Get to Know Dr. Susi Petersen

I completed my BVSC degree at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna in 1993, and my master’s degree in 1995. I immigrated to South Africa in July 1995 and took the South African Board exam in 1996. Wanting to give something back to the veterinary profession, I worked for 10 years at the S.P.C.A. in Grassy Park. It was tough and rewarding at the same time. It was there that I discovered my passion for surgery and honed my skills.

In 2004 I took up a post at Noordhoek Veterinary Clinic, where I have been a permanent fixture for 20 years. At Noordhoek Vet we mostly treat companion animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents and horses. But given our location we also often treat pet pigs, goats and chickens, not to mention the various wildlife people bring to us. This makes for an interesting working environment, and my colleagues and I never stop learning. We all come from very different backgrounds, but we help and support each other which is important to keep up a good morale in the workplace. It is not only the Veterinarians that make a practice successful. We are lucky to have great front staff and dedicated nursing staff who are known for their genuine compassion towards the patients in their care. Together we are trying to provide the best diagnostic and treatment regime, tailormade for each pet/owner team. Not everyone can afford expensive diagnostics or surgery, and it is important to discuss the options in detail with the owners. Animals can’t tell us where it hurts or why they suddenly don’t want to eat, so it is vital to get as much information as possible from the owner.

I really enjoy living and working in a semi-rural environment. It gives me the opportunity to enjoy outdoors activities such as hiking, horse riding and swimming in the ocean in my free time.

I have two amazing grown-up sons and spend as much time with them as I can. It is not always easy to juggle long hours at work, until recently also being on call at night and on weekends and looking after kids and running a household. I missed out on many school and sports events. Our profession can be extremely stressful and a strain on our physical and emotional wellbeing. But it is also immensely rewarding. I love working with animals and have never regretted becoming a veterinarian.