underpins their mission. “It wasn’t about the business for us – it was about going to a community where we could be helpful doing what we love,” Dr. Blackwood explained.
Their mobile service covers not only Dubbo but also Narromine and further west. “If people want us to go somewhere within reason, if there’s not a vet there, or their vet doesn’t offer that service, we’ll go,” Dr. Blackwood added.
The breadth of services offered ranges from pregnancy testing in cattle to small animal care, including emergency services. Dr. Blackwood enjoys the variety of his work and emphasizes the importance of the human connection in veterinary medicine. “Going into someone’s house and having a coffee with the family or staying for a beer at the end of the day… it’s really cool,” he said.
Another mobile vet making strides in rural Australia is **Dr. Stephanie Wyllie**, who has practiced veterinary medicine across various states. Starting her career in Dungog, she quickly embraced the challenges of working with large animals. “I loved it,” she said. “I ended up doing two extra placements because I was so taken with large animals.”
Dr. Wyllie’s journey took a personal turn when her dog, Harley, was diagnosed with lymphoma. To spend more time with her furry companion, she and her partner, Tom Campbell, embarked on a two-year road trip around Australia, offering locum veterinary services along the way. This unique experience allowed her to encounter various challenges and diseases specific to different regions.
As they traveled, Dr. Wyllie and Campbell began to establish their mobile veterinary service, which has since gained traction in Dungog. “We’re fairly well set up with portable equipment,” she noted, highlighting the adaptability required in rural veterinary care.
In Armidale, **Dr. Eden Faulkner** and **Dr. James Doumtsis** have also embraced the mobile veterinary model. Dr. Faulkner’s journey began with a childhood fascination for veterinary care, inspired by her local vet’s compassion. After experiencing burnout in a traditional practice, she transitioned to managing a mobile clinic, which allowed her to build meaningful relationships with clients.
Dr. Doumtsis, who spent his holidays on a farm, felt a pull towards veterinary work early on. The duo covers a vast area in New England, providing essential services from routine care for small animals to cattle artificial insemination. Dr. Faulkner is currently working on setting up a day surgery to expand their offerings, while also maintaining strong relationships with other local veterinary services.
**Dr. Michelle Noga**, who previously worked in a mixed practice clinic, has also found success with her mobile service in Griffith. With a focus on equine dentistry, she aims to provide much-needed specialized care in rural areas. “I’ve worked on chicken farms, dairy farms… it’s nice meeting different people that way,” she remarked.
Each of these mobile veterinarians embodies the spirit of dedication and community service, proving that veterinary medicine can thrive beyond the confines of traditional clinics. Their stories highlight the vital role they play in supporting rural communities and the animals that are integral to them. As they navigate the roads of Australia, these veterinarians continue to forge connections, build trust, and provide exceptional care to those in need.
