Melissa Meehan | Director of Veterinary Services
RSPCA Victoria

Dr Melissa Meehan is an experienced veterinarian, leader, and animal welfare advocate with more than two decades of experience spanning veterinary medicine, ophthalmology, leadership, and media. As Director of Veterinary Services at RSPCA Victoria, she works collaboratively to advance animal welfare, support veterinary teams, and deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based care. Her background includes advanced training in veterinary ophthalmology, a strong commitment to mentoring and professional development, and a long‑standing role in television and radio. Through both clinical leadership and media engagement, Dr Meehan is dedicated to improving understanding of animal welfare and supporting meaningful, positive change for animals and the communities that care for them.

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

Liz Walker, Chief Executive Officer, RSPCA Victoria