A Jimboomba vet who pioneered a variety of surgical techniques used on koalas and kangaroos has been honoured in the first King’s Birthday list.
Jimboomba veterinary specialist Dr Philip Moses was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his “significant service to the veterinary profession as a doctor, administrator and educator”.
Dr Moses is a specialist small animal surgeon whose career has focused on koalas, kangaroos and dogs.
He cofounded Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS) in 2002, a referral service for general veterinary practices around Australia.
This service also acts as a specialty clinic for organisations like Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which refer injured animals to VSS for treatment.
Dr Moses has undertaken research projects at the University of Queensland, University of Sydney and in the US and Asia.
He pioneered a variety of surgical techniques used on koalas and kangaroos, and has received multiple awards for his developments.
According to his biography on the VSS website, Dr Moses is a father of six, has many pets, and is a Cadillac enthusiast.
His career began after he graduated from the University of Sydney in 1986.
He worked at a cattle practice in New South Wales and then mixed practices until he sparked an interest in small animals.
In 1990, Dr Moses moved to the United Kingdom and begain working towards a career in small-animal specialisation.
He earned his certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedics at the Royal College in 1994, and worked in a referral practice before returning to Australia two years later.
He worked in Brisbane and then Sydney, and by 2001 he had travelled internationally as a visiting scholar at universities.
He is now an Adjunct Professor with the University of Queensland.
More than 150 Queenslanders have been recognised in The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List, across the science, health, public service, music and palaeontology sectors.
Among the medal recipients were three Queensland Fire Services personnel and seven Queensland Police Service personal.
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was “no small feat” to be named in the King’s Birthday List.
“In every corner of our great state there are Queenslanders doing amazing things, and today we have the chance to recognise some of that hard work on an international stage,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“To each of the 157 Queensland honourees in the King’s first Birthday Honours – congratulations.
“Our honourees now leave a lasting legacy for the people of Queensland and for generations to come.”
