Your team

  • Dr David Ward

    Integrative Veterinarian / Director / Veterinary Acupuncturist / Animal Rehab

    Registered Veterinary Surgeon of NSW , Member of Association of Australian Veterinary Acupuncturists, Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapy

    Dr Ward is an experienced veterinary professional with a unique blend of knowledge, honed over many years in a variety of roles. His broad scope of experience, from zoo medicine to large animals and small animals - where he has practised for the past two decades - and his additional Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapy has garnered him a place among a select pool of veterinarians worldwide. His educational credentials include a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Sydney, and Masters of Science in Veterinary Science Research degree from the University of Sydney, followed by his veterinary degree from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 1998. Highly qualified and dedicated, Dr Ward continues to demonstrate his commitment to healing animals through balanced care.

    Dr Ward is a highly experienced veterinary surgeon, specialising in integrative care and animal rehabilitation. Drawing from his holistic approach to pet health, he delivers individualised care plans that promote wellness, vitality, and a comfortable lifestyle. Responsible for leading our pain clinic at All Natural Vet Care, Dr Ward is committed to helping animals of all species and has a passion for addressing mobility issues, skin disease, kidney disease and hormonal imbalance to provide preventative treatments and therapeutic solutions. With his diploma in animal rehab, Dr Ward provides the highest level of care so that your pet gets the attention they need.

  • Dr Karen Goldrick

    Senior Integrative Veterinarian / Director / Hospital Superintendent

    BVSc, CVA (IVAS), Graduate Diploma Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine GDVCHM (CIVT)

    Karen Graduated from the University Of Sydney in 1987, and has worked in small animal practice in Sydney and the UK with an interest in holistic small animal veterinary medicine. Karen joined Dr Barbara Fougere at All Natural Vet Care in 2005, at the time the only Integrative Veterinary Practice in Sydney.

    She has studied acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). She has completed her Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine at the College of integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT). She also practices Western Herbal Veterinary Medicine, and Neuromyofascial Release.

    Karen has many years of experience in Integrative Veterinary Practice and has a special interest in complex cases including endocrine diseases, immune-mediated disease, skin-gut-brain axis imbalances, geriatric care and helping pets with cancer.

    Karen is available for in-clinic and telemedicine consultations.

  • Dr Matthew J Muir

    Integrative Veterinarian / Clinical Director

    BVSc/BVetBiol (Hons) MRCVS

    CIVT Certified Herbalist

    Matthew obtained a double degree in Veterinary Science and Veterinary Biology in 2010 with first-class Honours from Charles Sturt University. Matthew has worked as a mixed animal general practitioner where he developed strong skills in orthopaedic & soft tissue surgery, dermatology and nutritional counselling. He also worked in London for several years consulting in wellness & internal medicine, out-of-hours emergency and critical care. Matthew has now completed his Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Food Therapies. He is available for Integrative Medicine Consultation encompassing conventional, complementary & alternative therapies. His Veterinary interests are wellness & preventative health care, integrative dentistry, cancer care, nutrition, the gut-brain-skin axis, immunology, dermatology and behaviour. Matthew is now also volunteering at Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

    Matthew recently won a 2021 game changer award from Animal Wellness Advocate Dr Karen Becker, click here to watch their conversation

  • Dr Barbara Fougere

    Integrative Veterinarian / Founder All Natural Vet Care

    BSc BVMS (Hons), BHSc (Comp Med), MODT, MHSc (Herb Med), CVA (IVAS), CVBM, CVCP, CMAVA

    Barbara started her studies in complementary medicine at university in 1986. Since then she has studied human and veterinary complementary medicine and is certified in veterinary and human herbal medicine, veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic, veterinary Chinese herbal medicine and veterinary and human homeopathy. She has also explored energy medicine with Reiki and several other lesser known therapies such as prolotherapy, tui na and Chinese food therapy

    Barbara is currently not available for consultation but still actively contributes to our clinical protocol development. Dr Barbara has recommended her existing clients see our other Integrative Veterinarian's at All Natural Vet Care until further notice. Please discuss with our friendly reception team who might be the best team member to take on your pet's healthcare. 

  • Dr Jana Gale

    Integrative Veterinarian

    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

    Jana is our newest Integrative Vet, Jana has been practicing at a busy practice since graduating in 2020. Some of you may recognise Jana from when she was undertaking her externship with us as a veterinary student. Jana has been undertaking further training under our advanced Integrative Practitioners and now taking on cases. Jana will be employing practice level protocols which take both your pet’s individual needs into account as well as the therapeutic options that are both evidence based and have a long standing track record in our clinic over the last 20 years. Jana will be offering holistic second opinion consultations for preventative medicine, skin issues, digestive issues, behaviour issues and pain management. She is especially interested in the gut-brain-skin axis, as well as pain-anxiety looping.

    Jana has attended additional conferences in Integrative Medicine and is currently undertaking further studies in wholefood nutrition, acupuncture and herbal medicine. Jana does not practice chiropractic care (best to see Dr Karen), homeopathy or Chinese herbal medicine (best to see Dr David or Dr Karen for these conditions). Dr Jana is practicing under the clinical supervision of our clinical director, Dr Matthew J Muir with input from the other practitioners. We are very confident that Jana will be able to deliver strong clinical outcomes for your family member.

    Jana is motivated daily by her rescue dog Yogi Bear who she has loved since adopting him 8 years ago, and who has always been a comfort during difficult times.

  • Dr Amanda Young

    Integrative Veterinarian / Veterinary acupuncturist

    DVM, CVA, BHSc.TCM, BSc (Hons I)

    Amanda graduated from the University of Sydney in 2019 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and have worked at various small animal veterinary practices in Sydney. Amanda has always had a strong interest in holistic medicine. Prior to vetting, she went to study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the University of Technology, Sydney and became a qualified human TCM practitioner with the ability to perform various TCM therapeutic modalities. After graduating from vet school, she also obtained a Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT), and is a qualified veterinary acupuncturist. She is fluent in English, Cantonese and can speak Mandarin.

    Currently, Amanda is furthering her studies in clinical canine rehabilitation in continuing to enhance and update her skills in integrative medicine.

    In her spare time, Amanda loves to spend time with family and friends, travelling, free-sketch drawing and being involved in volunteering work.

  • Beatrice Hecherat

    Veterinary Technician/Acupuncturist

    Beatrice has been working in the veterinary industry for over 20 years. She started working as a vet nurse in Australia in 2020. She graduated from Londrina University in Brazil, one of the top 5 in Brazil, with a veterinary degree in 2003 and is a registered vet in Brazil. In 2017 she completed a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She always had a passion for Holistic Medicine.

    Beatrice has completed her Essentials of Veterinary Acupuncture with CIVT. Beatrice performs acupuncture in the clinic with patients and in surgery settings.

    Beatrice has a love of animals and joined the industry as she has a genuine desire to look after animals and help them to have a quality of life.

    When not at work she enjoys to exercise, travelling, going to the beach, and spending time with her son. Her element is any place where she can get in contact with animals and nature.

  • Dorien Mergan

    Animal Rehab Therapist

    Certified Hydro Therapist

    Certified Canine Remedial Massage

    Coming from the Professional Services sector, Dorien is excited to start her new career as an animal rehab therapist. Dorien has been training dogs for over 8 years and is a Wildlife rescuer and carer in her free time.

    Dorien is available every Tuesday for rehab therapy and is very excited to join the ANVC team.

    Dorien lives with her family on the North Shore together with her chickens and 3 Beagles.

  • Amy Miller

    USA Certified Veterinary Technician/Acupuncturist

    Nurse Manager

    Amy has over eight years of experience in small animal general practice working in the United States as a Certified Veterinary Technician.

    She also worked for four years at an Emergency and Critical Care Facility with Board Certified Surgeons and Internal Medicine Specialists.

    Amy's energy and experience is invaluable to making All Natural Vet Care what it is today

    Amy is excited to expand her career in Australia by learning more about integrative veterinary care since coming to work at All Natural Vet Care as Nurse Manager in 2017.

    Amy completed her course in Essentials of Veterinary Acupuncture in 2022 from CIVT.

    When not at work, she enjoys traveling, parkrun, reading, and hanging out with her cat, Fiyero.