At Murray Veterinary Services we feel privileged to have a highly skilled and dedicated professional team. Our Team Members Include:
Dr Ross Wallace
Bsc. BVMS (Hons) MANZCVS (eq surg)
Ross Graduated from Murdoch University in 2000 with first class Honours and then completed an internship at Agnes Banks Equine clinic in NSW. Ross has worked exclusively in equine practice in Australia and spent time working at Bourton vale Equine clinic in the UK. In 2006 returned to Australia and resumed work at Agnes Banks where he helped establish and supervise their scintigraphy (bone scanning) Unit.
In 2008 Ross gained his memberships to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in equine surgery. After returning home to Western Australia Ross established Murray Veterinary Services in 2009.
Ross main interests are Equine reproduction and sport horse lameness and is an FEI accredited veterinarian but genuinely enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary medicine and surgery.
When not working or on call Ross can be found chasing his kids around the farm or on the tractor doing a bit of fencing or starting a new project and may one day attempt to resume his eventing career.
Philipa Wallace
Pip graduated with honours from Murdoch University in 2000 and proceeded to blaze a trail in mixed practice in the Gippsland region in Victoria. After too many cold nights calving cows Pip decided to turn to the busy life of small animal practice in the Sydney region. In this role Pip developed into thorough and dedicated small animal surgeon and created herself a large following in this practice. Pip along with husband Ross created Murray Vets in 2009 with Pip leading the role as practice manager.
When Pip is not busy running Murray vets an working as a small animal surgeon she can be found racing around after the three spirited Wallace children (a task more difficult than running an equine practice) Pip has a love for gardening, attending to her bee hives and winning as many cooking categories at the local agricultural shows as possible.
Dr Belinda Black
BSc BVMS DVSc DACVS
Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)
Specialist in Equine Surgery
Dr Belinda completed her veterinary degree at Murdoch University in 2003 and always had love of surgery. Thereafter, she worked in a practice with two ophthalmologists, however, the yearning to be involved with horses was ever present and so she returned to Murdoch to obtain an equine internship in medicine and surgery. Having decided to pursue her dream with surgery, and explore overseas, she moved to Canada to complete a large animal internship, followed by a residency in Large Animal Surgery while simultaneously completing a doctorate (DVSc) in Large Animal Surgery at The University of Guelph. Belinda also met her husband in Canada! Belinda became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2013 and returned to Australia where she worked at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital in Victoria. She has now returned to WA with a Canadian husband and two young boys.
Belinda is passionate about all aspects of equine surgery, particularly soft tissue surgery. She also enjoys the challenges of ophthalmologic surgery, abdominal surgery and wound reconstructions. Her research has fostered an interest in the equine foot and advanced imaging in relation to lameness.
Dr Kate Kiely
Bsc.BVMS
Kate graduated from Murdoch University in 2016 and went on to do a 12 month internship at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic in NSW. After completing her internship, Kate then went on to work for three years at Shotter & Byers Equine Veterinary Services in England where she gained extensive experience in equine practice.
Kate enjoys all aspects of equine practice with particular interests in ophthalmology, dermatology and wound management. Kate is currently studying for a Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the University of Liverpool in her spare time. Outside of work Kate enjoys riding her own horse, dancing (poorly!) and a coffee with friends or family.
.
Dr Emma Gillman
Bsc.DVM
Dr Emma Gillman graduated from Murdoch University in 2020. She grew up on a thoroughbred stud in New Zealand and has competed across various disciplines including dressage, eventing and show horse in Western Australia. Being able to work with horses everyday has been Emma’s life long dream.
Emma has a keen interest in performance horse medicine and reproduction, and is excited to develop her skills across all aspect of equine practice. In her spare time you’ll find her exploring parts of WA, catching up with good friends or reading a good book.
Dr Hayley Lia
Bsc.DVM
Dr Hayley Lia graduated from Murdoch University in 2020 and was awarded the Adamson Prize in Equine Medicine and Surgery. She then completed a 6 month internship at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital in Victoria, rotating between anaesthesia, surgery, medicine and reproduction.
Hayley grew up in regional Victoria and competed in showjumping. She also assisted with the development of the Goulburn Valley Showjumping Club in the region.
In her spare time you will find Hayley exploring WA, having a snorkel at the beach and fostering many lovely greyhounds.
Hayley has a keen interest in equine anaesthesia, surgery and diagnostic imaging.
Dr Beth Watson
Bsc.DVM
Dr Beth Watson graduated from Murdoch University in 2021 with distinction. Beth is also a physiotherapist with post graduate qualifications in animal physiotherapy. Before being accepted into the vet program she worked for a number of years in equine physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation.
Having been involved in equestrian sports from a young age and competing in the disciplines of dressage and eventing, Beth has a keen interest in all aspects of horse performance. She believes that horses are exceptional athletes. Beth is fascinated with the horse’s athletic abilities and applications to different equestrian sports.
In her spare time Beth loves to spend time with her golden retriever, her family and indulging in good food and wine.
Dr Jerome Hugonot
Bsc.BVMS
Dr Jerome Hugonot migrated from France to Australia in 2002, where he graduated from Murdoch University in 2010. Jerome spent his first year as a vet in Katherine, NT working as a flying veterinarian. After several years in equine practice in South Australia, Hunter Valley and Western Australia, Jerome and his wife moved overseas for a 3 years stint in Central Africa. While in Africa Jerome worked as an equine and wildlife vet as well as using his commercial pilot licence for anti-poaching aerial monitoring.
After several years moving between Australia, Africa and France, Jerome’s love for working with horses and living in Australia brought him back to Western Australia and Murray Veterinary Services.
Jerome’s main interest is in equine reproduction and foal medicine and surgery although he is interested in every aspect of horse health.
When not working, Jerome enjoys his family life with all the good things Australia has to offer and taking time to enjoy again the Australian sky with his beloved little co-pilot.
Jill Coulman
Purchasing and Nurse Manager RVN
Jill joined Murray Vets in 2014 and is now our head nurse/Hospital manager. Jill is a fully qualified veterinary nurse holding an advanced certificate in Veterinary Nursing and Diploma in Veterinary Nursing/Management and was awarded Veterinary Nurse of the year for Victoria/Tasmania. With our hospital continually growing Jill proficient organisation skills and ability to create calm in any situation ensures that all of our patients in hospital get the highest standard of nursing care possible. Jill has been involved with horses her whole life and has worked the majority of her career in mixed practice. Jill’s continued drive for further education for herself and amongst our nursing staff ensures that our nurses are up to date and current.
Kelly Keefe
Head Veterinary Nurse RVN
Kelly joined the Murray Veterinary Services team in August 2017 after moving to Australia from England and took on the role of head nurse in 2021. Before moving to Western Australia Kelly had been the senior veterinary nurse for nearly 10 years in a busy equine hospital in Kent.
Kelly has had extensive experience in the UK equine industry not only as an equine nurse but also through the training and racing of point to point horses, usually accompanied by her beautiful Labrador Murrey.
After starting at Murray Veterinary Services Kelly received formal recognition for her previous experience in equine nursing and gained her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing. Kelly has a passion for equine welfare and care and as our head nurse manages the day to day running of our hospitalised patients. Her special interest is foal neonatal medicine and Kelly personally ensures the care that each and every foal in our hospitals receives is of the very best standard.
When not at work caring for our horses and foals Kelly can be found riding somewhere or exploring and camping around WA with her husband Jordan.
Raimie Zilko
Veterinary Nurse
Raimie started with Murray vets in 2015 to for fill her dream of become and equine veterinary nurse. Having previously worked in Throughbred, eventing and endurance riding stables, as well as a track work rider Raimie’s horse skills are exceptional. Raimie grew up in Coolup and attended Harvey Agricultural College for several years. She has also been a long term member of the Murray Pony club. Raimie is studding for her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. When not studding and working, Raimie enjoys riding and helping out on her Fathers Quaterhorse stud.
Tina Sayers
Tina is one of the most capable women we know. She is a Thoroughbred trainer and accomplished horse rider. Tina works mornings at Murray vets to ensure all horses are well fed and cared for with clean stables and bedding. Tina also helps us keep the grounds at Murray Vets looking beautiful.