Members of Council

Dr David Tabrett, President

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David is a University of Queensland graduate from 1989 and has practised in the Newcastle-Hunter region since 1990.

David founded the Newcastle Animal Emergency Centre in 2004, growing to a team of 125 staff offering 24/7 ER service. David has completed Membership of the College in Small Animal Medicine in 2000, and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2005. David is currently the President of the College.

David is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Master of Business Psychology, and currently enrolled in a Master of Business Law.

Dr Wendy Goodwin, Honorary Secretary

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Dr Wendy Goodwin graduated from the University of Queensland in 2004 and in 2013 was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy by the University of Queensland for her research thesis 'Studies of Alfaxalone in Horses'.

Wendy attained Membership of the College in 2008 in Equine Medicine. She is passionate about veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia and in 2013 was awarded Membership in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Critical Care. Wendy has dedicated the majority of her professional career to pursuing excellence in this field; and in 2016 became a Fellow of the College in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Critical Care.

Wendy has served multiple roles for the College and the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter. From 2019 to 2022, Wendy was the Science Week Program Convenor, since 2022 has been VAA Chapter President and was nominated to Council in 2023.

Dr Carolyn Guy, Honorary Treasurer

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Dr Carolyn Guy is a 1996 graduate of Massey University and completed a post-graduate Diploma of Business Administration while in clinical practice before joining New Zealand’s agricultural ministry (then Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and now named Ministry for Primary Industries). Over the years she has held a variety of roles across the Ministry including managing a team which coordinated New Zealand’s activities in the international standard setting bodies, OIE, IPPC and Codex; New Zealand’s relationship with Australia in the areas of food regulation and primary industries; negotiating SPS chapters of free trade agreements; representing New Zealand at the WTO SPS Committee; and a posting to Tokyo as Counsellor Primary Industries for Japan and Korea. She is now Director of Animal Health and Welfare.

Carolyn became a member of the College in Pharmacology in 2000, then in Epidemiology in 2001. She served on the Board of Examiners for nine years, including as Chief Examiner. She is also our Honorary Treasurer and Chair of the Finance & Risk Committee of the College.

Associate Professor Jennifer Carter, Chief Examiner

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Jen is a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA). She is employed as an Associate Professor and the Director of Veterinary Education at the University of Melbourne. Jen joined the College Board of Examiners in 2016 and served as the Assistant Chief Examiner- Examinations during the 2021-2022 exam cycle. Jen has completed teaching and learning post-graduate certificate and degree work that sparked her interest in assessment and completed a Master of Clinical Education degree in 2019. She is involved in mentoring and teaching DVM students as well as providing pedagogical leadership and mentorship to her colleagues within her roles at the University of Melbourne and with the College. Although Jen is not actively in anaesthesia clinical practice these days, she enjoys remaining current and engaged and is a highly sought-after speaker for continuing professional development in anaesthesia and analgesia.

Dr Cathy Beck, Councillor

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Cathy graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 and then spent 2 years working in mixed animal practice in Australia and the UK. Cathy returned to the University of Sydney in 1995 and completed a Mixed Animal Internship, gaining a Diploma of Veterinary Clinical Studies. It was during this time that Cathy discovered diagnostic imaging. This led to a Residency at the University of Melbourne with some time at The Ohio State University. Cathy obtained a Masters in Veterinary Clinical Studies, Membership and Fellowship of the ANZCVS in Radiology and worked as a Radiologist at the University of Melbourne for 25 years. Cathy is currently working in teleradiology and undertaking a PhD.

Cathy has been an active member of the College and Radiology Chapter for many years. Cathy has served as Vice President and President of the Radiology Chapter and on the Chapter Education and Examination subcommittee, examined both Membership and Fellowship on multiple occasions and was the Radiology Chapter’s CSW convener for 10 years. Cathy is passionate about robust and sustainable assessment and looks forward to being part of the College’s evolution of the examinations.

Dr Guy Wolfenden, Councillor

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Guy completed his veterinary studies at Murdoch University, graduating in 2014. This was followed by an internship and residency in Small Animal Medicine. Guy attained Membership to the College via examination in Small Animal Medicine in 2018, and attained Fellowship in the same subject via examination in 2023. He currently works at a private referral practice in Western Australia.

Guy has held positions on the Small Animal Medicine Chapter Executive, as well as roles including both Examiner and Subject Chair for Small Animal Medicine over the years and looks forward to working towards ensuring exams are sustainable and robust for years to come.

Guy is also keen to represent the College members during his time on Council and increase international recognition for the College and its members.

Dr Jennifer Sinclair, Councillor

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After graduating from The University of Queensland in 1998, Jenny worked in mixed practice before embarking on an internship at The University of Queensland Small Animal clinic in Brisbane. In 2002 Jenny attained Membership of the College in Small Animal Internal Medicine.

Throughout her career, Jenny has held various roles within the Vet School, including clinician, lecturer, clinical educator, and researcher. She currently provides clinical teaching to final year BVSc students through her affiliation with UQ and Combined Vets of Logan City.

Jenny is a long-time examiner for the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, promoting uniform educational standards through accreditation of veterinary schools and ensuring that eligible overseas veterinarians meet the standards required to practise in Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to her academic responsibilities, Jenny owns and operates a mobile veterinary service that specializes in providing in-home palliative care and end-of-life services for pets, offering compassionate support during difficult times.

Jenny is deeply passionate about promoting further education and professional development within the veterinary community, ensuring the highest standards of care for animals in need.