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 15 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."
Mic is wonderful with our patients is definitely an animal empath. We greatly appreciate her compassionate personality & amazing work ethic!
Sarah Lamble—Veterinary Nurse
Cert III Veterinary Nursing
"I may look normal, but believe me, I talk to cats. Black cats are particularly special to me. My best friend Buttons (the black cat) passed away at 23 years old after a long life filled with joy. The bond people develop with their pets amazes me. That unspoken connection is more powerful than what can be described. I hold a super special place in my heart for cats.
Ironically, I have a passion for wildlife conservation, and in my spare time, you’ll find me being a mum to a crazy little human or rescuing wildlife through Bonorong’ s 24/7 wildlife rescue service (which I encourage everyone to get on board with). I have a soft spot for reptiles in particular and am not afraid to handle a snake. I am however a little afraid of cockatoos, they are a bit crazy, I'd rather restrain a raptor any day of the week.
My main interests in working in the veterinary industry include pathology, exotics, rehabilitation, wildlife nursing, alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy, remedial massage, and the list goes on.
I have worked at SBHVC for over 7 year's now and what I enjoy most is being able to help patients, see animals recover from injuries and illnesses, and maintain a good quality of life.
It's cool to work with a bunch of people who love animals as much as I do. Vet nurses develop such deep connections with animals and their owners through empathy and I will always show understanding & compassion to anyone who is grieving or struggling with their pets ill health .
I am very comfortable working with felines & I believe less is more when it comes to restraint. I try to give off that black cat energy which usually pays off. "
Sarah is a very supportive part of our wonderful team & is great to have a laugh with at work. She's always happy to lend a helping hand.
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 know have several bunnies (lops) who keep me busy when I'm not at work or studying.
I’ve completed my Cert III in Animal Studies and have continues on with studying Cert IV Vet nursing. 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."
Zoe is an amazing member of the team & we are very lucky to have her here at SBHVC!
Daphne McNeill—Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse
Vet Nurse IV, RVN, AVN
"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 18 sheep (all hand-reared), nine chickens, one rooster, 5 horses, 4 dogs, and four cats.
Daphne is always willing to help others and rescues many animals, She is a very caring vet nurse!
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, after studying equine biomechanics, and seeing what PEMF had achieved for many of small animal patients, I made a slight detour and completed a certificate in PEMF with the AOPP.
In 2022, I was amazed to be a finalist for Vet Nurse of the year with the VNCA. In 2023 I gained my AVN vet nurse accreditation.
Always on the lookout to improve my skills, I have just completed a certificate in Equine nursing and looking for forward to starting a diploma in Equine Behaviour in the new year.
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."
Philippa is our most experienced nurse, with a huge knowledge of breeding. We love having her as part of our team!
Andrew - Veterinary Nurse Trainee
Andrew has a keen interest in canine behaviors and believes it's important to encourage instinctive drives.
He has two beautiful (XL) large breed dogs , Bella the Boxer X and Beau the Cane Corso.
Andrew works hard at the clinic and also works extremely hard training his dogs and providing them with enrichment at home.
Tori Berry - Kennel Assistant
Tori has a bright & bubbly personality with a huge heart for animals.
She is amazing with assisting our patients with care and providing a high level of animal husbandry.
Tori has completed Animal Studies Cert II & volunteered at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. She also works as a doggy day care superstar, so you know she has the skills to care for your pets!
