Get to know some of the vets leading our teams at North Melbourne and Campbellfield.
Our team of more than 60 vets and 90 nurses brings a wide range of experience, from emergency care and surgery to behaviour and internal medicine. Whether your pet is in for a check-up or needs specialist care, they’ll be looked after by people who care deeply about animals and the people who love them. As a not-for-profit, every visit also helps us care for pets whose families are doing it tough.
BVSc (Hons), MVetMed, MANZCVS (Surgery), Dip ECVS
Head of Surgery
Dr Ben is a Registered Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and leads our Surgery Department. He trained at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, where he completed a Master’s degree and surgery residency. His expertise includes ear, nose and throat surgery, airway surgery for flat-faced breeds, minimally invasive cancer surgery, spinal stabilisation and correcting limb deformities.
Ben has worked in rural Victoria, the UK and Melbourne. At home, he shares his life with Herman the Labrador and three chickens: Frida, Hermione and Rosemary.
DVM, BSc, FCert ECC
Interim Head of Emergency and Critical Care
Dr Kassandra focuses on making hospital stays better for pets, with behaviour-informed care and clear, compassionate communication with families. Her clinical interests include wound care, electrolyte management, treating sepsis, soft tissue surgery and advanced dental care.
Kassandra has fostered dogs since childhood. She now shares her home with Dusty, her dog of eight years, and a lively collection of fish, including a betta named Gretchen.
DVM, BSc Veterinary Bioscience
Head of General Practice
Dr Sean has worked in general practice and multidisciplinary hospitals in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. He has a strong interest in internal medicine and ultrasound, and enjoys managing complex medical cases.
Sean is passionate about mentoring early-career vets and building supportive teams. He shares his home with two toy poodles, London and Boston.
BVSc
Veterinarian
Dr Patrick has worked at Lort Smith since 1993. He’s proud to be part of a team that treats thousands of pets each year who might otherwise miss out on vet care. He says there’s never a dull day, especially with dogs who’ve bitten off more than they can chew, like the Labrador who ate a pair of his owner’s underwear.
BVSc, MVSc
Medical Consultant
Dr Harold joined Lort Smith in 1998 and has more than 45 years of experience. He has a special interest in ultrasound, endoscopy and internal medicine. Harold values the commitment and camaraderie of a team that cares for animals who would otherwise miss out.
One of his most memorable patients was an Australian cattle dog with heart failure, the companion of a returned serviceman. Over two years of treating his dog, Harold saw the man grow from a recluse into someone ready to speak publicly about his experiences.
BVSc, MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
Behaviour Veterinarian
Dr Tina joined Lort Smith in 2023 and works at Campbellfield. She helps cats and dogs with behaviour problems such as phobias, reactivity and separation anxiety, and enjoys working for a not-for-profit where she can help both animals and people. At home, she dotes on Pluto, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and two cats, Anakin and Crookshanks.
Book online, or call us on 03 9328 3021 to make an appointment at North Melbourne or Campbellfield.
