We are a passionate team of veterinarians that want to provide gold standard care to all patients who need it.
The lack of opportunity to easily refer veterinary patients in Tasmania led us to expand our knowledge, skills and facilities and eventually start offering our services to other veterinary hospitals around the State. We provide a variety of referral service to all Tasmanian veterinarians and are passionate about working with them to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.
Dr Gareth Stephensen
BVSc (hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)
Gareth has been passionate about small animal surgery since beginning his veterinary career nearly 20 years ago. He has continued to focus on improving surgical offerings to Tasmanian patients and is devoted to constantly improving his skills and surgical knowledge. After attaining his memberships in small animal surgery he has enjoyed expanding his skill set but has also been focused on educating and mentoring other veterinarians in anything related to surgery. Although he enjoys all areas of soft tissue, orthopaedic and neurosurgery, his true passion lies in minimally invasive surgery.
Gareth was pioneering in introducing minimally invasive surgery to animals in Tasmania and has now performed thousands of laparoscopic, thoracoscopic and arthroscopic procedures. When he isn’t at work wielding a scalpel or a scope he can be found enjoying quality time with his family.
Dr Jo Stumm
BVSc (hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)
Jo started her veterinary career more than 20 years ago in Queensland working in a mixed animal practice but quickly found her passion in small animal surgery. While she enjoys all aspects of surgery, she has a particular interest in brachycephalic airway surgery and orthopaedics. She has attended many workshops in Australia as well as overseas, completing additional training in spinal surgery in Belgium and laparoscopic surgery in the United States.
When she isn’t at work she enjoys running and mountain biking around the amazing trails in Tasmania.
Dr Karen Staudte
BVSC FANZCVS Registered Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Karen is a registered Small Animal Specialist Surgeon. Karen graduated with a Bachelor of Vet Science in 1989 from the University of Melbourne. After 8 years of general practice and working in the USA and England she completed a Residency in Small Animal Surgery at Murdoch University and obtained her Fellowship in Small Animal Surgery in 2006. She is a registered specialist and has worked for the last twelve years at Perth Veterinary Specialists, W.A.
Karen is experienced in all soft tissue, oncology (cancer) and spinal surgery. She is passionate about providing compassionate, informed and skilled care to patients and their owners. Karen is a down to earth, approachable and caring clinician and is excited about providing referral services to Tasmanian vets and helping train her local colleagues in advanced surgical techniques.
Karen moved to Hobart with her family and black Labrador and loves doing anything active and outdoors.
Dr Jim Connah
BVScMVetSci MANZCS(small Animal Medicine)
Jim has a wealth of knowledge and experience in veterinary medicine and enjoys working up more complex medical cases and supporting the surgical team. Jim became a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Medicine in 2007 and has recently completed a Masters in Veterinary Science at the University of Edinburgh. He has a special interest in eye diseases, endocrine problems and cancer therapy. Outside of work, Jim can be found bushwalking and spending time with his family.