Dr Clare Bryce – Veterinary Surgeon

(BVSc (Hons))

Favourite coffee order: Clare is the dirty chai queen of the practice.

I was born and raised on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast where I was lucky enough to grow up riding horses and be surrounded by an assortment of other animals (dogs, cats, chickens, cattle). It’s no surprise that I ended up becoming a veterinarian – much of my childhood was spent travelling the Sunshine Coast with my dad, Stuart, “assisting” him on his calls. However, for much of my high schooling I was insistent on becoming an engineer. At the end of my final year of high school I walked into the engineering lab at UQ and walked straight back out again – it was not for me.

At the start of 2016 I made the move to Gatton to study Veterinary Science, graduating with first class honours at the end of 2020. Since then, I have spent 2 years working in a busy after hours emergency practice in North Brisbane.

For me, pursuing a career as a veterinarian was as much about helping animals as it was helping people. Animals have been (and continue to be) such an integral part of my life, and I find it very rewarding to be part of the bond between an owner and their pet, however large or small. This is not to mention the challenge and variety each day – no two days are the same; this is what keeps the job interesting.

At the end of my third year of study I moved out of college and decided it was high time for a dog of my own. Enter: Maggie – my (now) 4yo Irish Wolfhound x Border Collie; a rescue pup from out in the sticks. She’s probably one of the most well-travelled dogs I’ve ever come across – she goes everywhere with me and is happiest as long as she is by my side. She does however have the unfortunate curse of being a vet’s dog and has been roped into being a blood donor on a semi–regular basis.

I also have my beautiful grey mare, Annie – a 17yo Thoroughbred who I have been lucky enough to own for over 12 years. She and I spent some time competing in eventing before she sustained an injury and I moved away for uni. I’ve since spent the best part of the last 18 months rehabilitating and strengthening her, and hope to be back eventing again next year – the old girl still looks forward to every ride, and (despite a distinct lack of coordination at times) still has a penchant for jumping.

When not catching up on sleep I can be found spending hours with my horse or travelling SE Qld exploring the best hiking trails, restaurants and sights on offer.