Veterinarians

Michael Archinal

Veterinarian & Senior Small Animal Partner – BVSc, IVAS (Cert), PTC (Hons)

Michael is a Senior Small Animal Partner in the practice. He graduated from Sydney University in 1987 and after five years in country practice, started the Bateman’s Bay Veterinary Hospital. After five years of very successful practice, was recruited as the Director of Canberra Vet Hospital that he managed for 17 years and joined the Manuka team in 2012. Michael is an internationally qualified acupuncturist having been awarded an IVAS Diploma and has undertaken post-graduate training in dermatology and animal behaviour. He is a sought after lecturer internationally, having lectured in Japan and the US on the human-animal bond. He has also had a very successful book published “Animal Wisdom” on the subject. He is married to Jodie, and has three sons and a Labrador named Taylor. How he combines family life, football refereeing, a single digit golf handicap, commitments in his local church, a television, radio and print career and veterinary practice remains one of the great secrets.

You can catch Michael on the Nine Network, every second Saturday on ABC radio, or in a regular column in a ‘Dog’s Life’ magazine.

Clare Hibberson

Veterinarian – BVSc (Hons), BSc

*Clare is currently on maternity leave*

Clare grew up just outside Canberra. And always knew she wanted to work with animals. After graduating with an honours degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney in 2010 she returned to Canberra where she married her husband, started work at Kippax Veterinary Hospital, and adopted their cat, Poppet, from the RSPCA.

Clare has a special interest in all areas of small animal medicine, particularly dermatology, ultrasonography.

In her spare time Clare enjoys catching up with friends, gardening, camping, hiking and going to the movies – and finding ways to involve her 2 kids in all of these activities!

Alice Lawson

Veterinarian – BVSc

A University of Sydney graduate, Alice has lived and worked in the UK and China as well as Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and now the ACT. After spending some years in mixed animal practice, she has now focused on small animals; she enjoys working with animals that are truly part of the family. Since graduation, she has undertaken further study in internal medicine, clinical pathology and surgery.

When away from work, Alice is busy raising her four school-aged kids and looking after the family’s small property. This gives her the opportunity to still be in touch with rural life including horse riding and breeding. Alice’s day starts with jogging her 3 Dogs – Edith, Raphi and Austin and finishes with her pulling them all out of the kids’ beds where they are invariably found hiding under the doonas.

Jane Parker

Veterinarian – BVMS DVM

Dr. Jane is a graduate from Murdoch University in Perth although she grew up on a sheep and wheat farm in the mid-north of South Australia. She has over 3 decades of experience working in the veterinary field including large animal practice & owning her own clinic in South Australia.

Since moving to Canberra 17 years ago she has focused on small animal medicine and surgery and enjoys all aspects of practice. From 2011 until 2015 Jane lived and worked in the Washington D.C. area of the U.S.A. where she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine allowing her to practice as a veterinarian. She will be returning there to work for a few weeks every year. The clinic looks after many animals belonging to Australian diplomats on U.S. postings. Don’t be surprised to see her there. Building strong relationships with owners as well as their pets is very important to Jane as ultimately any form of interaction within the clinic is a 3-way team effort. When not at work, Jane likes to spend her spare time with her 3 adult daughters, running, cooking, reading, travelling and relaxing with her two British Shorthairs; Freya and Odin.

Victoria Dortkamp

Veterinarian – BVSc (Hons)

Victoria graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours. Following graduation, she worked in a busy mixed practice in northern NSW, where she developed her interests in internal medicine & oncology.

From mid-2016, Victoria completed a year long rotating internship program at the famous Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Sydney. She thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the veterinary specialists and learnt a great deal during her time at SASH.

Following her internship Victoria then returned to general practice working in a small animal practice in northern Sydney. A new job opportunity for her partner Sean, led to a move to Canberra to join our team.

Outside of work Victoria enjoys horse riding, photography and spending time with friends and family. She is the proud owner of two ‘long dogs’ – Archie the Dachshund and Conrad the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Laura Dougan

Veterinarian – BVSc

Laura graduated from University College Dublin in 2009 and worked in her home country of Northern Ireland for 3 years before deciding to work and travel for a year or two. 7 years later, she is now an Australian citizen and thoroughly enjoying life in the southern hemisphere! After nearly 2 years in Newcastle, Laura moved north to Townsville due to her partners job, and after 3 years in the tropics, they have relocated to Canberra. Laura has a keen interest in canine physical therapy, and is currently working on completing her studies to become a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner. This allows her to bring extra skills in the management of post operative recovery and chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis.