Specialists at the centre

Richard Churcher BVSc, FACVSc

Canine Medicine Specialist

Richard graduated from the University of Sydney in 1970 and initially worked in rural practice in NSW and in the UK. He became principal of North Shore Veterinary Hospital in 1978 and since then has been entirely involved in the development of outstanding professional care for dogs and cats. He began specialist training in 1994 and worked at the University of Sydney, the University of Florida, USA and Massey University in New Zealand. He qualified as a specialist in 2000 when he achieved his Fellowship in Canine Internal Medicine. Richard enjoys all aspects of canine and feline internal medicine with clinical interests in cardiology, endocrinology, neurology and gastroenterology, as well as all aspects of cancer care.

John Culvenor BVSc (Hons), MVSt, FACVSc

Small Animal Surgery Specialist

John graduated from the University of Sydney in 1974 and after 18 months in small animal practice went to Oklahoma State University to complete an internship in small animal medicine and surgery. On his return in 1977 he commenced at North Shore Veterinary Hospital, becoming a partner in 1981. John completed a Master of Veterinary Studies in 1992. In 1994 he commenced specialty training in surgery at both the University of Florida and the University of Sydney. Fellowship was attained in 1998. John’s interests include orthopaedics, neurosurgery and soft tissue surgery including oncologinic and reconstructive procedures.

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Jody Braddock BVSc (Hons), MVetClinStud, FACVSc

Canine Medicine Specialist

Jody graduated with first class honours from the University of Sydney and worked in private small animal practice before returning to the university to undertake an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery in 1997. On completion of an internship and Postgraduate Diploma of Veterinary Clinical Studies, she continued at the University of Sydney as Resident in Small Animal Medicine and completed a Masters degree and a Fellowship training program. Jody then worked at the University Veterinary Centre as a Senior Registrar before taking up a position as Lecturer in Veterinary Medicine. She attained Fellowship in 2004. Jody’s clinical interests include all aspects of canine and feline medicine, especially oncology, gerontology and endocrinology.

Craig Bailey BVSc (Hons) MVetClinStud MACVSc PhD

Small Animal Surgical Registrar

Craig graduated from the University of Sydney in 1994 and was awarded first class honours and the University Medal. He completed a PhD focusing on veterinary epidemiology in 1998 then worked in small animal private practice in the United Kingdom and Australia over the following three years. Craig undertook a surgery internship at the Northern Sydney Veterinary Specialist Centre in 2001 prior to commencing specialist training in small animal surgery at the University of Sydney in 2002. Craig was Senior Surgery Registrar at the University of Sydney prior to joining North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre in 2005.

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Graeme Allan MVSc, FACVSc, Diplomate ACVR

Radiology Specialist

Graeme is a graduate of the University of Sydney and worked in private practice in Sydney before undertaking a residency program in radiology at Cornell University in the USA. He became one of the first qualified specialists in Australia and for the past 10 years has also acted as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney. He conducts undergraduate lectures in radiology and many postgraduate courses. Graeme provides the specialist radiology and ultrasound services in conjunction with Rob Nicol and their Veterinary Imaging Associates.

Robert Nicol BSc(Vet), BVSc, Diplomate ACVR

Radiology Specialist

Rob undertook research in ultrasonographic evaluation of tendon and ligament injuries as part of a BSc(Vet) at the University of Sydney in 1989. Following his graduation from veterinary school in 1990 he worked in mixed practice for several years before taking a position as resident in radiology at the University of Wisconsin, USA from 1994 to 1997. Rob is experienced in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching both in Australia and the USA and is involved in research and publications in radiology, ultrasound, MRI and CT.

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Jeffrey Smith BVSc, FACVSc, DiplomateACVO

Ophthalmology Specialist

Jeff graduated from the University of Sydney in 1970 and worked in general practice for three years. He then completed an ophthalmology residency at Cornell University USA from 1974-76. Jeff became a Diplomate of the American College of Ophthalmologists in 1977 and then returned to Australia and has been running the ophthalmology specialist service since 1979.

Cameron Whittaker BVSc, DipVetClinStud, Diplomate ACVO

Ophthalmology Specialist

Cameron graduated from the University of Sydney in 1989 and worked in mixed practice for two years. He then completed an internship at the University of Sydney Veterinary Centre, Camden before taking up a residency at the University of Florida, USA from 1993 to 1996. In 1997 he was Assistant Professor in veterinary ophthalmology at Ohio State University, USA. Since 1998, Cameron has been working with Jeff Smith providing a specialist service. His particular interests include cataract surgery, glaucoma and retinal disease.

David Vella BSc, BVSc(Hons)

Exotic Animals Veterinarian

David graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1992, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) in 1996 - both from the University of Sydney. Since graduating, his interest in exotic veterinary medicine has engaged him to work on a range of exotic animals both in the United Kingdom and Australia. David consults exclusively as a primary accession and second opinion exotics veterinarian based at North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre where he sees exotic small mammals (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, mice), reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles) and amphibians (frogs, axolotls).

More information about David is available at www.davidvella.com.au.