Meet our team

Dr Manuela Trueby

Owner & Principal Veterinarian

DrMedVet, DipWildlifeMed, CertVetHomeo

Dr Manuela Trueby graduated as a veterinarian from Ludwig-Maximillian University in Munich in 1984, where she also attended a course that introduced her to veterinary homeopathy. Following a scientific tutor position at the Veterinary Faculty, she completed her dissertation as DrMedVet in 1987. During the next two years Dr Manuela worked in a specialist small animal clinic in Germany, utilising her traditional veterinary medicine skills, homeopathy and her knowledge in nutraceuticals.

In 1989 she was awarded a German scholarship to work at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, while completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Medicine and Husbandry at Sydney University. She treated koalas, orangutans, elephants…. and sutured an injured lion’s paw; a most special veterinary highlight! After passing the exams by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR), Dr Trueby was admitted to the National Board of Examiners.

In 1992 Dr Trueby established her own small animal clinic in Balmain, incorporating veterinary science with holistic therapies like acupuncture, nutritional therapy, homeopathy and Chinese herbs. She completed a postgraduate qualification in veterinary homeopathy with the final examination by the British Association of Veterinary Homeopathy. She is registered with the Australian Association of Integrative Veterinarians and the International Association of Veterinary Homeopathy.

Dr Trueby attends regularly national and European veterinary conferences to stay in touch with the newest medical and holistic findings, which she shares by giving lectures about alternative therapies here and overseas.

Over the years Dr Trueby’s unique knowledge base has attracted the attention of the media with TV and radio interviews. VOX TV screened a special program on her, the clinic and her involvement with Taronga Zoo and other wildlife organisations. She also appeared on the Today Tonight Show to talk about holistic treatments and demonstrated acupuncture on her dog Tommy. She has been featured in Who magazine and been interviewed by SBS.

Dr Trueby, her husband and their two adult children live locally with their stunning Weimaraner Tommy and gorgeous ginger cat Leopold. Dr Trueby is a member of Veterinarians for Climate Change and Vets Against Live Export (VALE).

Dr Gary Jocum

Owner & Principal Veterinarian

BVSc, BSc, MRCVS

Dr Gary Jocum qualified as a veterinarian in 2013 from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Upon graduating, he worked in a very busy small animal and wildlife practice in Johannesburg where he gained immense clinical experience in both aspects of medicine and surgery. Gary has worked with multiple species of African animals from venomous snakes, reptiles and birds to caracals and lions. Gary has had the opportunity to also dart buffalo and other antelope in order to provide essential medical care and relocation.

Gary made the move to the sunny shores of Sydney in 2018, where he has practised at various clinics around the city.

Gary loves the day to day interactions with people and their pets. He enjoys the variety that small animal practice has to offer. Gary has a keen interest in small animal soft tissue surgery as well as preventative animal health.

When not at work, Gary enjoys the outdoor lifestyle that Sydney has to offer and can be frequently spotted on the beach or hiking. Gary has grown up with Rhodesian Ridgebacks – definitely one of his favourite canine breeds.

Dr Tamara Carlin

Veterinarian

BVSc, MRCVS, Cert Vet Acupuncture

Dr Tamara Carlin graduated from the University of Sydney and has been practicing as a conventional veterinarian in the UK and Australia for two decades. She balances her traditional Western medical expertise with Eastern therapies with excellent results.

Dr Tamara is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and a holistic vet. She is a member of the Holistic and Acupuncture Veterinary Association and belongs to the Veterinary Holistic Association.

She has appeared on TV on “Animal Hospital” and performed live to air acupuncture on the “Sunrise” program. No creature is too big or too small for her attention and as such she has treated horses, dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and even bats!

Dr Tamara is married and lives with her husband, their daughter, a Japanese Spitz (Bianca) and two cats (Lily and Sharona). She has a long history of taking rescued animals under her wing; one of them was a turkey but there have also been ducks and hens.

Allegra

Veterinary Nurse

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Allegra’s life passion for animals has started from childhood as she grew up within the veterinary industry. At 10 years of age she started to help in our cattery and has worked now as qualified veterinary nurse with our clinic for over five years.

Apart from being involved with routine and emergency healthcare, Allegra has a particular interest in animal nutrition and pursues ongoing studies to become a qualified animal nutritionist. She knows all to well that feeding your pet an appropriate and well-balanced diet, suitable for its breed and age, is the key to optimal health and well-being. Her day-to-day life revolves around animals and she wouldn’t change it for the world.

At home she pampers her beautiful cat Honey and her gentle giant Rhodesian Ridgeback Simba.

Cara

Veterinary Nurse

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Cara’s love and interest of animals started at a young age and she has owned dogs, cats, birds and even horses. She is part of our clinic since completing her veterinary nursing certificate in 2000 and is one of our longest serving team members!

Cara has an interest in all aspects of veterinary nursing and really enjoys the communication and interaction with the great clientele of Balmain and the Inner West. She is also a qualified, empathic wildlife carer who has nursed and rehabilitated many baby possums and birds.

She lives in Pyrmont with her two children, her cute pug Dug and a Green Cheek Conure Diego.

Diana

Veterinary Nurse

Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing

Diana grew up in a country-side town outside Gothenburg in Sweden. Her passion for animals started at an early age. She grew up with a Rottweiler named Chess, as well as cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and exotic fish. Diana has an interest in horses which inspired her to study Equine science at an agricultural school. She gained experience in animal husbandry and animal health management at the agricultural school. Upon graduating, she worked at an Arabian stud farm.

Diana moved to Sydney in 2018 to join her partner. Initially, she worked in hospitality but soon thereafter she realised that she missed working with animals. She decided to follow her childhood dream and pursue a career within the veterinary industry. She completed her Certificate II in animal studies and is currently completing her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing. Diana started volunteering at Balmain Village Veterinary Clinic but soon thereafter became part of the team. Diana’s areas of interest include surgical monitoring and assisting with anaesthetics as well as dental work. Diana loves to make patients feel comfortable during their visits with cuddles and treats.

Diana enjoys spending time in nature, hiking and camping when not working or studying.