From Veterinary House
As a boy, I spent countless hours with my dad who is a mixed practice vet in Estcourt. This sparked a deep love for animals and an awe for the veterinary profession. From a young age, I had dreamed of becoming a vet, with a few childhood deviations like astronaut and ice cream taster. Watching my father deliver calves, perform surgery, and treat all manner of animals, including fascinating wildlife, further fueled my ambition.
Upon completing school, I faced a unique challenge – Veterinary Science was not offered at the University of Pretoria due to changes in the length of the programme. Undeterred, I opted to study mechanical engineering, with the intention of pursuing aeronautical engineering if I did not secure a spot in veterinary school the following year. Fortunately, I was accepted and graduated in 2017. During my final year, I developed a keen interest in orthopedic surgery and considered pursuing a master’s degree, but ultimately decided to postpone further studies as the prospect seemed daunting at the time.
I completed my community service year in Queenstown, gaining valuable surgical experience. I then practiced for a year at Lyttelton Animal Hospital in Centurion before moving to the UK.
In the UK I worked in a busy first opinion practice, but my passion for surgery continued to plague me until I eventually decided to pursue it. In 2021 I furthered my studies, obtaining a General Practitioner Certificate and a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. Soon after, I started my own business, working as a traveling surgeon, performing orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeries at practices across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
Whilst in the UK, my wife and I welcomed two beautiful daughters. We then decided to return to the KZN midlands to raise our family closer to our loved ones. Upon my return, I joined the team at Veterinary House, where I currently work.
Witnessing too many pets suffer, be abandoned and owners being forced to say goodbye to pets with surgically treatable conditions has inspired my dream – to provide pet owners an alternative for procedures they may otherwise forgo for various reasons. This will enable owners to spend more time with their beloved companions.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports, pursuing my passion for photography, overlanding, and exploring nature with my cherished family. Having grown up near the central Drakensberg, I look forward to taking my daughters on many hikes and reliving the fond memories of my own childhood. I’m also very excited to make some very special memories with our new puppy, Bean. My family and I recently adopted Bean after she was run over by a car at only 6 weeks old. I performed her fracture repair myself, and am thrilled to be a part of her journey to recovery.