We’re back in Sydney this month, talking to Karim Chammas of Beecroft Vet, which he opened in April 2019, and which has won the Local Business Awards for the last 3 years straight!
How Did You Become A Vet?
I always wanted to be a vet. I love animals, always have. But it’s very competitive, and I didn’t get the grades I needed at school. I graduated around 2000, which was the dot com era, so I enrolled in a Computer Science degree at UTS. I knew within the first week that it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Now matter how hard, no matter how long it took, I wanted to be a vet.
I finished the computer science degree, then got in to study veterinary science at the University of Sydney. I’ve been working as a vet ever since I graduated.
Tell Us A Bit About Your Practice
It’s a pretty standard small animal veterinary practice. We treat mostly cats and dogs, plus other pets like rabbits and the occasional guinea pig. We also treat injured wildlife when the community bring them in, which they do all the time. It means a lot of variety – I’ve treated fish, a turtle and lizards; I’ve operated on a galah. Every day is different.
The practice has three main vets, although one’s currently on maternity leave, and we’ve just taken on a newly qualified vet from the UK, Stephanie. We also have seven vet nurses and a couple of kennel hands – when the dogs have to stay in for treatment, we make sure they all get some fresh air. Our vet nurses are fantastic too. They help with all kinds of tasks such as taking bloods and giving injections, which frees up time for the vets to do diagnoses and assist with the more serious cases.
How Long Have You Known The Radincon Team?
I’ve been to lots of industry functions and training courses over the years. I can’t remember when exactly I met Jim from Radincon, but I’ve known him a while. We had a lot of equipment when we opened, including an older X-ray machine. We were having problems getting plates for it, so I spoke to Radincon and now we’ve got up-to-date equipment.
We’re looking to add some CT equipment when we move premises too.
Do You Have Animals Of Your Own?
I have a revolving menagerie, with many of the animals coming from the clinic. Sometimes an animal is brought in which is obviously tame, but we can’t trace the owner. I often take those home, There have been so many birds – lorikeets, galahs and a cockatoo!
Right now I’ve got a dog called Jet and a canary called Peanut, whose been with the family for about 4 years. They’re both rescues.
What About The Family And Time Outside Work?
My wife and I have three children, aged between 9 and 1. There’s not time for a lot outside work and family. When we’re with the kids, we love going to the beach, to restaurants and to arcades. It’s just good to spend time with them.
What About The Future?
Our current premises are being redeveloped, so we’re looking to move within Beecroft. I’m hoping that will be the last move! Apart from that, I just really want to go on running the practice the way it’s going now. That’s about being the best, giving personal service, never cutting corners but doing everything properly.
Finally, What’s Your Advice To Young Vets Entering The Profession?
First and foremost, enjoy it. I’m so lucky to be doing what I want. If that’s you, don’t take it for granted!
Being a vet is stressful and challenging. You’ll never know everything. You’ll never get it all right. And sometimes, whatever you do, it won’t be enough. But that’s no reason to stop. Just approach every day with a sense of humour, and keep learning. That’s the best way to enjoy it.