BVSc (Hons) Grad Cert (Small Animal Ultrasound Abdominal)
Dr Melissa Kozaruk is veterinarian based on the Central Coast, NSW Australia. She is the current hospital director and lead veterinarian at Erina Heights Vet Hospital.
Melissa offers modern, evidence-based veterinary care, with an emphasis on great communication and collaboration with pet parents, breeders and other veterinary professionals, to achieve the best quality of life for pets.
Melissa has a particular interest in improving the health and welfare of dogs with brachycephaly. She has undergone further education and training to be able to perform multi-level airway improvement surgery for patients with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
Melissa an assessor for the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for DogsAustralia.
Dr Melissa also has a passion for teaching and mentors fellow veterinary professionals.
Education & Training
Dr Melissa graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (First class honours) from the University of Sydney in 2012. She received the Dean’s List of Academic Achievement for every year at vet school.
Dr Melissa has also completed further post graduate training, with certificates of proficiency in soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine and endocrinology through Massey University, New Zealand.
Dr Melissa has obtained a Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasound through Melbourne University in 2022.
In 2023, Dr Melissa completed the University of Cambridge / Improve International Course in Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.
Clinical Interests
Dr Melissa has undergone further surgical training and mentoring with leading veterinary surgeons, to be able to perform multi-level brachycephalic airway improvement surgery for flat-faced dogs. She practices the comprehensive 5/5 surgical correction approach as recommended by the Melbourne Bulldog Clinic.
Her other interests include clinical leadership and staff development, emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery and canine reproduction.
Dr Melissa is an advocate for low-stress handling of her patients and is an accredited Stress Free Veterinary Professional with Stress Free Pets.
Teaching & Education
Dr Melissa is a tutor and webinar moderator for Vet Education, providing the latest and most up to date continuing education to veterinary professionals. Dr Melissa is passionate about teaching the future generation of veterinarians, so volunteers as a mentor and supervisor for University of Sydney DVM students on clinical placement.
Dr Melissa is a Committee Member for the Australian Veterinary Association NSW Division.
Outside of Veterinary Practice
Dr Melissa currently owns three Australian Shepherds, ‘Evie’, ‘Lily’ & ‘Sirius’. Melissa competes in many dog sports with her Australian Shepherds, including showing and obedience, plus Melissa and ‘Evie’ are also an accredited DELTA therapy dog team.
