Our Vets
Dr. Scott Chapman BVSc, MANZCVS
Scott graduated from the University of Queensland in 1991 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and is the proud owner of The Gap Veterinary Surgery. He has 3 decades of experience in small animal medicine and surgery and in 2004 he was admitted as a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Small Animal Surgery. Scott's surgical interests include the management of canine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disease, patella (knee cap) luxation, early intervention in canine hip dysplasia, and the use of skin flaps and grafts for the management of large open wounds.
Recreational interests include catch-and-release stocked impoundment fishing from his kayak, and deadlifting at the local gym. Scott has a young Kelpie, “Scout” that prefers to leap over the couch than walk around it, and the matriarch of the Chapman household, his 20 year-old lap cat “Jasmine”, keeps “Scout” (and everyone else) in check.
Scott’s favourite clinical sayings:
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“Nice work – you’ve left no stone unturned and no turn unstoned”
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“Dogs walk on their hips, not their X-Rays”
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“The mistakes you’ll make in practice won’t be from not knowing, they’ll be from not looking!”
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“Common things occur commonly – when you hear hooves, think horses, not zebras”
Scott’s long suffering wife and administrative assistant Lara is a still life artist, painting oil on canvas, and they have two children. His daughter Madeleine is an Occupational Therapist at Toowoomba Base Hospital and his son Lachlan is studying medicine at Griffith University.
Dr. Luken Rijnbout BVSc
Luken is a Brisbane boy who left home for adventure and whimsy in Far North Queensland over a decade ago, graduating with a Veterinary Science degree from James Cook University in 2012. Enamoured with the charms of the FNQ, he stayed on and worked in many towns both as a full time clinician and as a locum (which he insists makes him a wandering gunslinger vet for hire).
After recently realising he had been away for so long that he now referred to it as 'Brisvegas', he has hurried back to reacquaint himself with his hometown, with two cats, one dog, and a Muscovy duck in tow. Luken enjoys soft tissue surgery and has a penchant for good long yarns during routine pet vaccinations. He was recently voted 'best hair in the clinic', though there seems to be confusion among the other staff as to when this poll took place.
Dr. Olivia Bennie BVSc
Olivia (Liv) graduated from the University of Queensland in 2022 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons).
Liv always knew she wanted to be a vet, spending her childhood playing with animals and begging her parents for "just one more pet". Her current collection of pets includes one duck, three chickens, a dog and her brand new rescue kitten 'Bowzer'.
Liv’s special clinical interests include soft tissue surgery and medicine of exotic pets. Part of Liv’s enjoyment of general veterinary practice is the unique opportunity it affords her to build rapport with pet owners.
In her down time, Liv loves to go on beach trips, to the markets, or any other excuse to hang out with friends.
Liv’s favourite clinical saying (when presented with unsightly pathology): “THAT’S GNARLY!! We’d better fix that”
Our Veterinary Nurses
Christine Smith RVN (Cert IV)
Christine is our Head Veterinary Nurse extraordinaire. A born and raised Brisbanite with a passion for all things animal, she began her career at The Gap Veterinary Surgery in 2008. Christine received her Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse qualification in 2010 and completed numerous short courses over the following years. Following her time in Specialist Veterinary Practice, Christine returned to The Gap Veterinary Surgery in 2020 bringing with her a wealth of new hospital treatment and analgesia options to further benefit our patients.
A founding member of the AVNAT registry scheme since 2019 (Aust Vet Nurse & Vet Tech Accreditation), Christine demonstrates her commitment to continuing education and ongoing professional development. Christine has a passion for animal behaviour, analgesia and patient advocacy, being a voice for our furry patients whether it be for pain relief, comfort, or simply reducing stress & anxiety.
A self professed 'Crazy Cat Lady', Christine currently has 3 cats (Widget, April & Sebastien), two guinea pigs (April & Topsy), a husband and daughter, though it should be noted that the last two are the most trouble! Christine adores building a rapport with our regular clients and patients and watching them grow and flourish over the years.
Jennifer Budgen RVN (Cert IV)
With a childhood of smuggling home stray animals and "borrowed" pets, Jen knew she would one day work with animals. There were a few deviations on the way, but in 2018 she completed her Cert III in Animal Behaviour and went on to graduate with a Cert IV in Vet Nursing in 2020. During her work placement in an Exotic Vet Clinic she enjoyed working with all things feathered, furred and scaled. Jen has gained a keen interest in animal enrichment, behaviour and training; working for 12 months as a volunteer at the RSPCA in 2018 helping rehabilitate and care for impounded animals.
Since joining The Gap Vet Surgery in 2021 Jen has enjoyed all aspects of Nursing; she loves the hands-on-role and has already learnt a lot from her peers. Jen is excited to continue learning and developing her skills and knowledge as a Vet Nurse and has recently become an AVNAT member.
At home Jen has two guinea pigs and a rescue staffy, and in her spare time she enjoys good food, the outdoors, and bushwalking. Jen is a star at organising the surgical day so we can attend to our surgical patients efficiently and to the best of our ability.
Laura Howe (Cert IV)
Laura started working in the veterinary industry as a kennel hand in 2012 before completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2017. Her interest in both animals and the environment has led her to study Ecology and Conservation at The University of Queensland.
Laura joined The Gap Veterinary Surgery after relocating from NSW to Brisbane in 2022. As a veterinary nurse she enjoys providing care to hospitalised and surgical patients, assisting with dental procedures and contributing to a stress-free environment for our patients.
Laura has always been surrounded by animals, growing up with pets ranging from goats to guinea pigs. She has two cheeky cats “Maple” and “Oscar” that were adopted after coming into her care as strays. Outside of work Laura enjoys being out in nature, camping, hiking and rock climbing.
Laura is our quiet achiever and both her attention to detail and caring nature make her an invaluable part of the Veterinary Nursing team.
Brooke Camden (Cert IV)
Brooke has always dreamed of working in the animal industry and it was all she ever talked about throughout childhood.
Brooke was born in Melbourne but grew up and went to school on the Sunshine Coast before settling down in Brisbane in 2015. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2018 and has further fallen in love with the industry since, with a special interest in anaesthetics and providing the best possible patient care.
Outside of the work environment, Brooke loves baking, weightlifting and playing field hockey. Otherwise she’s spending her time doting on her three cats, Charlie, Tabatha & Willow, and excitable Pugalier, China.
Brooke's 'can do' attitude and infectious laughter make her a valuable team member - You've probably heard her from the front car park!