James Simcock | Specialist Surgeon, Director
Southpaws

Dr James Simcock is a specialist small animal surgeon, international speaker, and co-owner of Southpaws—a leading multi-site veterinary referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia. A diplomate of both the ACVS and ECVS, James is known for his expertise in advanced orthopaedic procedures, including total hip replacement and complex angular limb deformity correction. James is passionate about education and loves helping vets, nurses, and students achieve more than they ever thought possible. As Residency Program Director at Southpaws—a hospital known for its long history of training future specialists—he’s heavily involved in mentoring interns and residents. His enthusiasm for teaching extends far beyond the hospital walls, with regular speaking appearances at conferences and CE events across Australia and around the world. He’s also contributed numerous publications on topics across small animal surgery. In addition to his clinical and educational roles, James lectures on leadership, communication, and the psychology of high performance in veterinary practice. He believes that mindset, not just skillset, drives clinical outcomes—and that imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and fear of failure are challenges that must be addressed to truly thrive in the profession.