Welcome to Vet Matters!
Vet Matters is a weekly bulletin which covers the issues which matter to the veterinary profession.
Thanks for joining me as I delve into the topics and issues currently affecting the veterinary profession. While the bulletins will primarily focus on veterinary business, regulation, education, policy and recruitment topics, I will also touch on veterinary ethics, consumer trends and advances in medicine and surgery.
Given it’s the first post, I will take this opportunity to provide a little background about me, your trusty commentator.
Background
I’m Dr Bronwyn Orr, a die-hard fan of the veterinary profession. I graduated from James Cook University in Townsville, Australia with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2013, although my foray into the profession started much earlier. I got my first job as a veterinary assistant at 13 years old, and I worked in this role until I entered university at 17 years old.
Since graduating in 2013, I have gone on to obtain a Master of Science (IAWEL) from the University of Edinburgh, Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Welfare and a Doctor of Philosophy (Science) from the University of Sydney. I’m also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
While completing my post-graduate studies, I worked in shelters, small animal and mixed practice, government including abattoir inspections and policy, emergency and not-for-profit policy roles. One of the things I love the most about the veterinary profession is the breadth and diversity of roles available.
I’ve always volunteered alongside paid work and study, as I believe in giving back any way you can. Previously I’ve fundraised for RSPCA Queensland including organizing the refurbishment of RSPCA Townsville’s dog exercise area, volunteered for Pets in the Park in both Brisbane and Canberra, sat on the Animal Ethics Committee of the University of Queensland and been a mentor in the Australian Veterinary Association’s (AVA) mentoring program.
In 2022, I became the youngest President of the AVA, completing my term in May 2023. In late 2023, I was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore the veterinary attraction, retention and recruitment strategies of the USA, UK, Canada and NZ in order to identify solutions for Australia. I will travel for this Fellowship in October 2024.
Current roles
Director of the Walk In Clinic For Animals (Canberra)
Senior Manager of Government Relations at the Australian Veterinary Association
Veterinary Curriculum Development at Southern Cross University
Chief Medical Officer at Vetnovo
Category A Member of the Southern Cross University Animal Ethics Committee
Category C Member of the Therapeutic Goods Administration Animal Ethics Committee
Why start Vet Matters?
OK I promise that will be the first and last time I give you my CV - as an Australian, Tall Poppy Syndrome always makes me feel exceedingly uncomfortable talking about myself.
The idea for Vet Matters came after yet another person commented that I’m doing ‘a lot’. It’s true, I love to be involved in the veterinary profession, particularly on the cutting edge where some of the most exciting developments are happening. I want to use Vet Matters to communicate some of the activities I’m involved in, as well as discuss more widely the trends and issues affecting our profession.
I know I’m interested in talking about these matters, so I hope you are too and will join me each week as we dive into veterinary current affairs. Feel free to subscribe to stay up to date, and see you next week!