Lily | Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Born and bred right here in Port Douglas, Lily is our true local! As one of our newest members of the Port Douglas Vets team, Lily is undergoing training as a vet nurse with us. She recently graduated Year 12 at Mossman High School and has always had a strong interest in the vet nursing field. She is an ambitious learner and plans to complete her Certificate III in Animal Studies, with the end goal to complete Certificate IV in Vet Nursing.
Where you’ll find them
You’ll find Lily learning the ropes under the helpful eyes of Tyler and Kate, understanding the foundations and basic principles to assist in operating a smooth working day in the clinic. Lily presents a strong natural ability to use her initiative and is not afraid to jump into the hard yards of what the role of vet nursing brings.
In her spare time, Lily and her pooch Rhubarb enjoy the simple things in life, walking the beautiful beaches of FNQ and heading out to the reef for a weekend dive. She also loves to get out in her 4WD and go camping.
Superpowers
With her calm demeanour and driven personality, Lily is a fine example of all that we encompass at Port Douglas Vets.
Little known fact
Lily competed in a rigorous 3-day event, winning the mighty blue ribbon, showcasing her amazing dressage and showjumping skills with some of the finest English horses FNQ did see.
Tyler | Veterinary Nurse
An FNQ local (well… 10 years), Tyler was part of the run-on team at Port Douglas Vets. She has completed her Cert IV in Vet Nursing and advanced training in emergency and critical care. She is driven to provide the best possible care for your pet through constant self-improvement, ongoing studies, and refining her skills in the technical elements of her role. Tyler is currently taking a year off to travel around Australia, we hope she has the most enjoyable time and look forward to hearing all about her Aussie outback adventures!
Where you’ll find them
You’ll find Tyler and Lily doing the hard yards for your Pets during their hospital stay, undergoing procedures, or in need of assistance in the consulting rooms. She’s a master of the machines that go beep, dentistry, anesthetics, emergency/critical care, and of course cuddles!!
Passionate about animals and the outdoors, Tyler spends most of her weekends exploring FNQ, whether it be fishing out on the reef or four-wheel driving up the cape with her Bull Arab Floki.
Superpowers
Tyler shines brightest under pressure, reveling in emergencies, surgical assistance, and high-intensity anesthetics.
Tyler is a surprising maestro in the visual arts, creating masterpieces in every style from impressionism to the surreal. Be sure to keep an eye out in the Louvre for this rising talent.
Little known fact
Is a competitive pistol shooter with a few trophies under her belt.
Cameron | Veterinarian
Dr. Cameron has been holidaying in Port Douglas since his childhood and with the encouragement of his partner Teegs who saw the need for a top quality Vet in town, Cameron established Port Douglas Vets. Born in Perth, raised in Melbourne, Educated in Wagga and with his first job on King Island, it took Cameron a bit of traveling to find his Veterinary utopia. Cameron thrives on helping people and pets in tough situations - for him there is no greater satisfaction than helping an animal in need, and relieving the pain and worry of distressed owners. On a professional level, Cameron is all about the challenging stuff - fine soft tissue surgery, complex medical investigations and keeping animals pain free into their twilight years.
Where you’ll find Cameron
You’ll first meet either Cameron, Harry or Melissa in the consulting room, quizzing you on your pet's condition and going through a thorough clinical exam. You’ll know Harry is stretching his brainpower for your pet when the mustache is being twirled, Melissa is scratching her chin and Cameron when the foot starts tapping. When not in the consulting room, you'll find Melissa treating hospital patients, in surgery, doing dentistry or investigating medical cases with our arsenal of machines that beep.
Outside of work you’ll find Cameron enjoying quality family time with the kids and partner Teegs. He also enjoys diving, fishing and fine foods.
Superpowers
Cameron’s superhuman strength is in his dedication and problem solving capacity. When you bring a problem to Cameron, failing to find a solution is not an option. Cameron also makes a mean curry. He is the keeper of an ancient and widely coveted secret spice mix passed down and refined through generations.
Little known fact
Cameron is an enthusiastic vocalist impersonator of 70’s pop music. Those who know him well recommend against long road trips with the Bee Gees or The Beatles playing in the background.
Jade | Practice Manager
Another English visitor to Port Douglas that never left! Jade joined us in our early days as our Veterinary Receptionist, bringing with her a natural talent and wealth of experience in customer care and administrative skills. Forever pushing herself, she qualified in Certificate III in Animal Studies allowing her to play a part in assisting the vet nurses in clinical operations. Her drive and passion to learn more in certain areas of the veterinary industry has inspired her to excel into the practice management role - she is our Girl Friday!
Where you’ll find them
You’ll meet Jade, Holly or Jess in reception or on the phone helping you with your enquiries. Out the back they are the glue that holds everything together and the grease that keeps the wheels in motion - keeping the Vets on track for the day, keeping clients in the loop and following up on curve ball queries and questions.
In her spare time, you’ll find Jade fishing, camping, gardening and cuddling up on the sofa with her pooch Sadie with a warm brew.
Superpowers
Jade treats every patient as her own, and has a unique empathy for patients and clients alike. With the perfect balance of professionalism and empathy Jade is our pillar of customer care and will leave you feeling welcomed, supported and understood throughout your experience.
Jade is also a humble maestro of the performing arts, having performed on the X-Factor UK and at the even-more-famous Clink Theater, Port Douglas.
Little known fact
At a popular and not-so-quiet bar in Port Douglas, Jade has a cocktail named after her….. We didn’t ask why!!
Harry | Veterinarian
New to the North, Dr. Harry hails from one of the colder corners of Australia in the high country of NSW. He has been a vet for 10 years across a wide range of Veterinary services, from specialist referral centers to mixed-animal outback practices. He is passionate about bringing quality and a range of services to the pets of Port Douglas. Having grown up on a farm with a menagerie of animals inside and out, he understands how pets contribute to their family's happiness and health. He finds fulfillment in not only helping pets when they are in need, but also in his role as a Veterinarian in pet ownership as a whole.
Where you’ll find Harry
You’ll first meet either Harry, Cameron or Melissa in the consulting room, quizzing you on your pet's condition and going through a thorough clinical exam. You’ll know Harry is stretching his brainpower for your pet when the mustache is being twirled, Melissa is scratching her chin and Cameron when the foot starts tapping. When not in the consulting room, you'll find Melissa treating hospital patients, in surgery, doing dentistry or investigating medical cases with our arsenal of machines that beep.
Outside of work, you’ll find Harry fishing, camping, tinkering, or being walked with his partner Emily along Four Mile Beach by their wire-haired dachshund and blue-tick-cuddle-hound.
Superpowers
Harry takes pride in being thorough and doing the common things well. He is passionate about skin, ears, behavior, and dental disease and will take a holistic approach to the health of your pet rather than focusing on one condition.
Harry is also one of the world's best freshwater fishermen (according to Harry) and is known in his hometown as the cod-father of the Murray River (also according to Harry).
Little known fact
Fanatical about metallurgy and sharp Japanese knives.
Melissa | Veterinarian
Dr. Melissa came to Australia in January 2020 as part of her plan to travel the world whilst doing locum vet work. Turns out, FNQ was quite an attractive spot to settle down and live permanently. Another Pommy, from Bolton, England, Melissa graduated from Liverpool University, School of Veterinary Science in the UK with distinction and has worked in small animal veterinary clinics in the UK and in Australia for the past 4 years. Her work has taken her on many challenging but rewarding paths, from managing ICU critical cases to complex surgical procedures. Melissa has a strong passion for pathology and diagnostics and relishes in further investigations to get to the root of the problem. Her ability to prioritise to act on trauma cases is second-to-none, she is a fine, leading example in the clinic.
Where you’ll find them
You’ll first meet either Cameron, Harry or Melissa in the consulting room, quizzing you on your pet's condition and going through a thorough clinical exam. You’ll know Harry is stretching his brainpower for your pet when the mustache is being twirled, Melissa is scratching her chin and Cameron when the foot starts tapping. When not in the consulting room, you'll find Melissa treating hospital patients, in surgery, doing dentistry or investigating medical cases with our arsenal of machines that beep.
Outside of work Melissa loves nothing more than exploring the local area and embarking on adventures to learn more about the native wildlife of FNQ and takes great pleasure in watching them flourish in their natural habitat.
Superpowers
Melissa has a knack for treating animals who require geriatric care and with her exceptional practical experience and personable nature, she can deliver proper and effective senior pet care, focusing on the quality of life for pets and their owners. She is passionate about empathy towards clients’ needs and with determination and hard work, she will work with you to find the best possible outcome for you and your pet.
Little known fact
Melissa famously starred on some of the most successful British TV shows, and embodies many hidden talents, from singing to playing an eclectic array of instruments.
Holly | Veterinary Receptionist
Holly has been the backbone of reception at Port Douglas Vets and we’re not sure how we coped without her! Holly discovered Port Douglas and called it home in 2017, falling in love with the surrounding nature and wildlife. Owning two dogs, a cat and a pond of fish, Holly understands your bond with your furry friends and hopes to make their stay, and your experience as comfortable as possible.
Where you’ll find them
You’ll meet Holly, Jade or Jess in reception or on the phone helping you with your enquiries. Out the back they are the glue that holds everything together and the oil that keeps the wheels in motion - keeping the Vets on track for the day, keeping clients in the loop and following up on queries and questions.
Outside of work you’ll find Holly strolling along the beach with her little one and the dogs, exploring all that the North has to offer - camping and fishing at any opportunity. She has also recently joined the Paws and Claws committee, so if she's not with her own animals, she's looking after rescues!
Superpowers
With a can-do attitude, and a “we’ve got this” demeanor, nothing is too difficult or disheartening for Holly. She is always cheerful, and brings a positive energy to your Veterinary experience that is both uplifting and refreshing.
Little known fact
In a past life, Holly’s cheerleading career was cruelly cut short by an injury sustained during a basket toss.
Jess | Veterinary Receptionist
Jess moved to Port Douglas two years ago with her family, looking for a more relaxed lifestyle. After holidaying up here many times, it was time to call Port home. Her previous experience in health care and customer service brings a wealth of personable attributes along with her compassion and supportive nature that will have you feeling like you and your pet are in safe hands.
Where you’ll find them
You’ll meet Jess, Jade or Holly in reception or on the phone helping you with your enquiries, she prides herself on an exceptional standard of client and patient care. From the moment you walk through our doors, Jess is there with a warm smile and is dedicated to ensuring your visit is pleasant and comfortable. Without a doubt, she will go the extra mile for you.
In her spare time, Jess loves nothing more than baking, with a glass of wine in hand, and online shopping (as long as the shipping is under $10).
Superpowers
With her light-hearted sense of humour and positive attitude, she never fails to entertain the team. Jess has a forward-thinking approach and utilises her previous work experience to apply herself accordingly in the good, the bad, and the not-seen-this-before situation.
Jess has an array of culinary skills, especially baked goods. Competing against some of the finest bakers in the area, her cakes and slices would outshine any Michelin Star guru. (Sadly, only Harry gets to enjoy these luxuries as they never last long).
Little known fact
Many moons ago, Jess lived in Papua New Guinea and this enabled her to be well-equipped for the trials and tribulations of reception work after making a quick escape by helicopter.
Rod | Visiting Surgeon
Pet owners of FNQ need no introduction to Dr. Rod Gilbert - prior owner and director of Marlin Coast Veterinary Hospital. Rod has been a vet in FNQ since 1989 after an 8-year stint in Papua New Guinea. Many of our local clients have more than one story about Rod fixing their beloved pets over the years. We have been very fortunate to engage Rod on an in-house referral basis to offer advanced surgeries from Port Douglas Vets - surgeries that would otherwise be referred to specialist centers further south. Rod graduated from the University of QLD in 1982 and has since maintained a strong interest in orthopedic surgeries - forever learning and refining his skills to offer the highest possible standard of care.
Where you’ll find Rod
You’ll find Rod predominantly in the operating theater, entertaining us with his dad jokes while working his magic on fractures, joint problems, and a wide range of life-saving soft tissue surgery. You’ll also find Rod in the consulting room providing follow-up on his surgery patients and guiding pet owners through the pros and cons of advanced surgical options for their pets.
Outside of work, you’ll find Rod fishing the reef on his boat “Fishin’ Rod” or golfing on one of the many courses of FNQ.
Superpowers
Dr. Rod brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the team at Port Douglas Vets. He is passionate about surgery, including advanced orthopedics such as TPLOs and complex fracture repairs. He finds fulfillment in engaging with pet owners and helping them through helping their pets, and is passionate about promoting the ethics of the veterinary profession as a whole.
Little known fact
An avid gardener of orchids.