Member profile: Dr Anne-Marie Moody

Growing up in a family that adored cats led Dr Anne-Marie Moody to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Today, she successfully navigates optimal work-life balance by working part-time and raising her young child.

Having grown up in Adelaide, Dr Moody moved to Sydney to pursue her studies, completing her veterinary degree at the University of Sydney in 1995.

“My first job after graduation was a short stint at the Yagoona RSPCA shelter in Sydney before moving to the Broken Hill RSPCA. I spent four years there doing a mix of shelter and private practice work, mainly small animals and wildlife. I worked sole charge much of the time. It was a very steep learning curve and tough at times, but I got to do a lot of surgery and developed the resilience that has helped keep me in this job,” said Dr Moody.

“After a stint working in the UK, I took up a job in my hometown of Adelaide with the late Dr Julia Nicholls, which was a great opportunity to foster my passion for feline medicine. I got to see lots of interesting and unusual cat cases, and Julia was very enthusiastic and supportive of continuing education.”

Balancing work and wellbeing

As a small animal veterinarian at Greencross Para Vista in the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide, Dr Moody has achieved the balance of being able to prioritise her own wellbeing, whilst contributing to the veterinary practice in a variety of ways.

“As I have been in this practice for over a decade, I have a lot of regular clients and feel privileged to be a trusted and integral part of their pets’ care. For maintaining wellbeing, I think it’s really important to be positive and grateful - make a habit of finishing your day with a reflection on a couple of good things that happened to you and let go of the bad stuff. Make self-care a priority - take breaks, eat well, exercise regularly, and have interests outside of the vet world.”

“We all have a lot to learn, so let others help you expand your knowledge. I passed my feline medicine membership examinations in 2018 with the support of a Greencross scholarship, and I am part of a veterinary nutrition advisory panel within the company that has been involved with the recent launch of a new range of frozen meals for dogs called NOSH,” said Dr Moody.

Importance of AVA involvement

Having previously served on the AVA’s South Australian branch committee, Dr Moody recognises the value of being involved in the AVA and its continuing education offerings.

“I have been an AVA member throughout my veterinary career, and currently I am fortunate to have an employer that recognises the importance of membership and includes this as part of my remuneration package.”

“Being in the AVA SA Committee was a valuable eye-opener to learn how much goes on behind the scenes. It certainly reinforced my commitment to support our professional voice. I really enjoy going to the national AVA conferences and catching up with colleagues working in different fields of veterinary science,” said Dr Moody.

A positive outlook

Identifying which aspects of veterinary practice she enjoys, has helped Dr Moody to develop her career in a way that keeps her happy and healthy.

“During my veterinary career, I have previously experienced burnout. I left a job not knowing if I would ever work as a vet again. Thankfully, after a month’s break, I took a locum position in a very supportive clinic that turned into my current position. I became more conscious of my lifestyle, developing a love of yoga and healthy eating. I learnt to live with less money but [with] more time to do things that were good for me and made me happy,” shared Dr Moody.

“Although I love working as a vet, I have had to accept that my mental and physical health is much better when I work part-time. I only work two days a week as I have recently had my first child and want to spend as much time as possible with him whilst keeping my career active!”