About Michael – in his words… I make long-form photographic essays that are faithful to my subjects and their stories. I have spent a decade in the USA, Peru, Cuba, and Australia, covering stories about people whose lives I can't not be interested in. Most recently, I completed a photographic documentary about the reality of veterinary practice, called SO MANY OTHER THINGS. It was shot over a year and released on September 24, 2018. Previously, I spent from 2012 to 2015 documenting music and friendship in an Australian metal band, FRANKENBOK. The result was produced as a limited release, crowdfunded book that is also freely available as a PDF. Other stories I've photographed over the last 10 years can be found in my ARCHIVE.
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Scientists, detectives, carers, shepherds, counsellors, colleagues, mentors, mediators, negotiators, advocates, risk managers.rnrnThere are many skills that veterinary services workers will need to have beyond treating sick animals. The reality is the fir
In preparation for work as a vet or a vet nurse, education is required and significant work experience is essential. As much as university must provide the former, the onus is on the individual for the latter. Though, no matter how much preparation throug
The beginning of a career in veterinary services extends far back before the first day of work after graduation. A few Brudine vets worked as vet nurses before or during study. Some grew up in the country, some in the city. All had a love of
Over time, people working in veterinary services seem to, if not must, develop various mechanisms for dealing with the complex demands of their work. Time is, of course, one way to find that perspective. rnPhilosophy is another. Thinking about the “why” o
Given the range of experience levels and years in the industry present at Brudine, from new graduates to lifers, a lot of wisdom around personal care was offered. Dr Fiona Starr says what most staff seemed to think was essential: “the ability to compartme
Karen Connell (see previous article, Rate, Risk, Care) was keen to point out her study is just one of many around the world exploring mental health in veterinary services. She also felt it important to highlight that the research being done, and the growi
Cosmo’s heartbreaking death continued to impact some of Brudine’s staff beyond the moments, hours and days after. Dr Charlie Webb, who has handling Cosmo’s case and who relayed the tragic events to Cosmo’s owner, was replaying the events of the day, over
As good as a death can be through euthanasia, when the gift of giving it is taken away, it can be heartbreaking. It doesn’t happen often, but it happened once while I was at Brudine and it was the most impactful event that I witnessed.
The technical and clinical capabilities of veterinary care increasingly overlap with its human equivalent. While it’s hard to imagine the former ever catching up with the latter, the former is far ahead when it comes to the end of life. Intrinsic to the n
Nothing medical is ever one hundred percent guaranteed, no matter how much some of use might think so. Arguably, some litigation against doctors arises (where there hasn’t been malpractice) because of the mismatch between expectation and reality. Probably
