Dr Ryan Philips

Position: Surgical Resident

Ryan graduated from Massey University in 2016 and began his veterinary career in a busy mixed animal practice in South Canterbury, New Zealand. Over six years, he developed a strong clinical foundation and a deep appreciation for the demands and rewards of rural veterinary practice, gaining extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of cases.

Driven to pursue advanced surgical training, Ryan commenced a small animal rotating internship at Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa (VSA) in 2022. Alongside the intensity of internship training, he completed his Master’s dissertation on meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs in New Zealand. He successfully fulfilled the requirements for his Master’s degree while also contributing to peer-reviewed publications in well-regarded veterinary journals.

Ryan’s dedication and work ethic led to his acceptance into a small animal surgical residency at VSA in 2023, where he is now in his final year. Throughout his residency, he has continued to build on his academic and clinical achievements, publishing multiple journal articles and presenting his work at both national and international conferences. His clinical interests span all aspects of small animal surgery, with a particular focus on soft tissue surgery.

Outside of his professional life, Ryan values time with his family and the balance it brings. He enjoys fly fishing, tramping, and getting outdoors with his dog, Luna. Most importantly, he treasures time with his wife, Finja, and their son, Frank.