Liz Walker | Chief Executive Officer
RSPCA Victoria

Dr Liz Walker joined as CEO of RSPCA Victoria in 2014, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in the veterinary industry, management, and the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining RSPCA Victoria, Liz was CEO at Lort Smith Animal Hospital, a not-for-profit organisation and Australia’s largest companion animal hospital. Liz holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) as well as a Master of Management (Marketing), and spent time across private practice, conducting research, and working in the veterinary industry in sales, marketing and operational roles. Liz is a member of the Victorian Government’s Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Animal Welfare Committee, Racing Victoria’s Equine Welfare Advisory Council, and as part of the RSPCA Federation, Liz lends her expertise and experience in advocating for evidence-based improvements for companion animals, animals in sport and recreation, in agriculture, and wildlife.

Appearances:

Day 2 @ 10:25

Fireside Chat: Is veterinary practice sustainable? The Future of the profession, financial pressures and what comes next

Veterinary medicine is one of the most rewarding professions, but also one of the most demanding.

Workforce shortages, burnout, compassion fatigue, rising client expectations and growing concerns around remuneration continue to challenge veterinary teams across Australia. At the same time, many veterinarians are navigating increasingly difficult conversations about affordability and treatment options, adding further pressure to an already stretched profession.

Join Dr Katrina Warren for a thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Dr Melissa Meehan (Director of Veterinary Services, RSPCA Victoria), Dr Liz Walker (CEO, RSPCA Victoria) and Brad Smith (CEO, RSPCA Pet Insurance).

Together, the panel will explore:

Why so many veterinarians are leaving the profession, and what can be done about it
The impact of remuneration, burnout and workforce pressures on career sustainability
How financial constraints affect patient care, treatment decisions and veterinary wellbeing
Practical spectrum of care conversation strategies
The role pet insurance may play in improving patient outcomes, supporting a sustainable veterinary career and reducing financial barriers to care
Fascinating claims trends, surprising real-life cases and what claims data can tell us about the future of pet healthcare
The role of community vet clinics (NDIS funded vet care taking pressure off mainstream vet clinics along with the support of growing pet insurance coverage.

This discussion will provide valuable insights for veterinarians, practice owners, managers and veterinary nurses looking to better understand the challenges facing the profession, and the opportunities to create a more sustainable future. Whether you're early in your career or have been in practice for decades, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Melissa Meehan, Director of Veterinary Services, RSPCA Victoria