Veterinary surgeons

Chris grew up in Devon and graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1983, where he had the good fortune to be mentored by some of the finest surgeons of their day. He has had a career long passion for the practice of surgery in both soft tissue and orthopaedic disciplines. He regularly attends advanced surgery courses to enhance his knowledge and practical skills and now has an advanced practitioner qualification in small animal surgery. Chris’ first contact with Raddenstiles was as a 15-year-old schoolboy, so it was a source of great satisfaction to return as an experienced veterinary surgeon in 2000 to be the senior surgeon and clinical director. Out of work Chris can normally be found up a mountain, on or under the sea, or relaxing with his three grown up sons.

Rachel graduated from Liverpool University in 2004 with her BVSc and a BSc in veterinary conservation medicine. After three years working at a first opinion and referral practice in Cheshire, she spent 18 months working and travelling in New Zealand and Asia. Resettling in the Southwest, Rachel joined the Raddenstiles team in January 2017. Rachel relishes the variety and challenges that first opinion work brings, and is grateful for everything her patients have taught her. Outside of work, she enjoys discovering all the beautiful nooks and crannies of Devon in her campervan, along with her husband, three children and gorgeous ‘Labradinger' called Red.

Gabi graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. She moved to Exeter to pursue her doctorate studies investigating acupuncture in small animal medicine. After two years in small animal practice, she was selected as Fort Dodge Feline Scholar at the University of Bristol where she saw clinical cases and participated in research projects involving cats, and made friends with the resident cat blood donors.

Driven by her interest in small animal medicine, in particular feline medicine, she knuckled down to complete further qualifications in this area, and was awarded the Royal College Certificate in small animal medicine in 2011. As Gabi loves all things feline and clearly likes to study, she also sat her exams in feline medicine to become a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Sciences (MANZCVS) in 2013.

She is an RCVS recognised advanced practitioner in feline medicine and small animal medicine. Her main interests lie in investigating illnesses hidden away inside the body and solving these mysterious puzzles. She is keen to use her ultrasound skills to do so. Gabi has a particular passion for our elderly population. However, nothing is more joyful than seeing healthy cats year after year.

Outside work, you may find her at the beach enjoying the sea as she comes from cold Austrian mountain lakes. At home, her two cats and boys rule the house. Very appropriately, one of both her boys’ first words was ‘cat’.

Jonny graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2018 where he developed a passion for surgery after shadowing some of the world’s best surgeons. After graduating, he moved to Devon in order to complete an internship at the Donkey Sanctuary’s hospital. At the end of his internship Jonny travelled to India for a month to work for a veterinary charity, providing much needed care to working horses as well as stray cats and dogs. To further develop his surgical skills, Jonny applied to Raddenstiles and joined the team in October 2019.

After growing up in an old Lancashire mill town, Jonny has been embracing the delights of Devon and his free time is usually spent exploring Exmoor and Dartmoor, surfing on the beautiful local coasts and playing football for a team in Exeter on Saturdays.

Emily started work at Raddenstiles in January 2015. After graduating in 2010, she completed a year-long internship in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College. Emily now has a certificate in advanced veterinary practice (CertAVP) and is continuing her studies. Emily has an interest in acupuncture, has completed the foundation acupuncture course and is a member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA). She also leads the nursing team with the class four laser machine. Emily and her husband love living in Devon with their daughter and dog called Dave. They enjoy anything to do with the outdoors, especially if it involves the sea.

After graduating from Bristol University in 2008, Christine spent five years working in Oxfordshire then Exeter before returning to Exmouth. She has spent a lot of time at Raddenstiles over the years, as it was the practice that she originally trained at under the guidance of Chris Ridge. It has given her great satisfaction and pride to be able to return as a permanent member of the team. Christine enjoys all aspects of first opinion work and intends to expand her knowledge and skills in both medicine and surgery. Outside of work she enjoys spending time in Devon with her friends and family.