Veterinary surgeons

Having been inspired by Jim Goodwin MRCVS when seeing practice at 15 years old in Paignton (in the days of Hair and Beaumont), Victoria went on to gain a place at Cambridge University (St Johns College) then spent her first five years in Exeter doing mainly equine work. She joined Dart Vale Vets as an equine and small animal vet and became a partner in 2005. Victoria likes to keep fit and enjoys any sport that involves chasing a ball around a court, as well as having a keen interest in music and wishes she had enough time to play her violin. Victoria loves walking on the Moors and in Scotland. She is a big fan of Springer Spaniels.

Karen joined Dart Vale in 2006 having graduated from Edinburgh University. Based at our Paignton and Brixham surgeries she enjoys all aspects of small animal practice.

Catherine qualified from Liverpool University in 1984. She is a small animal vet and worked in practice in London after qualifying, before moving to Devon in 1999. Catherine enjoys most aspects of small animal work but is particularly interested in feline medicine. When she is not at work, Catherine spends her time dog walking and kayaking.

Sophia qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2013. She is a small animal vet with special interests in diagnostic imaging, soft tissue surgery and Ophthalmology. She gained her certificate in Ophthalmology in May 2019 and is now working towards gaining Advanced Practitioner status. She spends her time between the Totnes Hospital and Paignton branch. Outside of work, herself and her husband (also a vet) enjoy long walks on the south west coast and Dartmoor with their dog, kayaking and travelling.

Kevin qualified from London in 1989. He initially spent eight years in the North East and Midlands working in mixed practice. He moved back to Devon, where he was born, in 1997 to work for Dart Vale concentrating almost exclusively on small animals. In 1998 he took over the running of the Paignton branch from Mr Goodwin and it has since more than doubled in size. His particular interests are diagnostic imaging, general surgery and minor orthopaedics.

Frances has worked in small animal veterinary practice since graduating in 2001. She gained her RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2009 and is an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine. Frances currently works at our Totnes branch and enjoys looking after inpatients, diagnostic imaging and ultrasound, geriatric medicine and endocrinology. She has a cat called Poppy and four chickens called 'The Girlies' as its impossible to tell them apart.

Lucy practised in California for 20 years before returning to the UK and joining Dart Vale Veterinary Group. She loves general practice, medicine and soft tissue surgery and is working on an advanced certificate in ophthalmology ( eye medicine).

In her spare time she loves walking the family dog, reading novels with her two children, Lucy sings in a choir and goes salsa dancing with her husband.

Claire has been with Dart Vale since 1999 and has worked with all creatures great and small in her time here. She is now based in our Totnes branch where she is one of our most experienced surgeons.

Lauren qualified from Liverpool University in 2014. She has spent most of her career working in small animal and equine practice, and has a keen interest in internal medicine. She rows for ‘Dart Totnes’, and loves nothing more than a boat session in the sunshine (and the rain!) down the River Dart. She also loves to get up and sing at local open mic nights.

Jess joined Dart Vale in 2005 having graduated from Liverpool University. Based at our Brixham surgery she enjoys all aspects of small animal practice with a particular interest in dermatology.

Ross graduated from University of Nottingham in 2013. He is a small animal vet with particular interests in surgery and diagnostics. Ross has a number of extra-curricular hobbies include surfing and trail running.

Mel joined Dart Vale in 2015 having qualified at Cambridge University. She has a particular interest in small animal medicine and works out of our Totnes surgery.

Xian (pronounced Sea-Ann) joined Dart Vale in October 2017 as a new graduate vet after qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She enjoys all aspect of veterinary medicine particularly soft tissue surgery. In her spare time, Xian enjoys cooking, travelling and exploring the English countryside.