Meet our veterinary team

Dr. Maddie

Since graduating from the University of Queensland in 2019, Dr. Maddie has been one busy bud! She’s worked in clinics across Australia and the UK, helping four-legged companions everywhere she goes. From general practice clinics to community vet clinics, house calls, and even a 24-hour hospital – if there’s a pet in need, Dr. Maddie is there and ready to get to the bottom of every pet problem!

But her love doesn’t stop at the furry kind. She’s got a soft spot for the feathered friends too and shares her home with three cuddly cockatiels: Nala, Bailey, and Casper.

When she’s not at Hey Bud, you’ll probably find Dr. Maddie enjoying the simple pleasures – a nature walk, hanging at the beach, indulging in a little sweet treat, or cozying up on the couch with a good TV series (because let’s be real, even vets need their Netflix time!).

Sophie

When she’s not at Hey Bud, you’ll find her in khaki, working as a koala nurse at a wildlife rehab centre or snapping photos in the great outdoors. She’s also a master treasure hunter at op shops and a dedicated vinyl collector. At home, she’s ruled by her cheeky rescue cat Ollie and a couple of adorable guinea pigs.

Dr. Devon Bornhutter (Dr. Dev)

Bud Boss and Clinical Director

Dr. Dev is the warm-hearted face behind the stethoscope, dedicated to making every pet’s life their best one! He’s witnessed it all throughout his career, from tending to both large and small animals in a mixed practice clinic in Maleny, mastering GP veterinary care across Brisbane and beyond, and tending to pets in their moments of need as an Emergency Vet at Animal Referral Hospital. And the list doesn’t stop there – he’s got extra feathers in his cap with training in small animal emergency and critical care and ultrasonography!

From treating your bud’s tiniest concerns to being there in their bravest moments, Dr. Dev’s got your back. Compassion, expertise, and a dash of coffee snobbery – that’s the recipe he brings to the table.

Dr. Dev is a jack-of-all-trades, and guess what? He’s not just your friendly neighborhood vet; he’s also a bit of an inventor! Ever heard of OtoClip? That’s one of Dr. Dev’s brainchildren. It’s this cool thing that lets vets shoot videos down pets’ ears, making it way easier to show and explain ear issues to pet parents. Because why not make things a little high-tech and fun in the world of pet care?

Georgia Bornhutter

Georgia, an aficionado of people, pets, heartwarming pats, and engaging chats. While you might catch her in our lounge spinning a good yarn, her paramount role at Hey Bud revolves around fostering meaningful connections within the local and broader community. Her mission? To consistently astonish and redefine the boundaries of what pet owners can expect from a vet and provide value to our local area.

Georgia has only ever experienced pet care from the client’s perspective, and this fresh view fuels her to disrupt the business-as-usual approach and achieve better outcomes and experiences for people and pets.  Fun fact – Georgia wanted to be a vet when she grew up, but had to change paths when life took her in another direction. It’s no wonder she feels so at home here; some would even say it’s fate!

Here at Hey Bud, Georgia wears many hats – Business Manager, Marketing and Social Media Director, Community Engagement Manager… the list goes on!

Beyond her Bud Boss duties, a juicy burger, the delight of bubble tea, quality moments with her scruffy companion Meredith and her husband Dr. Dev and a dose of horror cinema are what gets Georgia’s tail wagging!

Phil Vidins

Veterinary Technician and Industry and Standards Excellence Leader

Embarking on his journey from a young age, Phil always had a deep fascination for all things furry and feathered. In high school he eagerly volunteered at the local vet clinic, setting the stage for what was to come.

After graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology in 2011, Phil took the scenic route in the vet world, journeying across continents and stories. From the fast-paced realm of specialty and emergency practices, sharing his wisdom as a clinical educator in renowned University teaching hospitals and being a key player in several veterinary start-ups, he’s left pawprints wherever he’s roamed. But it’s the tales of the street dogs and cats and animal shelters in South East Asia that etched unforgettable imprints on his heart.

Here at Hey Bud, Phil is one of our Veterinary Technicians and is our Industry and Standards Excellence Leader. It’s Phil’s dedication to being a changemaker and staying ahead of industry best practice standards that ensures that our clinic can continually defy the expectations of our clients and colleagues.

When the stethoscope rests, Phil unwinds with his wife and the dynamic duo of pup Daisy and kitty Peaches – his four-legged companions. The quest for knowledge never ceases; he recently wrapped up post-graduate studies in Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne.

Jordi Stephenson

Veterinary Technician and Operational Excellence Leader

Jordi is our accomplished and radiant Veterinary Technician! While she officially graduated from The University of Queensland in 2020, her journey in the industry kicked off over six years ago as a kennel hand. Through the years, she’s nurtured a genuine passion for anaesthetics and medicine, which shines through in her diligent, yet warm care approach to all those in her care.

Jordi thinks holistically when it comes to your bud’s health, and one of her specialties is crafting personalised weight management strategies for our…rounder buds. She cherishes every species that comes her way, and her achievements, including multiple features in Vet Practice Magazine, are a testament to her dedication. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she’s always on the prowl for the latest in veterinary science to ensure the best for her patients and their devoted parents.  

Here at Hey Bud, Jordi is one of our Veterinary Technicians, and our Operational Excellence Leader, aka the driving force behind the clinic’s seamless and purposeful operation. Her daily dedication lays the foundation for providing top-notch care to our beloved buds, their devoted parents, and the entire team.

Beyond her work, Jordi’s heart belongs to her spirited pup, Soda, and her love for Cocker Spaniels runs deep. She’s not only an expert in the clinic but also a pro at scoring victories on the sports field. 

Olivia Lazarides

People Person

Liv is our warm People Person, always there to greet you with a smile and your Bud with plenty of pats! While Liv’s love for animals runs deep, her interest in people has always led her way. A chatterbox at heart and a compassionate listener, her primary purpose is to support our Hey Bud families throughout their whole experience. 

A newbie to the Veterinary industry, Liv’s background lies in film and media – a bit of a change hey? But with a passion for documentaries, she has always drawn fulfilment from connecting with the people and stories she was capturing. Whether she’s talking to you about your four-legged companion or what’s on the dinner menu for tonight, Liv approaches every conversation with warmth, understanding and openness. 

When it’s time to clock off, Liv’s number one obsession is her Aussie Shepard Jovie! A cup of tea, weekend drive, plate of sushi or a trip to the movies also pricks her ears!