Before studying Veterinary science, Vanessa was a high school teacher who taught biology and science for 5 years. She had always wanted to be a vet, so in 1999 she left teaching and applied to study a Veterinary degree. Vanessa graduated as a Veterinarian in 2003 and then went to work in private practice for 3 years. She returned to Onderstepoort in 2007 to do her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine, after which she remained to become a senior lecturer and ran the internship programme. After 18 years of Academia, she has decided to return to private practice.
Vanessa now works at the Fourways Veterinary Specialist Referral Centre as a Small Animal Medicine Specialist. She is also an adjunct lecture at the University of Namibia, Department of Veterinary Science where she lectures Haematology, Critical Care and Multisystemic Diseases. She has a special interest in critical care medicine, infectious diseases, and rescuing any creature that looks like it needs a home!