STAFF
Dr Emma Mason, although originally from Tassie, studied Veterinary Science at the University of QLD and graduated with first class Honours in 1996. Stepping straight into small animal practice she worked initially in Adelaide before making her move to Melbourne soil. After 2 years in Malvern, she took up and internship and then residency in Small Animal Medicine at Melbourne University and completed her Membership in 2001 and Masters of Veterinary Studies in 2003. Emma moved back into private practice at Mt Waverley in 2001 and then joined us at Elgar Road in January 2008.
Emma loves her life as a vet. After hours Emma and her partner Tim have been full time house-sitters for pets that are too old, ill or unwilling to go to kennels. Emma’s other interests include renovating her old house, art and socializing with friends.
Dr Lee Coleman graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1991 and loves being a vet. Over the past 17 years she has lived and worked as a small animal vet in Melbourne and the UK (Lee’s husband is Welsh). Lee has done a lot of cover work at Elgar Road over the past 4 years but joined the team in a permanent part-time capacity in January this year. When she’s not working she enjoys taking care of her gorgeous son Ethan, diving, ceramics, outdoor activities, travelling and visiting museums and galleries.Dr Meredith Begg joined the Elgar Road team at the beginning of 2008 needing some "brain activity" away from her full time job at home with a lively toddler. She currently works Tuesday evenings and one weekend a month.
Meredith graduated, with Honours, from Melbourne University in 1994. She has since worked exclusively in small animal practices around Melbourne. Her first seven years as a vet were spent in a large clinic which also ran the Northern Animal Emergency Centre. Here she gained valuable experience and a keen interest in emergency medicine.
During these years, Meredith also enjoyed time training her own dogs (Cocker Spaniels), plus qualifying and working as an obedience instructor. She helped initiate a puppy preschool at the clinic, recognizing the huge benefits in early puppy training and socialization.
2002 saw a move to a much smaller clinic in the Eastern suburbs. Here, Meredith gained great satisfaction in more "personal" veterinary care, getting to know clients and their pets like family members and following cases right through to resolution. She also developed a special interest in oncology (cancer medicine).
November 2006 brought Meredith and her husband the wonderful gift of parenthood as they welcomed their son Logan into the family. Logan now occupies most of Meredith's hours, along with their pets: Cleo the 3 legged cat, Jordie the Cocker and Ella the Whippet.
Dr Fiona Anderson grew up on a farm in the outer suburbs of Melbourne and by the age of 5, knew she wanted to work in the veterinary world. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1989 with honors and started working in a country practice. She soon returned to Melbourne and worked with small animals in private practice and doing welfare work. She has 3 dogs, Lil, Jasper and Fraser, all which she rescued from the shelter after repairing their broken bones.
When she isn’t working Fiona enjoys photographing and painting animals, particularly wildlife. She is passionate about conservation and animal welfare and has an interest in alternative therapies.
When she isn’t working Fiona enjoys photographing and painting animals, particularly wildlife. She is passionate about conservation and animal welfare and has an interest in alternative therapies.
Dr Lisa Elsner started working part-time at Elgar Road in March 2008. She graduated from the University of Melbourne and has worked as a small animal vet for 2.5 years in a variety of places including the country and animal shelters. She has 3 gorgeous cats and an elderly horse.
Devon Rankin needs no introduction. She was the first full-time veterinary nurse of the original practice at Elgar Road. The years of her tenure (1976-89) saw the practice expand rapidly and the name “Devon” with it’s linkage to the practice became well known throughout the area. In 1989 Devon became owner/manager of D.B. Boarding, a private cattery located in separate facilities at the southern end of the veterinary property. In 1998 Devon became a partner of the new Elgar Road Veterinary Hospital with the role of manager of both Hospital and Cattery. Devon maintains a strong passion for all animals, be it her own or clients. She sleeps with a Burmese on her head every night, much to husband’s horror. She shares a love of horses with her 15year old daughter “Bobby” and a similar sense of humour with her 17yr old son “Billy”.
Alex Fitzgerald joined the practice early 2005 and completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at the end of 2006. Before deciding to become a nurse Alex completed a Bachelor of Business at La Trobe University, then decided to follow her passion and join the animal care industry.
Alex has two energetic dogs Hudson a Rottweiler X and Belle a black Labrador that keep her busy when she is not at work.
Mich O’Connor has been at Elgar Road for six months as a permanent member of the nursing staff. You may have seen her quite often before this as she has been in and out of the clinic for the past 5 years as our regular locum nurse. Mich started vet nursing in 1994 and finished her Advanced Certificate of VN in 1997. Outside of work, she has an interest in fitness. Having previously competed in triathlons, she now competes against her husband in the Open Water Swim series with many surf clubs around Victoria.
Alice Clarke is the newest member of the ERVC nursing team. Being an avid cat lover, she started in the cattery staff at D.B. Boarding, before realizing a desire to pursue a career in Vet Nursing. She is currently studying her Certificate IV in VN and really enjoys learning something new every day. After a long day at the clinic she loves nothing more than cuddling up on the couch at home with her two feline children Oliver and Willow.
Natalie Loughron started working as a Vet Nurse at Elgar Road in 2005. She has completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is also a qualified Dental Nurse. Nat has recently resumed some Dental nursing, but we’re lucky to still have her working at ERVC part-time and teaching Puppy Preschool. When not working, Nat loves keeping fit and spending time with her 3 pets: Sebastian the Meremma, Jessie the Staffy and her horse Spider.
