DR JOANA CHAGAS

Position: Registered Specialist in Anaesthesia

Joana was born and raised in Brazil. After graduating from vet school in 2008, she worked in private practice for a year. In 2010 she decided to pursue her dream, doing a residency in veterinary anaesthesia at University of Passo Fundo, Brazil (2010-2012). After competition of her training in Brazil, she moved to Philadelphia, US, where she completed a specialty internship in anaesthesia and analgesia of small animals and undertook her residency in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia at University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). During this time, she had extensive exposure to anaesthetic management of complex cases in small and large animals, along with zoo animals. 

Joana moved to New Zealand in 2016 and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2019. 

Joana has great experience teaching veterinary students, working at Massey University for over 5 years. Now Joana has joined the VSA family to support the delivery of exceptional care to our patients. Joana is very passionate about her profession and loves challenging cases, as well as those in the more unusual species including rabbits, goats and pigs. As well as loving teaching, delivering the best care to her patients is her ultimate drive. At home Joana and her partner André have 3 fur babies, cats Waffles, Sarah and Albert. Joana loves the beach and sunshine, spending time outdoors, gardening and caring for her indoor plants and also cooking delicious meals for all her extended adopted NZ family.