Dr Trudy Seidel grew up in Mount Barker, where she spent her childhood caring for and rehabilitating rescued wildlife. Supported by her parents and inspired by the local veterinarians who helped her in her mission, Dr Seidel recalls wanting to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. A compassionate and attentive doctor, she emphasises her long-term relationships with her patients and the families who love them.

"I love helping pets and animals, but I also like the rewarding part of being part of a community, being able to talk with people about their lives and how their pets are part of their lives, how to improve the quality of their and their pet's life," she says. "I feel it is a great privilege to care for pets and be an ongoing part of their lives. I love getting to know people and being trusted to help them make decisions about their pet's health care."

Dr Seidel earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Science with first-class honours from the University of Queensland. While there, she received an award for demonstrated care and commitment to wildlife.

Her professional interests include internal medicine, surgery, pain management, geriatric care and palliative care. She is a member of the Australian Veterinary Association, SA Division of the Australian Veterinary Association, Australian Veterinary Dental Society, Veterinary Information Network, United Veterinary Group, Bayer Accelerate, Vet Education Online, the University of Sydney Post Graduate Foundation, Idexx Learning Centre, and Australiana Veterinary Association New Graduate Mentor Program.

Dr Seidel focuses all her free time on raising her two sons. "There is nothing nicer to me than watching my children play, laugh, and learn," she says. "Apart from them, I am strongly interested in animal welfare and rights." She has five pets: Jack, a border collie, and four rescued cats, Flippy, Mickey, Minnie and Sammy.