Equine services

David graduated from the University College, Dublin, Ireland in 2008. After periods in Ireland and the UK, he moved to a racetrack and referral practice in Adelaide in 2010, where he became a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in equine medicine.

In 2017, David completed a three-year residency in equine medicine and surgery at Murdoch University. In 2018 he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Medicine in large animal internal medicine. After a period in private practice, David returned to Murdoch University in 2019 as a Senior Lecturer in Equine Medicine. David’s particular interests are in cardiology, gastrointestinal medicine and human skills. He is currently undertaking a PhD utilising electrical impedance tomography, as well as some gastrointestinal disease research.  

Barny qualified from Bristol University in 1998 and after 3 years in mixed and farm animal practice undertook an equine internship at Donnington Grove Veterinary Hospital and a surgical residency training at the University of Edinburgh. In 2006 he became a Specialist in Large Animal Surgery passing the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Barny has worked in private equine referral practices in the UK and New Zealand and previously taught in the equine hospital at UQ, gaining a broad experience in all aspects of equine lameness and surgery across all types and disciplines of horse. Barny has published and presented on a wide range of surgical related topics. Particular areas of interest and current research include fracture repair, minimally invasive surgery, and the use of advanced imaging (MRI and CT) to improve surgical outcomes. 

Senior Lecturer and Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery  

Josie graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 2008. She then spent 6 years working in a predominantly Thoroughbred racetrack and equine referral hospital in Sydney, completing a rotating equine internship and equine surgical residency programme. In 2016, Josie became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal). Josie worked in private practice in WA, before joining Murdoch University where she is now a Senior Lecturer in Equine Surgery. Josie’s research interests include the equine upper respiratory tract and she is now undertaking a PhD in the area. 

Professor and Registered Specialist in Equine Medicine

Dr Lester has an extensive history in referral equine medicine, including many years of tertiary practice at the University of Florida and Murdoch University. Over the years he has mentored dozens of clinical residents and graduate students, and thousands of future veterinarians. Board certification in large animal medicine reflected years of specialist training. Dr Lester has a PhD and is the author of over 100 research articles and book chapters and has been invited to speak at conferences in many countries.

Senior Lecturer and Registered Specialist in Equine Medicine

Emma graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2006, after moving to the UK in 1999. Following two years in small animal and mixed practice, she undertook a 12-month internship in equine medicine and surgery at the Royal Veterinary College, London.  

Having developed a passion for equine medicine and critical care, Emma moved to South Africa to take up a position as Resident in Equine Internal Medicine at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria. On completion she spent several months as a lecturer at the university before returning to Perth in 2013.

Emma has a Masters degree in Veterinary Medicine, is a Registered Specialist in Equine Medicine, Diplomate of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine and Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She has been part of the equine team at Murdoch since 2016, where she takes great pride in providing an exceptional clinical service to her patients (foals and ponies especially). Outside of the hospital, you will likely find her enjoying the beach or river with her two chihuahuas (Speedy and Chicko), husband Richard and baby girl Daisy.

Associate Professor of Equine Surgery, Registered Specialist

Dr Murphy is a veterinarian of 37 years experience, who completed his surgical training in equine surgery at Cornell University as well as a Master of Science degree and he has been a specialist equine surgeon for over 27 years. He has been Associate Professor in Equine Surgery at Murdoch University for over 20 years.

His clinical interests and expertise include lameness evaluation, general equine surgery and orthopedic surgery. His research focus is in orthopedics, evaluating the effects of growth factors and stem cells on tendon healing, cartilage resurfacing the early detection of musculoskeletal injury.

Resident in Equine Medicine

Izzy is originally from New Zealand and completed her veterinary science degree at Massey University in 2019, during which she worked at Thoroughbred studs preparing yearlings for sale in her summer holidays. Following graduation, Izzy made the move to sunny Queensland, where she completed an equine internship at a busy private practice. She then took on a trainee position in equine practice and reproduction at Murdoch University in WA, developing a special interest in all things medicine.

She stayed on at Murdoch until beginning a residency in Equine Internal Medicine in 2022, where she continues to develop her skills; she has a particular interest in ophthalmology, endocrine disease and anything foal-related. Outside of work, Izzy enjoys reading and spending time with her partner (small animal vet), and their growing collection of adopted animals (dog, cat and off the track Standardbred)!

Resident in Equine Surgery 

Tom grew up in Sydney and graduated from Melbourne University in their inaugural DVM class in 2014. After 2.5 years of mixed practice in Gippsland, Victoria, Tom moved to the UK where he focused on equine practice. This included an internship at Rossdales in Newmarket and completing a certificate in equine orthopaedic surgery through the University of Liverpool.

After 5 years in the UK, Tom returned to Australia to start his residency at The Animal Hospital Murdoch University, much to the delight of his wife (a Perth local). Tom’s clinical interest are orthopedics and colic surgery. Outside of work, Tom is a sports tragic, with rugby, cricket, skiing and golf at the top of a long list. Tom also enjoys camping, hiking and traveling the world.