At the recent Annual Meeting two of our former committee members, Dr Renee James and Dr Barbara Wilson were honoured for their contributions to the SIG.
Dr Renee James
Award for Service:
IVA executive committee 2015-2019
IVA Scientific Editor
With more than two decades in holistic veterinary practice, Dr Renee James graduated from the University of Queensland in 2003 before cutting her teeth in mixed country practice around Clarence Town and regional NSW. In 2015, she founded The Natural Vets on the Sunshine Coast, where she now continues as sole director following Dr Henry Stephenson’s retirement.
A long-time contributor to the integrative veterinary community, she is a former editor of the IVA’s Chiron publication, a recipient of two IVA bursaries, and a regular conference speaker. She has also presented for CIVT on intravenous infusion therapy and is widely recognised for her work in integrative cancer care, “grotty teeth,” and practical low-tox pet wellness plans.
Outside veterinary medicine, she is the proud owner-operator of a Yoga, Pilates and dance studio, and somehow still finds time to be a mama to three teens, dancer, singer, performer, and curious adventurer — working out life as she goes.
Dr Barbara Wilson and Dr Renee James
Dr Barbara Wilson
Meritorious Service Award
IVA executive Committee 2015-2025
Policy Advisory Council Rep 2015-2025.
Professional Contributions and Committee Involvement
Barbara Wilson has served on the IVA committee for ten years, demonstrating her commitment to the SIG. She has also represented IVA on the PAC and participated in other AVA review committees, offering valuable SIG input when needed. Known for her enjoyment of lively debate and her belief in the power of potential, Barbara is a strong advocate for veterinarians and their contributions. She is not fond of ego or the political manoeuvring present in contemporary decision-making.
IVA Through Change
Throughout her AVA membership, Barbara has observed and navigated changes within AVA, helping to promote IVA’s significance as a SIG with twenty-six plus years dedicated to veterinary education and practice.
She played a valued role in evolving IVA’s approach to the services we offer.
Barbara’s interest in complementary medicine led her to study Chinese herbal medicine, Reiki, and kinesiology in the human context. Through IVA, she saw how these practices could benefit animals and enhance the human -animal connection.
Educational Background and Early Career
Barbara graduated from the University of Queensland Veterinary School in 1974 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. At that time, females made up less than nine percent of the final year cohort, and fewer than 100 female veterinarians were practicing nationwide.
The course focused on mixed practice, attracting students from rural backgrounds, agricultural colleges, and overseas. Women were expected to be a short-term prospect as veterinary practitioners, how things have changed and for the better.
Her interest in veterinary science, particularly cattle and horses, was inspired by her grandparents, who migrated to Queensland from Scotland after World War I. They engaged in various farming activities, including grazing livestock and mixed cropping. Barbara’s school age years were spent helping with animal husbandry, lots of horse riding and learning about home remedies for injuries and illnesses. Later, running a poultry breeding business with her grandmother was fun and helped to pay the bills. One of five kids, and the only one to attend University, support from extended family was critical to her achieving her ambition to be a vet. A debt paid forward through her support of others.
Professional Experience and Leadership Roles
Barbara spent several years working in mixed practice in Queensland, notably in Mackay and around Brisbane, gaining experience in stud breeding and herd health. Her career shifted when she joined the BTEC campaign, moving to the South Australian Department of Agriculture to lead the TB and Brucellosis cattle testing campaign for the state. This involved management of larger and more complex animal health programs. Exposure to government process was a stark contrast to making your own decisions in practice.
During her fifteen years with the Department, she adapted her practical skills with success in many senior executive roles, including Director of Animal and Diagnostic Services, Chief Operations Manager and Director of Agriculture. She also led numerous research projects in collaboration with the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science. Barbara particularly enjoyed her time in the pastoral north, testing cattle on remote leases and staying with families in the bush.
Later Career and Ongoing Interests
In 1992, Barbara returned to Brisbane to support family members through illness. She worked for Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) managing field operations for quarantine and exports across Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia for five years. Later, she became CEO of Safe Food Queensland, retiring from this position in 2019.
Barbara has been a member of AVA since graduation and an IVA SIG member for over ten years. Her ongoing interests include mentoring, wildlife conservation, and climate change, and she remains actively engaged with the veterinary community.
Personal Life
Barbara lives on acreage at Pullenvale ( western suburb of Brisbane) with her partner, their son, their dogs and numerous wildlife visitors.