Personalised support, guidance, and expertise

Dr Susan Brown BVSc (hons) MVSt DipACVP (Anat Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist – Anatomical Pathology

Susan has a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney and a Master of Veterinary Studies (pathology) from Massey University. During her pathology residency at Massey University, she completed a thesis examining calcinogenic plants in grazing species, and co-authored scientific publications in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal. She has worked in small animal practice in Queensland, WA and the UK. As a pathologist, Susan is interested in furthering her companion animal dermatopathology knowledge. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoys DIY and outdoor adventuring with her family. Susan became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathology in 2021 and is an Australian Registered Specialist in Veterinary Anatomical Pathology.

Dr Briony Gardiner BVSc (Hons), GCVSt, MANZCVS

Veterinary Pathologist

Briony is a veterinary pathologist based in our Brisbane laboratory.  A Brisbane local, Briony graduated from the University of Queensland with Honours in the year 2000.

Following graduation, Briony worked in a number of small animal practices both in Australia and England.  After some time, her interest in scientific research resulted in a change of direction working in the field of neuroscience at the Queensland Brain Institute.  However, the call of veterinary science resulted in a return to the University of Queensland, where she accepted a pathology training position.  During this time, she achieved membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Studies in the field of Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology.

At the completion of her training, Briony began working as a diagnostic pathologist for Biosecurity Queensland within the Animal Disease Surveillance Laboratory at Toowoomba.

Briony joined the team at IDEXX in 2019 following a return to her hometown.  She has a professional interest in anatomic pathology of companion and production animal species.  Away from the laboratory, Briony enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach and watching movies.

Dr Mirrim Kelly-Bosma BVSc (Hons), MANZCVS, DACVP

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist

Mirrim graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2012, and spent 6 years in small animal practice in Queensland, New Zealand, and the UK. In 2018 she returned to the University of Queensland to undertake a residency in veterinary anatomic pathology, in conjunction with a professional doctorate. Her field of research was pathology of elapid snake envenomation in cats and dogs, and she submitted her thesis at the end of 2021.

Mirrim has membership with the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in veterinary pathology, and diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in anatomic pathology. She is also a member of the Australian Society of Veterinary Pathologists, and has presented unique case reports to a national audience, including cerebellar hypoplasia in African grey parrots, and epidemic mortality in geese.

As an early career pathologist, Mirrim’s professional interests are varied, and she is gaining experience in many aspects of pathology. Coming from a small animal clinical background, she has a particular interest in companion animal pathology and in providing an excellent diagnostic service to veterinarians.

Dr Kathy Luk BVSc (Hons), MANZCVS, DACVP

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist (Anatomic)

Kathy graduated with honours from the University of Melbourne in 2013 and worked in shelter and private practice before undertaking a tutorship position in anatomic pathology at the same university. She joined IDEXX in 2019 and achieved her ACVP specialist examination in 2021. Kathy has a particular passion for avian pathology and keeps several pet birds.

Dr Eve Manthorpe BSc, DVM, M.Phil (Vet. Sci), MANZCVS (veterinary pathology), DipACVP (Anat Path)

Specialist Anatomic Pathologist

Eve is a veterinary pathologist based in our Adelaide laboratory. She qualified as a veterinarian from the University of Adelaide in 2016, and then returned home to Canberra to work as a small animal clinician for 3 years. During this time, she developed an appreciation for the demands of veterinary life, and a passion for patient care and small animal diagnostics. In 2019, she returned to Adelaide to pursue her love of pathology, where she completed a master’s degree and anatomic pathology residency with the University of Adelaide and the Centre for AgriBioscience Victoria. Eve joined the team at IDEXX after completing her residency in 2022. As an early career pathologist, Eve’s professional interests are varied, and she hopes to gain experience in many aspects of pathology, while aiming to provide a friendly and approachable pathology service. Away from the laboratory, Eve enjoys dining out with friends, hiking with her cattle dog, and watching Kath and Kim on repeat.

Dr Thelma Meiring BA(SW), BVSc, MMedVet (Path), MVM, Diplomate ACVP, MRCVS

Specialist Anatomic Pathologist and Head of Anatomic Pathology ANZ

Thelma qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2002. She immediately pursued her interest in veterinary pathology and started as clinical assistant at the Pathology section of the University of Pretoria in 2003. She started doing locums for IDEXX, South Africa during that year and became a full-time employee in 2005. She has done most of her training in pathology at IDEXX, which included surgical biopsies and post-mortem examinations. She obtained her MMed Vet(Path) degree in 2011 and ACVP specialisation in 2014. In 2021 she completed a Master of Veterinary Medicine, including oncology, dermatology, epidemiology, and others, through Massey University. Thelma relocated to the UK in 2012 then New Zealand in 2016 where she is currently based. She reported cases for the UK until she became Team lead for Anatomic Pathology Australia in May 2021 sharing reporting duties with both countries. She became Head of Anatomic Pathology ANZ in March 2023, which she oversees remotely. Her special interests include oncology and bird pathology.

Dr Helen Peam BVSc, BAppSc (Equine Stud), MANZCVS (Pathology), DipACVP (Anat Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist

Helen has had a passion for animal health since an early age, and first started talking about becoming a vet at age 4. Helen completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Equine Studies at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga in 2003. After working with horses for a short while she went on to study Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, completing her degree in 2009. After graduation, Helen practised as a veterinarian in a mixed rural practice in Moree, in north-western NSW.

In 2012, Helen accepted a Veterinary Pathology Trainee appointment at the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Helen gained membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in Pathology in 2014. During her time at the DPI, she worked closely with pathologists from The University of Sydney, and Taronga Zoo, as well as running several pathology training workshops for government and private vets.

Helens professional memberships include the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (by examination), Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in Pathology, Australian Veterinary Association, and Australian Society for Veterinary Pathology.

Dr Susan Piripi BVSc, PhD, DACVP (Anatomic and Clinical pathology)

Susan graduated from Massey University, New Zealand with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science in 2003. She continued on to postgraduate study in veterinary pathology for which she was awarded a PhD in 2008 for characterising a new chondrodysplasia in Texel sheep.

Susan moved to the USA to complete a three-year residency at the Oregon State University in the anatomic pathology department. Susan was awarded the status of Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2011 after successfully passing the anatomic pathology board examinations.

She has worked as Head of Pathology for the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s pathology unit in Camden. She was one of their senior veterinary lecturers in veterinary pathology. In 2013, Susan helped facilitate the inaugural K9 Tactical Casualty Care Course at Camden hospital. The course focused on helping dog handlers and defence force officers learn life-saving emergency veterinary skills.

In 2014, Susan joined the IDEXX team in Melbourne, primarily in a clinical pathologist role but soon incorporating an anatomic pathology caseload. In 2017, she transferred back home to New Zealand, and has since then been based at the IDEXX Palmerston North lab, operating out of the Massey University School of Veterinary Science. In 2021, Susan sat and passed the American College of Veterinary Pathologists clinical pathology board examinations, becoming one of the rare few awarded dual certification.

Susan is experienced in all aspects of veterinary pathology. She is passionate about providing excellent diagnostic service and enjoys working closely with other veterinary professionals in diagnosing and managing cases. Susan has a keen interest in pathology for companion and production animals, camelid pathology, and in particular bone/joint, skin and eye disease.

During her career, she has co-authored and published papers in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal of Small Animal Practice, Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Ophthalmology, Australian Veterinary Journal, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, The Veterinary Journal, Animal Genetics, and Cartilage.

Dr Patrick Shearer Cert (IV) Mus, BSc, BVMS, Grad Cert Res Mgt, PhD, MANZCVSc (Pathology), DipACVP (Anat Path)

Technical Lead, APO

Patrick is a Specialist Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist and musician living in Melbourne and enjoying the city immensely.

Patrick’s pathology experience spans government, academic, and commercial roles, and includes expertise in production and companion animals, fish, avian and exotics (and even an occasional gorilla). His veterinary degree, emergency medicine internship, and PhD (on diagnostic tests for psittacine beak and feather disease virus) were undertaken at Murdoch University, and this formed the beginnings of his pathology journey. After his PhD, Patrick took on an epidemiology role with the US’ largest private practice veterinary company, followed by roles in scientific writing/editing and biotechnology. Patrick undertook formal pathology training with the NSW DPI, and achieved membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Pathology in 2016, followed by Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2018. Patrick is dedicated to supporting other members of the pathology community, having served as a committee member with the Australian Society for Veterinary Pathologists (2017-2018), as ASVP vice-president (2020), and ASVP president leading the Victorian committee in 2021-2022.

Dr Wilson So BVSc (hons) MANZCVS (Veterinary Pathology), DipACVP (Anat Path)

Specialist Anatomic Pathologist

Wilson graduated from the University of Sydney in 2016 with honours. After working in a busy small animal general practice for one year, he completed a rotating internship at the University of Sydney. Gaining a strong interest in emergency and critical care (ECC) he continued working at several referral and specialist hospitals in Sydney before and during pursuit of his true passion in veterinary pathology. He completed an anatomical residency at his Alma mater during which he gained memberships to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) in 2021 and completed a Masters in Veterinary clinical studies in 2022. During his training he worked closely with and supported small animal specialists of all fields. He continues to work clinically in emergency and critical care at several specialist centres in Sydney alongside his pathology career. He has a strong interest in small animal critical care (especially point of care diagnostics), dermatopathology, ocular pathology and oncopathology. Outside of studying for board exams and work he enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with his dog.

Dr Cleide Sprohnle-Barrera DVM, [DVClinSc (anatomical pathology)], DipACVP (Anat Path)

Specialist Anatomic Pathologist

Originally from Chile, Cleide completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. As an undergraduate student, she developed a keen interest in pathology working as a Tutor and Assistant for the pathology department at the Catholic University of Temuco, Chile. From there she pursued a rotating internship at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, followed by several government roles involved in livestock export, and dairy services in the South of Chile. Aspiring to explore the world, she found herself falling in love with and migrating to Australia, where she initially joined IDEXX Brisbane as a histologist, concurrently working as a small animal veterinarian. Pursuing her pathology dreams, she joined The University of Melbourne as a veterinary pathology tutor performing necropsies and assisting with the biopsy service in creatures ranging from companion pets to exotic and marine mammals. Building on her career, she went on to complete a 3.5 year anatomical pathology residency at the University of Queensland concurrently completing a doctorate in Veterinary Clinical Science. She has returned to IDEXX to share her knowledge joining the team as an anatomical pathologist. Cleide’s interest include oncopathology, disease investigation and large animal diseases. Away from work and studying for board examinations, Cleide enjoys watching true crime shows, camping and spending time with her family which includes her Dutch shepherd dog.

Dr Nao Akiyama DVM

Veterinary Pathology Resident – Clinical Pathology

Nao is one of our three new clinical pathology residents who started working in 2023. She is one of the first residents based in Japan and will participate in the diagnostic service both in Australia and Japan. She has experience as an intern at university for 2 years after graduating vet school, and as a clinician in a private clinic for 1.5 years. Her clinical pathology journey started when she came across the cytology of bone marrow while she was a student and was subsequently fascinated by cytology. Her main interests now lie in improving the accuracy and timeliness of animal disease diagnosis. All reports you receive from Nao will be reviewed by another pathologist before release during her early training period. In her private time, Nao loves to make sweets or spend time with her dog and cat.

Dr Sky Brunker BVSc

Veterinary Pathology Resident - Clinical Pathology

Sky started her residency in clinical pathology in 2021.

One of her main motivators in entering the veterinary profession was the idea of One Health, with a focus on production animals in developing countries. She completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University, and after graduating in 2017 started in general practice at a mixed animal clinic in Hervey bay, Queensland. Her passion for clinical pathology continued through her years in practice, attending several clinical pathology focused CPD events. She was successful in the recruitment to the first Clinical Pathology residency offered at IDEXX Australia under the primary mentorship of Dr Philippa McLaren and Dr Patrick Shearer, and is undertaking formal and informal training along the journey to becoming a specialist in clinical pathology.

Sky is an avid coffee lover and in her spare time loves to paint, create and spend time with family. She also has 2 beautiful cats, Neo and Chief.

Dr Emma Croser BSc BVMS MVSt PhD MANZCVS(Path), Diplomate ACVP(Clin path)

Specialist Clinical Pathologist - Clinical pathology, haematology/biochemistry and cytology

Dr Croser graduated from Murdoch University and worked in mixed practice in both Australia and the United Kingdom for 7 years, completing a Masters in Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery followed by pathology training at the University of Queensland and University of Melbourne. Emma’s PhD explored aspects of Hendra virus infection as a collaboration between the Monash Institute of Medical Research and the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Emma has over 20 years’ experience, and has worked in commercial pathology laboratories as well as academia, remains an adjunct senior lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia, has long been involved in examining for the ANZCVS and has been President of the ANZCVS Pathobiology chapter 2020-2023. Her pathology passion is interpreting hematology and biochemistry profiles with an interest biological variation and in keeping her medicine knowledge as current as possible with small animal medicine study as the two disciplines are closely intertwined and complementary.

Dr Mizuki Fujimoto BVM

Veterinary Pathology Resident – Clinical Pathology

Mizuki is one of our three new residents who joined in 2023 August.

She is based in Japan and will be involved in both Australian and Japanese services.

She has lived in the UK for four years during her childhood, and experiences such as having her first Dachshund and enjoying horse riding were her main motivators for joining the veterinary world. After graduation from Kagoshima University (EAEVE accredited) in 2021, she worked in general practice for a year and then started working as a rotating resident doctor in Kagoshima University where she developed her interest in clinical pathology, learning both primary and secondary care. She will be supervised mainly by the Australian IDEXX team and will be trained by the Japanese team as well, and one of her goals is to be able to report in both English and Japanese. She has seven Dachshunds (descendants of her first) and three Border collies in her parent’s home, as well as a rescue cat in her own home.

Dr William Gow BSc, BVMS, DVSc, DipACVP (Clin Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist – Clinical Pathology

William graduated from Murdoch University with a Bachelor of Science, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in 2009. After this, he went on to work in a small animal general practice in Perth, WA, for two years.

William commenced his residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2012 at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in Canada. He also completed a research project and written thesis investigating circulating microRNA profiles in dogs with multicentric lymphoma and was awarded a Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) degree. In 2015, William joined IDEXX as a Clinical Pathologist after completing his residency. In 2018, William achieved his board certification for Clinical Pathology with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP).

William’s areas of professional interest include cytopathology, haematopathology and bone marrow pathology, including haematopoietic neoplasms. He also enjoys helping clients with complicated cases.

In his spare time away from work, William enjoys watching sports and is an avid supporter of Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League. He also plays tennis and ice hockey in his spare time.

Professional memberships include American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Australian Veterinary Association, and Australian Society for Veterinary Pathology.

Dr Iona Maher BSc, BVSc, PhD, Dip ECVCP

Specialist Veterinary Clinical Pathologist

Iona has a Bachelor of Science with honours (Botany & Zoology), a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and a PhD from University of Sydney. Her PhD examined the effect of Koala Retrovirus on the koala immune system. Iona worked as a veterinarian in mixed and small animal practice in Australia after graduation before beginning a residency position at the University of Bristol in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Iona became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2011 and is an Australian Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. She has worked for IDEXX Australia since 2014.

Iona’s work has been published in The Veterinary Record, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, PLOS1, Nature Scientific Reports and PeerJ. She has also an invited speaker at national and international veterinary pathology conferences. Her areas of interest include haematology, cytology and biochemistry of domestic animals and Australian Wildlife (particularly koalas). In her spare time she enjoys long distance swimming.

Dr Philippa McLaren BVMS (hons) MVS MANZCVSc DipACVP (Clin Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist (Clinical), Head of Clinical Pathology ANZ

Philippa is the Head of Clinical Pathology ANZ at IDEXX, responsible for overseeing the team of clinical pathologists in both countries and is based in the Melbourne laboratory.

After placing first in class in her veterinary degree in Glasgow and following two years in practice in England and Western Australia, Philippa trained initially in anatomic pathology with a masters in pathology from the University of Melbourne before transitioning gradually to clinical pathology, and in 2014 she achieved her ACVP specialist qualification in clinical pathology. She is comfortable providing advice across all fields of pathology, though her particular strengths lie in small animals and exotics. Her interests include liver and spleen cytopathology and haematopathology, and she also has a strong interest in biochemical and endocrine testing and interpretation. She’s also published on a syndrome of chondrodysplastic calves during the last drought, among others. Her particular passion is teaching and sharing knowledge; she is proud to have introduced “consensus rounds” as a regular feature of the IDEXX team’s week for case progression, knowledge sharing and training, and oversees training of our clinical pathology residents.

In her spare time Philippa enjoys quality time with her four children and very tolerant cat, and gets out on, in or under the water as often as she can.

Dr Susan Piripi BVSc, PhD, DACVP

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist – Anatomic and Clinical Pathology

Susan graduated from Massey University, New Zealand with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science in 2003. She continued on to postgraduate study in veterinary pathology for which she was awarded a PhD in 2008.
Susan moved to the USA to complete a three year residency at the Oregon State University in the anatomic pathology department. During her time there, she co-authored and published scientific publications in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. Susan was awarded the status of Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2011 after successfully passing the board examinations.
She has worked as Head of Pathology for the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s pathology unit in Camden. She is one of their senior veterinary lecturers for the Pathology department. In 2013, Susan helped facilitate the inaugural K9 Tactical Casualty Care Course at Camden hospital. The course focused on helping dog handlers and defence force officers learn life-saving emergency veterinary skills.
Susan is experienced in all aspects of veterinary pathology. She is passionate about providing excellent diagnostic service and enjoys working closely with other veterinary professionals in diagnosing and managing cases. Susan has a keen interest in pathology for production and companion animals, camelid pathology and has recently completed research for characterising chondrodysplasia in Texel sheep.

Dr Elise Russell BVSc (Hons), MVS, MVSc, MANZCVS (Feline), DACVP (Clin Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist – Clinical Pathology

Elise graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2012, and worked as a feline veterinarian for 5 years in Brisbane and Melbourne before starting her pathology training. She completed her residency in clinical pathology at the University of Melbourne in 2018, and passed the ACVP certifying examination in veterinary clinical pathology in 2021. Elise enjoys all aspects of clinical pathology, including cytology, haematology and biochemistry, but has a particular interest in infectious disease, neoplasia and feline pathology. She has published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Dr Peter Toh BSc, DVM, MSc, Dip ACVP (Clin Path)

Specialist Clinical Pathologist

Peter completed his veterinary training at the University of Adelaide, graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. After 3 years in small animal general practice, he undertook a residency program in Clinical Pathology at the University of Saskatchewan, completing his degree and achieving board certification for clinical pathology with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2021. He joined Idexx as a Clinical Pathologist in 2023. His areas of professional interest include cytopathology and infectious diseases, and helping general practitioners to get the most out of their clinical pathology submissions. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, hiking, and photography.

Dr Geoffrey Xu BVSc (Hons)

Veterinary Pathology Resident – Clinical Pathology

Geoff is one of our three new residents who joined in 2023 August and is based at our Melbourne lab.

Prior to starting his veterinary career, Geoff worked in multiple different fields including as an engineering intern, in a milk factory, and organising a small tutoring business. After coming top of class in his veterinary degree from The University of Queensland in 2021 he completed a rotating internship at UQVETS – Small Animal Hospital and continued to work in the primary care and emergency and critical care departments afterwards.

In his spare time Geoff enjoys playing badminton, swimming, and video games. He currently lives with his adopted stray cat, and his past pets included several dogs and a few rats!

Geoff will be working closely with the other residents (including senior resident Dr Sky Brunker) as well as the Australian & New Zealand IDEXX teams more broadly.

Dr Patrick Byrne BVSc (Hons I), MANZCVS, DipECVIM-CA

Internal Medicine Consultant

Dr Patrick Byrne has always been excited to learn new things and improve his skills in different areas. He has continued to build on his knowledge by working in small animal practice across the Sydney region and interning at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney. From 2015 - 2018, Patrick completed his ECVIM/FANZCVS accredited residency in Small Animal Medicine at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sydney. Following this, Patrick gained his specialist diploma by passing his boards in 2019.

Dr Sarah Helmond BVSc (Hons), DACVIM 

Internal Medicine Consultant

Sarah is a Small Animal Specialist (Canine and Feline). She worked in private practice in Melbourne before undertaking an Internal Medicine Residency (small animal) at the University of Minnesota and achieved Diplomate status of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2010. Sarah worked at a private specialist practice in California and since her return to Australia in 2015 in specialist practice. Sarah enjoys all aspects of internal medicine with a special interest in coagulation.

Dr Elissa Kadar BVSc (Hons), DACVIM, Small Animal Medicine Specialist 

Internal Medicine Consultant

Elissa is a Small Animal Medicine Specialist (Canine and Feline). She has extensive experience, having practiced at Sydney University, UC Davis and a private referral practice in Sydney. Elissa is interested in all aspects of small animal medicine especially infectious and immune mediated diseases.

Dr Natalie Langer BVSc, MACVSC, DACVIM, Small Animal Medicine Specialist

Internal Medicine Consultant

Natalie is a Small Animal Medicine Specialist (Canine and Feline). She has extensive experience having practiced at Washington State University, Iowa State University and Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre. Natalie enjoys all aspects of internal medicine including gastroenterology, oncology, haematology and advanced diagnostic imaging.

Dr Graham Swinney BVSc (Hons), DVCS, FANZCVSc (Canine Medicine), Medicine Specialist & Medical Affairs Veterinarian

Internal Medicine Consultant

Graham is Small Animal Specialist (Canine) and when not on the phone taking calls, he is sharing his experience and expertise to veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand as a Medical Affairs Veterinarian. Graham enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, with interests in endocrinology, haematology, gastroenterology and urinary system disease.

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