About Us

Meet The Sandy Bay Veterinary Team

Dr. David Boersma—Veterinary Surgeon

BSc, BVMS, VetMFHom

I am fully qualified in conventional veterinary medicine and have also studied herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture. Conventional veterinary treatments have limitations, so I combine traditional and holistic methods for better results.


I went to school in Western Australia (Armadale), then directly to Murdoch University Veterinary School in 1983, graduating in 1987.


I was offered work in a vet practice 200km south of Perth for three years. In 1990, the rural recession made me reassess my priorities. I set up a locum business involving travelling around WA doing four- to six-week stints in practices while the owners were on holiday. I also did six weeks in Tasmania.

In 1991, I did the Aussie thing and went on a world trip, ending in the UK, where I took a position in a small animal practice in East London. I worked there for 15 years. During this time, I developed an interest in alternative medicine. I saw recurring skin cases, and discussions with colleagues left me dissatisfied with the treatment protocols, which consisted of corticosteroids, antibiotics, and flea treatments (in those days, mainly sprays and shampoos). London had far worse flea issues than Tasmania, and every third or fourth animal was sensitive to their bites. Desensitisation via injection was just being used, so I started to use it too; then, I investigated the principle of hormesis – that same can be used to desensitise same, in very small quantities. This led me to homeopathy, where like treats like.


I completed a degree in homeopathy in 2003. Then, I looked further at acupuncture, Western herbs, and Chinese herbal medicine and developed a paradigm shift in looking at animal disease, essentially outside the veterinary ‘drug box’. The diagnosis is the same, but now I have more tools to work with the treatment of our animal companions. I have yet to apply this to the plant kingdom, but homeopathy can also be used there.


In 2006, I moved to Tasmania with my family and established the SBHVC practice. I’ve treated large animals and wildlife here but specialise at the moment in domestic pets: dogs, cats, and pocket pets like guinea pigs and rabbits.

Memberships:

  • Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
  • Australian Holistic Veterinarians (AHV)
  • Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA)
  • Australian Veterinary Business Association (AVBA)

Mic Bewsher—Veterinary Nurse

Being born on a hobby farm, I probably spent as much time while growing up learning to be a sheep, a dog, and a chook as a human being. My ‘pet’ Hereford steer, Norman, taught me to trust and to act calmly and gently.


Working at SBHVC over the last 14 years, I’ve been amazed at what we can do with medicine, surgery, and complementary therapies to help animals. It is very rewarding, and I appreciate the holistic options we offer at SBHVC.


My ‘soul mate’ dog, Timmy (1992–2012), and I learned many lessons about life and loving together. I will forever have compassion and understanding for those who are losing or grieving for their animal companion. I am a huge advocate for animals as part of families.

Sarah Lamble—Veterinary Nurse

I may look normal, but believe me, I talk to cats. Black cats are particularly special. Ironically, I have a passion for wildlife conservation, and in my spare time, you’ll find me studying or rescuing wildlife through Bonorong’s 24/7 wildlife rescue service (which I encourage everyone to get on board). I have a soft spot for reptiles in particular and am not afraid to handle a snake.


My main interests in working in the veterinary industry include surgical nursing, exotics, rehabilitation, alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy, remedial massage, and the list goes on. I absolutely love my job!

Zoe Hale—Veterinary Nurse

Cert III in Animal Studies

Growing up, my family always had pets. It started with dogs, then it turned into Quails, Guinea pigs, chickens, and Pheasants. So, I have a giant soft spot for all types of animals. From having these pets, I realised that I wanted to be able to help and give the care that they deserved however I could.


I’ve just completed my Cert III in Animal Studies with a lot left to learn. I’ve only been employed with SBHVC for a short amount of time but have learnt so much already from the rest of the team here, and I can’t wait to learn more as the years go on.

Daphne McNeill—Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse

Cert III in Animal Studies

I drove my parents crazy when I was growing up wanting a pony, but it was impossible because I lived in suburbia with non-horsey parents. Instead, I would bring home any little soul that needed a home or rescue from magpies, mice, possums, cats and dogs, and even a blue tongue lizard, to my mother’s shock! My dad was always so wonderful in helping me find a home or give them the care they needed.


Unsurprisingly, I was to become a veterinary nurse, even though it took me most of my life to get there!

While waiting to become a veterinary nurse, I worked extensively in the horse industry in Australia and overseas as a groom and stable hand in competition yards. I also completed my instructor’s certificate in the UK and became a dressage judge to advanced levels. One of the highlights of my career in the horse industry was working with our Dressage gold medallist, Mary Hannah, in Macedon, Victoria. Here, I purchased my first horse, “Eddie”, who changed my life forever and put me on the path to follow my dreams.


I still drive my mum crazy with taking animals in need home!


We now share a property with 13 sheep (all hand-reared), nine chickens, one rooster, a horse, a pony, two dogs, and four cats.

I love my job. I have the best job in the world. I can help any little soul that needs help and give those who need it a voice. I could never turn my back on any soul that needs help.


I have a real passion for horses, and my next challenge is to begin studying the horse’s biomechanics. I would like to know where this 

may take me.


I love working at Sandy Bay Holistic Veterinary Centre and meeting so many different animal and human souls; I love giving my time and experience to offer the many varied therapies we have available here.

Philippa Micklem—Vet Veterinary & Pet Groomer RANA (UK)

I qualified as a Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliary in the UK. I love all animals and have had horses most of my life. I’m also a horticulturist! So, I divide my working life between the plant and animal kingdoms.


Besides working as a vet nurse at SBHVC, I groom dogs and cats. I spend my free time with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, including breeding and showing them.

We Can’t Wait to Help Your Pet!

(03) 6224 0855

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