Our Staff
VETERINARIANS |
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| Derek Major BVSc MACVSc Derek Major is a founding partner of Agnes Banks Equine Clinic, he graduated from Sydney University in 1979. He is currently managing partner, and has particular interests in surgery, and reproduction. |
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Ian
Duckworth BVSc Ian Duckworth is also a founding partner, having graduated from Sydney University in 1984. Particular interests include sports medicine, racetrack practice and stud medicine. |
Neil Walton BVSc MRCVS MACVSc Neil Walton joined the practice in 1992. He hails from England, where he gained his degree in Liverpool. He is especially interested in all aspects of thoroughbred racing. Neil is currently on leave to further his study. |
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Mark
Schembri BSc(Vet) BVSc MACVS MPH Mark started as an intern at Agnes Banks in 2002 after completing an honours science degree in freezing of equine sperm in 1999. Mark now runs the Artificial Breeding department with a particular interest in embryo transfer and problem mare breeding. Mark was awarded the AEVA NatureVet Scholarship in 2003 to do further sabbatical study at Texas A&M, Rood and Riddle Kentucky, and Newmarket. He has just returned from Harvard University as the 2009 Sir John Monash fellow receiving his Masters in Public Heath. Mark is also an honorary veterinarian for the Australian Turf Club and Chariman of the Veterinary Committee at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. |
Christine Smith DVM Diplomate ACVS Dr. Christine Smith is a Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery, and has a particular interest in performance, lameness and all aspects of equine surgery including colic, upper respiratory and joint surgery. Christine was previously at Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where she was Head of Equine Unit, Equine Surgery and Medicine. Before that she held clinical and teaching positions in California and Texas. Christine has had an interesting and varied career, which even includes Canadian Team Groom at Luh Muhlen in Germany! She is the author of a number of published scientific papers and the winner of many professional awards. Christine is a Canadian national, but is committed to life in Australia and has settled in the Hawkesbury. Her expertise, practical hands on approach and enthusiasm are known to many. |
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Laura Lee BVSc MS Laura was born and raised in South Africa, where she completed a Veterinary Science degree at University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa from 1999-2004. She entered private practiced in South Africa before moving to the United States where she completed Equine Medicine Specialty training at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. She earned a Masters Degree for a study entitled, “Comparative efficacy of three common treatments for equine recurrent airway obstruction”. Laura is a keen horse rider and competes at horse trials, having done time in England as a working pupil for William Fox-Pitt! She also regularly officiates at equestrian competitions and presents lectures and talks to veterinarians and horse persons. Laura has a particular interest and expertise in Internal Medicine and Foal Diseases. Her arrival marks an exciting new development for Agnes Banks Equine Clinic. |
Anneliese Downing BVSc Dr Anneliese Downing, was an intern here at the clinic, and is now a permanent member of the professional team. Her enthusiasm is unstoppable. She is interested in all aspects of equine clinical practice, especially artificial breeding |
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Anna Salter BSc BVMS Anna comes to us from W.A, she graduated from Murdoch University in 2009. She completed her internship with ABEC in 2010 and has now been retained as a permanent member of our staff. Her interests include showjumping with her horse Marty, she enjoys travelling and the beach. Anna has a special interest in ambultory practice and a keen interest in performance horse medicine, surgery and lameness. |
INTERNS |
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Emily Dockray BSc BVMS Emily is originally from Tasmania, but studied Veterinary Science at Murdoch University in W.A. where she graduated at the end of 2010. Emily is now part of ABEC internship program, where she enjoys all aspects of the practice particularly ambulatory duties and foals. Emily currently competes in Eventing at one star level with her horse Woody. |
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Lauren Cox BVSc (Hons) Lauren grew up in the Sydney region and graduated from Sydney University in 2011. A keen horse rider, she has a long history competing in Eventing, and is keen to get involved in the official Veterinary side of the sport. Lauren has recently started the internship program and is interested in all aspects of equine practice. |
SUPPORT STAFF |
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Heather McKinnon Heather McKinnon is the office manager, and has a family background in horse breeding. Previously she has worked as a legal secretary, and in the farm produce area, and her experience is of great benefit |
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Linda Morgan Linda has been a part of the Agnes Banks Equine Clinic team for many years and has recently joined us full time. Linda is a qualified accountant with many years experience, within many areas of business and management. |
Sandy Wesselink Sandy Wesselink is the Head Nurse, having gained her advanced veterinary nursing certificate in 1996 and has a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which is a teaching level qualification. She supervises all hospital operations, as well as conducting an educational role at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic. Sandy is a TAFE teacher, teaching Equine Nursing at Richmond TAFE. Steve and Sandy breed and show Clydesdale horses. |
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Kylie McGhie Kylie McGhie is our Deputy Head Nurse and is the Superintendant of the Reproduction Unit. She is a qualified Veterinary Nurse, and is responsible for the running of our reproduction unit, including coordinating our embryo transfer herd. Kylie has a interest in microbiology. |
Amanda Ellicott Amanda has a Diploma in Horse Industry Management, Certificate in Commercial Agnecy and Private Inquiry Act - Debt Management, Certificate in Web design and is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and Equine Nurse. She has a great love of horses, and motorsport, where she owns and runs her own microsprint team. Amanda has a variety of roles she is responsible for, including nursing, horse care, administration and drug inventory. |
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Melissa Massingham Melissa has been a member of our team of a number of years and is currently studying for her Veterinary Nursing Certificate, she has a certificate in Stem Cell Therapy and Agriculture Studies. Mel has been riding since she was 9 and has a passion for animals. |
Kirsty Lee Kirsty has been a member since 2009. She is currently studying Equine Nursing and has an interest in Scintigraphy. Kirsty has a strong interest in sporting and showing. |
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Greg Ballard Greg is our property manager. He is a qualified Farrier. Greg assist's with the Stallion handling. Greg has competed Internationally in Polo and still maintains an interest in Polo. |
