3 minute read
LOCAL
Doctor in the House
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Why did you do it Dr Gen?
I love Sai Kung, and the opportunity to take over Sai Kung Animal Hospital, with its great reputation and team, was too good to miss.
What is your mission as a vet?
To provide the very best care to beloved animals and their humans.
What makes you happy in Sai Kung?
I love the community. In five years, I have made some great friends.
Why include humans?
Dealing with an acute trauma or a chronic illness of pets can be very stressful. Part of my job role is to help ‘the humans’ too.
You ran the Sai Kung branch of SPCA for five years. How was that?
Sai Kung is the pet capital of Hong Kong. Working at Sai Kung SPCA – in the bustling hub of Sai Kung – was wonderful and hectic and a great introduction to Hong Kong vet life.
You have a strong following among Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay residents. Why?
People come to me because they trust my advice. After 21 years of practice, I’m a competent and skilled surgeon and proficient in medicine and acupuncture. And I always say it like it is. I am an honest person.
How did you become a vet?
Aged seven, I was excited beyond words to own a mongrel pup. I loved him so much. I would sleep with him curled up in his basket, nuzzle him endlessly, I even ran away from home with him one day. Growing up, I would try to save every injured animal I could find, I was a regular attendee at various welfare events and protests and used to collect animals on long drives that were injured by the roadside. There was always roadkill in Australia and I was intent on checking the pouches of marsupials for any surviving orphans. I started volunteering at RSPCA in Australia at 12 years old and loved it. I only ever wanted to be a vet.
What can residents expect when they visit Sai Kung Animal hospital?
Friendly faces, a team of animal lovers and perhaps a treat or two if they are lucky. Usually, we can fit your pet in for an urgent appointment the same day. We have an in-house laboratory, Xray and ultrasound facilities. We can diagnose and treat without delay.
Do you have any advice for young people who want to become a vet?
Gain as much experience with animals as possible. I scrubbed outdoor cages every Sunday in the Australian Summer heat as a teenager. I volunteered at animal shelters, farms, private kennels and vet clinics on school holidays.
How did you wind up in Sai Kung?
I’m from Melbourne, Australia but have spent the majority of my working life in the UK. My brother also lives in Sai Kung. Six years ago, I flew from the UK to surprise him on his birthday and fell in love with Sai Kung. Returning to London that Sunday night, I was already hatching plans to convince my family that Hong Kong should be our next adventure. Luckily my family loves adventure just as much as I do. Considering they had never been to Hong Kong, I was thrilled that they were willing to embrace the unknown. My husband Ben
Dawson set up his business, Sai Kung Handyman. I was nervous that the family would not love Sai Kung as much as I did but my fears were unfounded. We haven’t looked back.
What else should wannabe vets know?
Vet work is not always glamorous. We deal with faeces, maggots, blood and some pretty gruesome injuries. We work long hours. The first years After five years running Sai Kung’s SPCA, are tough and it is difficult to ‘switchDr Genevieve Touzel, has taken over Sai Kung Animal hospital. off’. Social media can be brutal, especially towards less experienced vets. Mental health problems are a huge issue in the industry. You need solid foundations, thick skin and a good support network are required. Vets need to enjoy working with people as well as animals.
Do you have a message for the people of Sai Kung?
Love what you do! Read the full version of Dr Gen’s interview, including more info for aspiring Vets, on saikung.com
