DVM, DipECVIM-CA (Internal Medicine), GpCert ISVPS (Cardiology), European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
Sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Virginia Merino earned her Veterinary Medicine degree from Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, in 2014. She later obtained a Certificate in Small Animal Cardiology from both Complutense University of Madrid and the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
In 2017, she completed a small animal rotating internship in Spain before moving to the United Kingdom, where she undertook a second small animal rotating internship followed by an small animal internal medicine internship. She then completed a three-year residency in small animal internal medicine and became a European Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Companion Animals (ECVIM-CA) in 2023.
Following her residency, Prof. Virginia Merino worked in private practice in Ireland. In May 2025, she joined the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) at the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong. In addition, since June 2024, Virginia has served as Chair of the Internal Medicine Credentials Committee at ECVIM-CA.
DVM, MS
Julie graduated from National Taiwan University where she also completed master’s degree in veterinary medicine. Her professional interests include small animal nutrition, small animal dermatology and life & career coach.
With her experience in delivering lectures & workshops across Asia, Julie passionate in communicating practical insights that resonate with diverse audiences. Currently, she serves as the Asia Academic Relationship Lead at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, driving forward veterinary education. Her leadership, including her tenure as president of the Taiwan Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, highlights her commitment to the field. Julie is also a devoted pet parent to two cats, blending her professional and personal passions.
Cert IV VN, TAE, DipVN, AVN
Animal Industries Resource Centre
Jo is a Registered and Accredited Veterinary Nurse who has been working in the profession for over 20 years and is the trainer and assessor for Animal Industries and a training consultant for Crampton Consulting Group. She also works as a ECC nurse in a specialty hospital. Jo enjoys both the challenges of working in practice especially in emergency, medical and surgical nursing and is also very passionate about the training of veterinary nurses in the knowledge and skills required to ensure the highest levels of veterinary care is provided in practice.
With a great passion for the profession and raising the status of veterinary nurses in Australia, Jo is active member of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) having previously sat on the board of directors as a Past President and currently is a member of the CPD committee, editorial committee reviewing the Australian Veterinary Nurses Journal (AVNJ) and the Australian Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Registration Scheme (AVNAT) Regulatory Council chair.
Jo lectures both within Australia and internationally.
Cardiology Specialty Nurse
BSc, RVN (AVNAT)
VSH (Veterinary Specialty Hospital
Vienne graduated as a Bachelor of Zoology from the University of Queensland, Australia, and gained her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through AIRC. Vienne is a registered and accredited veterinary nurse under the Australian Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Registration Scheme (AVNAT) and a member of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA).
Vienne has been with VSH for nearly 7 years and has worked in different departments and specialties, including surgery, neurology, and for over 2 years in cardiology. She is currently an Assistant Nursing Manager at VSH. She is also very passionate in training veterinary nurses and technicians in the knowledge and skills that are required to ensure that the highest level of patient care is provided.
Veterinary Nursing Educator
BVSc, DipVET, DipTDD
Animal Industries Resource Centre
Dr. Mik graduated from the University of Queensland in 1980 and has over 25 years of experience in small animal veterinary practice, alongside more than 20 years working in veterinary nurse education and training.
Much of Mik’s clinical career was spent in a leading small animal hospital in Hobart, Tasmania, although he has also practised in the United Kingdom. His clinical interests include surgery, anaesthesia, orthopaedics, and practical nursing procedures.
Mik now develops and delivers veterinary nurse education programs and online learning resources for the Asia-Pacific region. He has presented extensively to veterinary nurses and support staff across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia.
Small Animal Specialist Surgeon
BVetBiol/BVSc (Hons 1), MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery), DACVS-SA, DECVS
Dr. Kenny Carroll is a double-boarded small animal surgeon, holding specialist qualifications from both the American and European Colleges. He is currently the only surgeon in Australasia to have completed a dedicated fellowship in minimally invasive soft tissue surgery.
Dr. Carroll’s clinical focus includes advanced laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures, as well as interventional radiology techniques such as stenting and embolisation. His work combines surgical precision with a drive to reduce invasiveness, improve recovery, and deliver better outcomes for patients.
A published researcher and experienced speaker, Dr. Carroll has presented at veterinary conferences locally and internationally. He is currently based at VetiVa Center for Animal Wellness in Hong Kong.