Greencross Vet Hospital at the University of Melbourne

Dr Alex Hamilton

BA, VetMB, MRCVS - Neurology Registrar

A 2005 graduate of Cambridge University, Alex embarked on a fulfilling career in neurology, driven by a genuine desire to help animals. Following graduation, and after several years in mixed, small animal and emergency practice he completed a surgery internship at ARH Sydney followed by Neurology residency at Melbourne University and Willows Veterinary centre in the UK.

While Alex's interests in neurology are broad, he has a special affinity for two specific areas: spinal surgery and inflammatory brain disease. His dedication to these specialties reflects a sincere desire to improve the lives of animals affected by these challenging conditions.

In spinal surgery, Alex is known for his meticulous surgical techniques and commitment to restoring mobility and enhancing the quality of life for animals with spinal issues.

When not at the clinic Alex can be found in a surf-boat at the pool or camping somewhere remote!

Alex is based at our Greencross Vet Hospital at the University of Melbourne and is happy to accept referrals and give advice on all neurological cases.

Dr Samantha Gilbert

BVSc BSc - Neurology Registrar

Sam graduated from James Cook University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, following the completion of a Bachelor of Science with Majors in Biology and Marine Biology from the University of Sydney. She then worked as a general practitioner in Cairns for two years before completing a rotating internship at SASH (Small Animal Specialist Hospital) in Sydney. Sam then moved to the United Kingdom and completed a Neurology specific internship followed by a residency in Neurology at Cave Veterinary Specialists. Sam finished her residency in June 2023, and worked between Wear Referrals and Dick White Referrals in the United Kingdom before moving back to Australia to join Greencross Veterinary Hospital at the start of 2024. Sam has an interest in idiopathic epilepsy management and has published in this area. Outside of work, Sam has a miniature-dachshund that takes up a lot of her time, and likes to go paddleboarding.

Dr Adrian Witham

BVSc MANZCVS GCUniTeach DipACVIM - Internal Medicine Specialist

After graduating from Melbourne University in 2000, Adrian worked in general practice for several years before heading to the UK to locum and then undertook a rotating internship at Liverpool University. Afterwards, Adrian completed a three-year medicine residency at Massey University, New Zealand, staying on as a Senior lecturer in Veterinary  E-Learning.

Adrian is an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine board-certified Diplomate and Specialist in Small Animal Medicine with extensive clinical and teaching experience. In 2010 Adrian returned to Melbourne University as a Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine. He helped establish the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and delivered formal lectures and workshops for students. He oversaw the clinical training of final-year veterinary students and veterinary medicine specialists in training while helping establish and grow the UVET referral hospital and caseload. Adrian ran UVET’s continuing education program, which provided training for veterinarians in general practice.

He is heavily involved with the Australian & New Zealand Veterinary College. He has acted as examiner for small animal medicine and feline examinations, Vice-President and President of the Small Animal Medicine Chapter, and Science Week Chapter convenor.

Adrian provides consultant teaching to Veterinary Students at Melbourne University, Massey University and Veterinary Nursing Students at Melbourne Polytechnic. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and spoken at international conferences.

Adrian brings a wealth of clinical experience and expertise to Greencross Veterinary Hospital. Adrian is interested in all aspects of small animal medicine. Adrian is passionate about providing compassionate, best-practice care for pets, their owners and referring veterinarians.

Outside work, he enjoys time with his children and is an avid ice-hockey player. Adrian is a pet parent to a rescue cat called Niko and a senior Griffon named Elmo.   

Dr Hannah Lobegeier

(BVSc, MANZCVS) Medicine Registrar

Dr Hannah graduated from the University of QLD in 2010, with first class honours. She worked in mixed general practice initially, then completed an extended internship in Internal Medicine at QLD Veterinary Specialists. She was awarded her Membership in Small Animal Internal Medicine from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2015. After several more years in general practice, she decided to pursue her goal of becoming a specialist.

Dr Hannah completed her residency training program in Small Animal Medicine at Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre in April 2021 and is preparing to sit specialist examinations in the coming years. Hannah has a particular interest in gastroenterology immune-mediated disease and urinary tract disease, and has always been drawn to the discipline of Internal Medicine because of a love for solving complex problems. Her professional pathway has required an often challenging balance of career, family life, and study. This means she brings an empathetic and practical approach to her problem-solving. She has a focus on achieving excellent quality of life for her patients, and loves geriatric medicine. Outside of work and study, she spends her time with her family, including two young sons, and lots of sporting activities to keep everybody busy! 

Dr Richard Woolley

BVetMed DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS

Dr Richard is the only specialist veterinary cardiologist in Victoria, and one of only a handful of registered specialist veterinary cardiologists in Australia.

Richard has many years of experience in cardiology and respiratory medicine of all animals, from mice to gorillas. He has worked in academia and in private practice, lectured extensively, and his present focus is on specialist cardiorespiratory medicine of dogs and cats.

Having graduated from the Royal Veterinary College London in 2002, Richard passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination in the same year. After graduation he completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Edinburgh, and then remained at Edinburgh University to complete a three-year cardiopulmonary residency, including one year working in the small animal internal medicine department.

Richard passed the first part of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Companion Animals diploma in 2006 and was employed as a veterinary cardiologist by the University of Edinburgh after completing his residency. During this time Richard also completed externships in the veterinary cardiology departments at Cornell and Florida Universities.

Richard’s professional interests and areas of publication include advanced echocardiography techniques, pimobendan in mitral valve disease, pacemaker implantation, balloon valvuloplasty, the use of Canine Ductal Occluders in PDAs and stem cell therapy.

In 2007 Richard came to Australia and has been working in Melbourne since then. That year he also passed the second part of his diploma and subsequently registered as a Veterinary Cardiology Specialist in Australia.

Dr Peter Bennett

Associate Professor BVSc PhD FANZCVS DACVIM Registered Specialist in Veterinary Oncology and Small Animal Medicine

Peter is a BVSc graduate of the University of Melbourne and has a PhD from the University of Sydney based on lymphoma in Australian pets.  After spending some years in primary care practice in Melbourne and the UK, he decided to undertake specialist training.  He undertook an alternative track program based at the Massey University (NZ), the University of Tennessee and University of Georgia.  On the completion of this training, he gained Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Canine Medicine, and Diplomate Status of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Small Animal Medicine.  During his medicine training he worked with oncologists, gaining an interest in this area, and took a Faculty position at Purdue University, Indiana, that qualified him to gain Diplomate status of ACVIM in Oncology.

Peter returned to Australia in 2000 and was the first full time practicing medical oncologist in Australia at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre.  He moved to the University of Sydney in 2012 before returning to the University of Melbourne in 2024.  Peter is a registered specialist in Small Animal Medicine and Veterinary Oncology.  Peter has provided continuing education for practicing veterinarians in oncology through the Centre for Veterinary Education at the University of Sydney, and Massey University.  He has maintained an ongoing research interest in lymphoma treatments and immune therapy for cancer patients.  When not working, he enjoys photography, bicycle touring and bush walks.

Dr Claire Cannon

Senior Lecturer BVSc (hons) DACVIM (Oncology) MANZCVS GCCT

Claire graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and spent several years in general practice in Australia and the United Kingdom before undertaking a residency in veterinary oncology at the University of Minnesota. This was followed by a research fellowship at the same institution and positions on the faculties at the University of Minnesota, University of Tennessee, and the University of Melbourne before a stint in private practice in Melbourne from 2021-2024, returning to academia at the University of Melbourne in 2024.

She has authored more than twenty peer-reviewed journal articles and textbook chapters, presented her research at several international conferences and has an ongoing interest in clinical research, having coordinated and participated in several clinical trials of new therapies in dogs and cats with cancer.

Claire has a keen interest in education, being closely involved in teaching of vet students as well as vets training in oncology, and this interest extends to client education - making sure pet owners are fully informed of all the options and working together with families to care for pets with cancer

Dr Robert Menzies

BVSc, DAVDC, DEVDC

Dr Robert Menzies is a registered specialist in veterinary dentistry and comes from western Victoria. He is a board-certified Diplomate of the American and European Veterinary Dental Colleges (Dipl.AVDC, Dipl.EVDC). From 2009-2012 he was a resident in dentistry and oral surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary hospital. Prior to specialising he worked in mixed, equine and small animal practices in Victoria, NSW, UK, China and USA. Since becoming a Diplomate, he and his wife moved to Europe where he worked at the University of Helsinki veterinary school, the University of Veterinary Medicine – Vienna, and in private practice in Norway. Rob returned to Australia with his family at the beginning of the pandemic and established ANIDOS, a practice specialising in dentistry and oral surgery for animals, serving regional Victoria, NSW and South Australia and now Melbourne.

Rachael Mallia

Hospital Manager

Meet Rachael Mallia, the Hospital Manager at Greencross Vet Hospital. With a career that spans well over a decade, Rachael started her career as a young General Practice Veterinary Nurse.

Over the years, she has moved through a range of clinical and leadership roles, gaining valuable experience in large, multi-disciplinary teaching hospitals. Her dedication to supporting education, psychological safety and delivering exceptional clinical outcomes has been a key aspect of her professional journey.

Known for her friendly nature and dedication to her job, Rachael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Rachael is focused on providing the best care for all patients and the families that love them, whilst upholding the highest standards of clinical practice.

We are delighted to have Rachael overseeing our hospital management and look forward to the continued positive influence she will have at Greencross Vet Hospital.

Outside of work, Rachael enjoys quality time with her partner, family, and friends, especially her toy poodle Vinnie and her two playful cats, Alfie and Benson.

Fiona Witham

Clinical Director

Fiona Witham has been with GVH since the very beginning and stepped into the role of Clinical Director in May. With her extensive background in veterinary care, she oversees our clinical standards and works to ensure an exceptional experience for every patient, their families and the veterinary students.

Before joining GVH, Fiona spent 14 years at the University of Melbourne's teaching hospital, where she worked in both the GP and ECC departments. She was the Head of GP for the two years leading up to UVet's closure in 2022.

Fiona was instrumental in shaping the student rotations during GVH's inaugural year and was so impressed with the culture at Greencross that she decided to join us full-time.

Fiona is dedicated to bond-centred care, always striving to offer the best care for each client and patient's unique needs. She encourages staff and students alike to understand their client's situations and ensure they offer a comprehensive spectrum of care to all cases. Fiona holds memberships in Small Animal Surgery and Emergency and Critical Care and has mental health first aid certification.

Her areas of interest are stress-free veterinary practice, dentistry and end-of-life care.When she's not at work, Fiona is busy managing a household as cook, cleaner and taxi driver for her children. She also loves spending time with her pets; her cheeky horse Sammy, friendly rabbit Willow and playful cat Niko.

Renae Kerr

Workflow and Referral Coordinator

With 24 years of experience in veterinary nursing, Renae has built a distinguished career in the field. For the past 12 years, she has served as a specialist nurse at a renowned multidisciplinary and teaching hospital, focusing on patient care and neurology nursing.

Renae’s deep passion for these areas drives her to deliver outstanding care and support such complex cases.

Prior to commencing work at GVH, Renae gained valuable experience in hospital coordination and workflow management, showcasing her meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills.

Her dedication to maintaining high standards in both clinical and administrative roles has been a hallmark of her career.

Outside of work, Renae finds joy in spending time with her lively Cane Corso Evie Mae and her beloved horse, Arizona. Whether it’s enjoying the company of her energetic dog or the serene moments with Arizona, her animals bring a special balance and happiness to her life.

Taylor Reader

Workflow and Referral Coordinator

With six years of dedicated experience in veterinary nursing, Taylor has honed her skills across various multidisciplinary and teaching hospitals, where she has not only provided exceptional patient care but has also taken on the rewarding role of teaching both students and fellow nurses.

Taylor's passion for animal welfare and education shines through in her day-to-day work. Taylor is particularly interested in anesthesia and exotic animal care, where she continually seeks to expand her knowledge and expertise, ensuring the highest standards of care for all patient0, big and small.

At home, Taylor is the proud owner of a goofy 3-year-old Rottweiler who keeps her on her toes and reminds her every day why she loves what she does.

With a commitment to compassionate care and a love for teaching, Taylor is an invaluable asset to our team and to the animals we serve.