Dr Sophia Hinrichsen

"I enjoy working with horses everyday and the great relationships that I have formed with people in my community. It is also such a rewarding feeling when you save a life!"

How did studying veterinary science at UQ help get you where you are today?

My veterinary degree gave me a solid foundation to draw upon and empowered me with the confidence and knowledge to open my own vet practice. Studying at UQ equipped me with the expertise, competence and skills I need to provide patients with the quality evidence-based care they need and deserve.

During my degree I received various scholarships to undertake veterinary science research at UQ which gave me the opportunity to present my research at conferences and publish papers in renowned scientific journals. Through UQ, I became a Queensland Student Representative for Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) and President of the Equine Medicine Special Interest Group.

I was also lucky enough to be granted a New Colombo Plan Scholarship which allowed me to study in Vietnam for a short period of time — that was an amazing experience!

What was the best part of your time at UQ?

I chose to study veterinary science at UQ because the Gatton Campus’ rural setting seemed like the perfect location to become an equine vet. UQ has a beautiful Equine Hospital with very knowledgeable specialists. Now that I’m a veterinarian with my own practice, I often refer cases to UQ’s Equine Specialist Hospital for equine patients who require specialist care and diagnostics.

Meeting like minded people and friends that will last a life time was a great highlight for me. My peers voted me as their "Vet Mum" in my last year of my degree for being approachable person for anyone that was needing help.

What kind of work do you do as part of your job?

I’m the proud owner and head veterinarian of Sol Equine Vet, an equine veterinary practise in Nimbin, Northern NSW.

The core responsibilities of being a equine veterinarian is to provide horses with the care they need which involves a mixture of dentistry, emergency care, general health management, reproduction/breeding support, and of course surgery.

As a veterinarian, it is vitally important to me that I am approachable and provide owners with compassion and support during these stressful times.

Before I opened my Equine Veterinary Practice, my in-depth understanding of horses led to consulting opportunities where I utilised my expertise to conduct safety inspection or provide health and welfare reccomendations for various initatives including Agricultural Shows.

What is the best part of your job?

I enjoy working with horses everyday and the great relationships that I have formed with people in my community. It is also such a rewarding feeling when you save a life!

What advice would you offer to anyone thinking about studying at UQ?

Definitely go and see the campus on Open Day to get a feel for it all and if possible talk to people that are studying or have studied at UQ, particularly in the field that you’re thinking of.

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