2024 AVA Meritorious Service Award: Dr Hadley Willsallen

Dr Hadley Willsallen’s career in the equine veterinary profession is a true testament to her dedication, skill and service to the industry. Her recent recognition with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Meritorious Service Award highlights not only her achievements but also the impact the AVA and Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) has had on her career path.

The Meritorious Service Award is presented in recognition of significant, long-term contributions to the AVA, its Divisions, Branches, and Special Interest Groups (SIG). Dr Willsallen believes the benefits of being part of the SIG community throughout her veterinary career, are immeasurable.  

“It was initially at a Bain Fallon conference as a final year student that I experienced the phenomenon of bringing horse vets together.  These leaders of the horse vet world welcomed me in, offered support, advice and encouragement to graduate and pursue a career in what I love doing.  

“I have loved my involvement with the EVA family! I have enjoyed sharing experiences, developing ideas and projects, and encouraging and supporting each other in collaboration to improve our fantastic profession,” she said.

“The infectious enthusiasm for the AVA initially came from Dr Derek Major who paid every employee’s membership and taught us the importance (of the Association).

“I have gained immensely; my role models and sources of inspiration and guidance have become my close friends.”

Dr Willsallen’s journey in veterinary medicine began after she graduated from the University of Sydney in 2003. Initially, she worked as an intern at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic, where her interest in equine surgery grew. She gained experience working at Canberra Equine Hospital in 2005, Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital from 2007 to 2009, as well as an around-the-world equine hospital tour in 2006 to help her decide where to specialise as an equine surgeon.

In 2009, Dr Willsallen achieved a significant milestone by becoming a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Surgery of Horses. That same year, she began a 4-year residency in Equine Surgery at the newly built Veterinary Clinical Centre at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

Her hard work and expertise culminated in 2014 when she was officially recognised by the NSW Veterinary Surgeons Board as a Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery. Dr Willsallen continued her career at Dr Nick Kannegieter’s practice, where she worked part-time during her studies and transitioned to full-time after completing the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Examinations in February 2014. She now runs her own consultancy business and travels the country working with veterinarians to get the best outcomes for their patients.

Dr Willsallen currently serves as the Past President of EVA. Her nomination for the AVA Meritorious Service Award was strongly supported by the NSW Division of the AVA, recognising her valuable contributions.

“I would like to say that I am very grateful and feel extremely special to have received the AVA Meritorious Service Award,” Dr Willsallen reflected.

“I encourage everyone to get involved in the AVA in any way, and you will find unexpected joy and rewards that far exceed the effort.”

If you think you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their contributions to the AVA and the veterinary profession, consider nominating them for the upcoming 2025 AVA Awards, with nominations set to open soon.