The many opportunities to connect with their clients and the community has prompted the Millicent and Kingston Veterinary Clinics to return to the South East Field Days at Lucindale in 2024.
After successfully manning a stall for the first time a year ago, clinic and life partners Dr Sean McGrath and Dr Sarah McGrath and their team are looking forward to positive interactions with people of all ages over the two days.
“It is all about creating relationships and the Fields Days has that relaxed atmosphere,” Dr Sarah said.
“It is like sitting around the kitchen table and people can chat and ask questions of our team of vets, veterinary nurses and support staff.
“We will have hands-on activities for youngsters relating to activities of vets and talks about first aid for animals.
“Dr Sean and other vets will be delivering talks at our own site about basic cattle health and other topics.
“He will also be at the main stage on two occasions over the Field Days with addresses on the topic of feeding ewes in late pregnancy.
“Due to the dry season, we are being asked about this topic a lot.
“Those sessions on the main stage last about 30 minutes and include a Q and A.”
Another aim of the McGraths is to promote veterinary science as a career option whether as a tertiary-qualified vet or as a nurse or in other support roles.
Headquartered in Millicent, the second-generation practice operated by the McGraths has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years with the addition of the Kingston clinic in 2022.
“We have also just started regular clinics at Meningie and are offering our services up there as well,” Dr Sarah said.
Dr Sarah said there is great satisfaction from working as a vet in rural areas and is always looking to encourage those young professionals who are early in their careers.
“We encourage them to become involved in the community with, for example, one of our newcomers has just joined a netball team,” she said.
She said the Millicent and Kingston Veterinary Clinics will continue to offer an after-hours service which is counter to an industry trend.
“We have always offered this service and always will,” Dr Sarah said.
Callers to their South East Field Days stall can be assured of a warm welcome.
