Two veterinarians recognised with King’s Birthday Honours

This week, highly respected veterinarian and AVA life member, Dr John (Jack) Paul Ayerbe was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding service to veterinary science. 

Dr Ayerbe’s contributions have also been recognised with an honorary life membership and a meritorious award from the RSPCA.  

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Dr Ayerbe’s graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1969, worked in the UK and Ireland, before returning home to establish the Newtown Veterinary Clinic in Geelong in 1974. 

Dr Ayerbe has served as a school governor, city councillor, and contributed his expertise to numerous committees and boards. He has also contributed to the development of an oncology medication and as a published author and radio personality. 

Reflecting on the King’s Birthday honour, Dr Ayerbe told the AVA, “I feel humbled and honoured for the award, especially as it relates to services of veterinary science,”. 

“I feel privileged to have been a veterinary practitioner and still believe that it is a greatly rewarding profession.” 

Despite his impressive career, Dr Ayerbe remained humble when asked to reflect on his award and his many accomplishments. 

“I also feel a little like an imposter as I know there are many veterinarians who I believe are far more deserving than me,” he commented. 

Instead, he preferred to draw on the relationships and camaraderie built among his peers, noting, “Our graduation year still get together reasonably regularly. We have known each other for 60 years. To me this is very special as we were a small year. It also seems that if you experience a disaster in practice, one of your colleagues has had a worse one. 

“One of my greatest experiences has been in the last 10 years after passing the clinic on to the veterinarians that I employed.  They have formed a great team, a wonderful workplace and are making my final years as a practicing veterinarian an absolute joy.” 

Hugely passionate about the veterinary world, Dr Ayerbe says he’s looking forward to seeing how the profession continues to develop. “The changing attitudes towards animal welfare are highly exciting. To be involved with veterinary science means that we have to constantly read, learn and catch up as much as possible.” 

Also recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours was Dr Richard Malik of Wombeyan Caves, NSW, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to veterinary science, particularly in the field of medicine and infectious diseases. 

Dr Malik graduated from the University of Sydney in 1981 and advanced his expertise through further training in anaesthesia and intensive care. He earned a PhD in neuropharmacology at the John Curtin School of Medical Research. Dr Malik has held academic roles, including serving as the Valentine Charlton Senior Lecturer in Feline Medicine at the University of Sydney from 1995 to 2002. 

Dr Malik’s groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of feline diseases, making a lasting impact on veterinary medicine both in Australia and internationally. 

The AVA extends its congratulations to both Dr Jack Ayerbe and Dr Richard Malik for their contributions to veterinary science and their recognition in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.