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 places great emphasis on 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 to be an ongoing part of their life. I love getting to know people and being trusted to help them make decisions around their pet's health care."

Dr. Seidel earned her Bachelor's 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 Australian Veterinary Association, Australian Veterinary Dental Society, Veterinary Information Network, United Veterinary Group, Bayer Accelerate, Vet Education Online, 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 and laugh and learn," she says. "Apart from them I have a strong interest in animal welfare and animal rights." She has 2 dogs- a chilled Golden Retriever called Buddy, and a neurotic Border Collie called Shadow as well as 4 cats and chickens. 

Dr. Cathy Skinner is a Senior Veterinarian with Para Hills Veterinary Clinic who joined our team in 2001. "I am truly one of those people who only ever wanted to be a vet," she says. "I do not know how old I was when I made the decision, or why, but the desire never changed." "I have never regretted the choice."

Dr. Skinner has studied at the University of Adelaide and Flinders University for her Bachelor of Science with Honours and the University of Queensland for her Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). She is also a qualified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Her professional interests include surgery, dentistry, behaviour and acupuncture, and rabbit medicine and surgery.

"I love surgery – it is like doing a jigsaw puzzle but with more rewarding, lasting results," she says. 

She loves helping her patients, including the anxious ones, so they all get a better experience at the clinic.

Outside work, Dr. Skinner enjoys cooking, travel, movies, water skiing, wine and Haigh's chocolates and spending time with her two daughters. She also shares her life with a domestic long-haired cat named Zed and Bunbury - her Golden Retriever.

Dr. Jo Elliott has been an associate veterinarian at Para Hills Veterinary Clinic since April 2011. Her professional interests include acupuncture and emergency medicine. "I enjoy science, animals, solving puzzles and working with people. Veterinary science seems to include it all!" she says.

An Adelaide native, Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor's of Science in Anatomy and Pharmacology from the University of Adelaide and her Bachelor's of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland.

At home, Dr. Elliott has a dog called Annie. She enjoys spending her free time bushwalking, camping, jogging and laughing with her son and family.

Dr Alanna is from Adelaide and studied for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Adelaide University. 

Dr Alanna has always been very active in wildlife rescue and conservation, and still volunteers with the Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organisation looking after injured marine wildlife. 

Dr Alanna has an exceptional passion for Small Animal Dentistry, as well as internal medicine, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and other exotic animals. 

Away from vet medicine Alanna loves the outdoors, hiking, cycling, swimming and diving, as well as basketball and reading, and of course volunteering with wildlife conservation organisations. 

Dr Monique Huffa is a recent graduate from Adelaide University in 2021

Dr Monique loves animals of all kings and sizes, and is most passionate about all the animals that people choose to keep as companions. She loves working with dogs and cats, and has a special interest in snakes!. Like many vets Monique loves wildlife and does volunteering with wildlife conservation organisations, especially working with Microbats. 

Monique has several pets, of which her cat and dog are in the very seniors category, which gives her a unique insight into the care of geriatric pets. Outside of work Monique loves hiking and trail walks and wildlife watching on her walks. 

Dr Sabrina was born in Germany and grew up on a horse farm in Tasmania. She is a senior veterinarian graduating from the University of QLD in 2005 with first class honours. She worked in rural practice for two years in Tasmania before moving to Adelaide in 2009.

Sabrina has always had a strong interest and passion for surgery and abdominal ultrasound, areas of veterinary medicine she considers her strengths and has worked in several veterinary clinics seeking to improve her skills and experience in all areas. She locumed at the Para Hills Vet Clinic before deciding to join the team in early 2022 and thoroughly enjoys working with the clientele and their pets the clinic attracts. 

During her time growing up with horses, Sabrina learnt a lot from training them, and her mentors. Most importantly she learnt: “If you take the time it takes now, it takes less time” - never has such a saying been more fitting when it comes to the treatment of animals. 

Outside of work, Sabrina lives with a myriad of rescued animals and enjoys reading in her spare time. 

Dr David is our newest vet who travelled all the way from Scotland before coming to Adelaide in 2008 and has earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2022.

David has only been with us a very short time and already is loved by clients and patients alike for him calm, gentle and understanding ways. He has a great love of internal medicine and forming relationships with pets and their owners. David approaches life with an energy and enthusiasm that is inspiring.   “Throughout life and my veterinary education I have found that what gets me out of bed in the morning is having the ability to help others”. 

David has a varied interest outside of work with a love of surfing, cricket and playing guitar and drums. He also loves wildlife conservation and has done lots of volunteer work with wildlife in Australia and overseas. 

Jill has worked with us for many years, since moving here from Darwin to raise her children. 

Jill is the practice manager at the clinic and manages everything to keep the clinic running, as well as being a very Veterinary Nurse with over 30 years experience. Any issues and Jill sorts it out. 

When not at work Jill is renovating her home that she shares with her Staffy and her two daughters 

Staff Christmas Party 2022