Tom Smith MA VetMB CertSAS MRCVS DACVS-SA
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Tom grew up in the ”Fens” of East Anglia just outside Cambridge, England on a mixed property. His childhood was spent surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes. It was a natural progression for him to study veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, during which time the calling to be a small animal surgeon beckoned. Following graduation periods of small animal practice followed in the United Kingdom during which time Tom studied for a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. As part of this study Tom visited a number of referral centers in the UK and the concept of specialist training emerged, and as they say, the rest is history………….
A busy internship followed at Fitzpatrick Referrals (home of the Bionic Vet) where Tom was encouraged to further pursue his dreams. His studies took him to America, initially to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University to investigate the use of stem cells for delivering growth factors to stimulate bone healing and then onto the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University to complete a three year small animal surgical residency. During this time Tom was exposed to all aspects of soft tissue, oncological, spinal and orthopaedic surgery. In particular Tom was able to train under a specialist Oncology gaining much insight in the management of cases with very challenging tumors and this experience has very much altered his approach to the management of surgical cases.
Following America Tom travelled with his wife, Annie from Australia, to start work in Australia. During his time in Australia Tom has worked in both University and privately owned Hospitals as both a permanent and locum surgeon and his travels have taken him across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
Along the way Tom has passed a number of examinations in both Europe and America including the American College of Veterinary Surgeons certification process. Tom has been a recognised small animal surgical Specialist in Australia since 2012.
Tom has published on a wide variety of subjects (see publications), contributed to a book chapter and presented research in in Europe, America and Australia. Tom has contributed to CPD events since his time in Australia and continues to work close with AVA branches.
Tom’s life has not been work all the way and in his spare time he enjoys relaxing with Annie, their cat ‘Buss Buss’ and their two dogs Snitzel (Dachshund) and Poppy (Chihuahuacross) . In addition Tom is involved in Competitive Target Rifle shooting to both State and International Level, all grain beer brewing, poultry breeding, landrover restoration and gardening.
Tom is passionate about bringing options and choices to patients and owners alike. He offers surgical solutions as well as non-surgical options (where appropriate) and aims to bring the best surgical techniques for his patients.
Elaine Kao Trainee Veterinary Technician
Annie Smith Accountant