Introducing the Team at Burke Road Veterinary
Clinic & Hospital
Veterinarians;
Dr Donna Pyke
BVSc (Hons), MACVSc (small animal surgery), IVAS (acupuncture)
Co-owner of Burke Road Vet Clinic & Hospital
Donna is a Melbourne University graduate. Donna has completed extensive post graduate study in Small Animal Surgery in the UK and Australia, Emergency Medicine and Surgery and Radiology. She has her membership in small animal surgery. Donna is also an Academic Fellow of the University of Melbourne so you will see vet students coming through the clinic to learn. Donna is also qualified to perform acupuncture in animals. Donna is kept busy out of work with a husband Chris, two daughters Molly and Lucy, a dog called Harry and 2 Bengal cats, Jumanji and Snowflake. Donna competes in long distance swims and enjoys cycling with her family.
Donna currently works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and shares weekends.
Dr Tina Missen
BVSc
Co-owner of Burke Road Vet Clinic & Hospital
Tina is also a Melbourne University graduate. She has a special interest in animal eye diseases (ophthalmology), dentistry and soft tissue surgery. Tina has a Golden retriever called George, a cat called Luigi and a horse called Gus.
Tina currently works Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and shares weekends.
Dr Cathy Jennings
BVSc
Dr Cathy Jennings
BVSc
Cathy is a co-owner of Burke Road Vet Clinic and Hospital and is also a Melbourne University graduate. Cathy is currently on long service leave. Cathy is married and has two boys. She also has a big black Labrador called Jasper.
Cathy normally works Mondays and Thursdays and shares weekends.
Dr Renata Das
BVSc
Renata is a 2003 University of Melbourne graduate. Renata has been working with us for the last two and a half years, filling in when vets are on leave. She is now here as a permanent part timer, working every Mon and Thurs and sharing weekends. Renata has been practicing for over seven years, starting in Gippsland and then working in the UK for two and a half years before returning to Melbourne. Renata is a keen snowboarder. She has 2 dogs, Portia and
Bentley and a cat called Mya.
Dr Faith Pearce
BVSc
Dr Faith Pearce
BVSc
Faith is a 2002 University of Melbourne graduate. Faith has recently started with us and is working all day Fridays and sharing weekends. She has a particular interest in internal medicine, clinical pathology and pocket pets (rabbits, hamsters etc). Faith is married to Andrew and they have twin boys almost 2 1/2, Gilbert and Hugo, and 4 month old daughter Eloise. She has beautiful old red/grey heeler called Mildred, Maud a 7 yr old Dalmatian, Penelope a 4yr old ginger cat and Louis, a 6 yr old KCCS. In her free time
(ha ha) she enjoys spending time with her family, going to parks, walking, swimming and enjoying animals in nature.
Dr Andrew Welsh
BVSc
From time to time you may meet Andrew who has been working with us off and on for the last five years. Andrew will often help us by working when one of the other vets is on leave. Andrew is very knowledgable and has completed his Masters in Small Animal Medicine. Andrew is a father of three and when the weather permits enjoys surfing with his family.
Nurses and Support Staff;
Kate Perkins
Veterinary Nurse/Practice Office Manager
Kate is a New Zealand qualified vet nurse and has been in Melbourne with her (now) husband since 2003. Kate enjoys being involved in small animal surgery. Kate is a very experienced nurse and anesthetist. She also has an interest in Natural Therapies and loves music. Kate has a cat called Hendrix and a horse called Alice.
Penny Everson
Veterinary Nurse/Marketing
Penny Everson
Veterinary Nurse/Marketing
Penny is a very experienced full time nurse and is studying for Certificate 4 at Box Hill TAFE. Penny is a qualified dog trainer and has an interest in animal behavior. Penny also has a marketing degree. Penny enjoys hiking and spending time with her dog Jess.
Jess Atkins
Veterinary Nurse
Jess has been nursing for over two years now. She started her nursing career in Brunswick and has recently joined us from a clinic in Dandenong. Jess is currently studying dog training and once finished intends to continue her veterinary nursing studies. When she can Jess also helps out a at a bird boarding facility in Coburg. Jess is currently on a waiting list to adopt a Hungarian Vizla later this year.
Julian Fry
Veterinary Nurse
Julian has been with us for over six years. He started as a volunteer and has since successfully completed his Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. Julian is married with two young daughters. You will only see Julian here in a part time capacity now as he has recently started full time study to become a paramedic. Julian has a passion for music, singing and playing guitar. He also enjoys restoring his mini minor. Julian has a golden Labrador called Jack.
Julie McLachlan
Receptionist/Veterinary Nurse
Julie has over ten years veterinary nursing experience however she really loves working in reception where she can get to know all of our clients and their pets as they come in. Julie has a miniature Daschund puppy called Jeremy. Julie loves going to the gym and keeping fit.
Kristen Skrzelinski
Junior Support Staff Member
Kristen has recently started with us and is being trained in general animal care and reception work. Her main role is to make sure all the patients are comfortable, walked frequently and given lots of TLC.
Rachael Smith
Junior Support Staff Member
Rachel has been with us for almost 2 years. She also makes sure all the patients are comfortable. She tends to the cattery on weekends. Rachel has started her certificate in nursing.