The Vet Vault: Veterinary Career, Clinical Skills & Wellbeing6 Aug 2025

#145: Working in Australia: The Essential Roadmap for International Vets. WIth Dr Natalia Gomez

Thinking of trading grey skies for the Australian sun – stethoscope in hand?
Moving to Australia as a vet can change your life, but here’s the truth: it’s not a straight road. Between visa hurdles, the dreaded AVE exams, and adjusting to a new culture (gotta love the Aussie slang!), the journey demands grit, strategy, and support.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Natalia Gomez , Colombian-born vet and co-founder of Brainy Bilby, a platform dedicated to helping foreign-trained vets prepare for the AVE, about the tips, pitfalls, and success stories learnt from her own her journey, and from the other overseas-trained vets she’s coached through the AVE.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why Australia is one of the most in-demand vet destinations – and how to make it work for you
The step-by-step roadmap to your veterinary licence (no fluff, just facts)
AVE decoded: costs, structure, study tips & mistakes to avoid
What it’s really like working under supervision (and finding supportive employers)
The practical exam explained: sheep tipping, cow pregnancy tests, and more
Surviving the financial and emotional rollercoaster – without burning out
How to adapt to Aussie culture, slang, and workplace quirks
Life on the other side: what makes it all worth it

🎧 Listen now and start mapping your own Aussie vet journey.

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Episode timestamps:

04:32 Why Australia? The Allure for Vets

10:04 The Australian Veterinary Examination (AVE)

16:31 Navigating the English Test and Paperwork

26:35 The Cost and Commitment of the AVE

29:05 Working Under Supervision

36:58 Preparing for the Practical Exam

44:43 Cultural and Language Barriers

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