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George Pate BVM&S BSc MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

I qualified from the R(D)SVS in Edinburgh back in the mists of time when dinosaurs roamed the earth.  After spells in Kilmarnock and Manchester, I bought the Avalon Veterinary Clinic in 1991.
I am very proud of the service we have provided to the local community over the last 30 years.  One of the best parts of being a GP vet is building relationships with your clients over the years and helping them through the good times and the bad.
I have a number of post graduate qualifications in nurse training/coaching and it is a great satisfaction to see how many wonderful vets and vet nurses we have helped train over the years.
My current clinical interests include the use of acupuncture in pain control, pain management and rehabilitation post surgery.
Away from work, I spend much of my time in my garden and greenhouse.  During the winter months I enjoy watching American football and researching my family history.

Alison Silvester BVMS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Hi my name's Alison!  I qualified as a vet from Glasgow University in 1999.  My veterinary career has included mixed practice and small animal practice both around the UK and in Australia and New Zealand.  I settled back in Glasgow 15 years ago and have been with Avalon since 2016.  I love being part of a small family run team and we really do treat your pets like our own.
I have a geriatric arthritic cat called Jack (Captain Jack Sparrow to his friends) and two daughters at nursery and primary school.  So between them they keep my pretty busy on my "days off".
At work I do really enjoy a bit of everything but have a real soft spot for elderly cats, especially the grumpy ones!  Owning one helps!  I am also interested in pain management, having completed training in acupuncture in 2006.  I have undertaken further training in the management of acute and chronic pain, electroacupuncture and foundation herbal medicine which I hope will allow us to offer dedicated pain clinics and provide more holistic support for some chronic cases. I also like seeing our smaller furry friends especially the bunnies and guinea pigs.
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Katriona Bradley BVMS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

I grew up in Milngavie and went to Douglas Academy, before going on to Glasgow Vet School.  After graduating in 1988 I travelled round the world and settled in Hong Kong.  I lived and worked there for 30 wonderful years and came back at Christmas 2021 to spend more time with my parents and enjoy the Scottish weather.  
I rescued my dog Skye from a car park in Hong Kong.  I brought her back to Scotland with me, and she has adjusted well.  She is loving the countryside, smells and mud and all!

Shi Ning Ker BVMS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Hello! I grew up in Malaysia, came to Scotland for my studies at University of Glasgow and have just qualified as a vet this summer 2022. I joined Avalon Vet Clinic in October 2022 and am enjoying being part of a family-run practice team. I am without animal companions at present with me here but I have a cat back in Malaysia. I hope in time I will be able to provide my best standard of care to our clients and your lovely animals while giving back to the local community that has supported me to become part of this veterinary profession. I enjoy cooking and baking, moderate exercise such as going to the gym or swimming during my spare time. Should the Scottish weather permit, I would love to hill walk to admire the many scenic views that Scotland offers.

Shona Smillie

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Hello!  I’m Shona and I joined Avalon in October 2023.  When I left school I went to university gaining a BSc in Equine Science.  As part of my degree program I completed a studentship at the University of Edinburgh’s Dick Vet Equine Hospital and this experience was hugely influential on me pursuing my career in veterinary nursing.  I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2009 and over the last 17 years I have worked in both small animal and busy mixed vet practices.  I enjoy all aspects of veterinary nursing but I have a particular interest in surgical nursing. I have a busy home life with my husband and two young children.  In my spare time I enjoy being out in the fresh air walking, swimming and gardening.  I’m really looking forward to getting to know the many clients and patients of Avalon.

Phoebe Potter

Registered Veterinary Nurse

I joined Avalon in November 2023 after graduating with first class honours in Veterinary Nursing. 
During my course placements, I worked at a busy first opinion and referral hospital with specialists in orthopaedics, neurology, cardiology and oncology. This experience greatly influenced my understanding of the many varied and important roles veterinary nurses have within the practice and I developed a passion for surgical and ward nursing.
In my spare time I enjoy hillwalking and photography and I'm aiming to try rock climbing and arial arts in the new year, as well as joining an orchestra in Glasgow.
​At home I have a working cocker spaniel, a cat and crested gecko. 

Chloe Carline

Student Veterinary Nurse

I started at Avalon in 2014 as a work experience student every Saturday morning whilst at high school.
Since then I have studied several animal care courses and qualified as a veterinary care assistant in 2020.  Since qualifying I have worked at Avalon Veterinary Clinic and at an animal hospital.
In the future I hope to become a registered veterinary nurse.  I started my student nurse training in September 2023.
At home I have 2 Shih Tzus called Mylo and Mitzi who are mother and son. 

Gill Sterry

​ Animal Care Assistant

​Hi, I'm Gill, one of the Care Assistants here at Avalon. I am a qualified Veterinary Care Assistant and overall, I have 10 years worth of experience working with animals within general practices and an animal hospital.  
I love working with animals, providing patients with treatment and ensuring they're always comfortable.  I find it a very rewarding job. 
At home, I have my crazy, lovable dog called Bella.

Eva Mailer

Animal Care Assistant

I started at Avalon in 2016 as a work experience student.  Following this, I graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in Veterinary Biosciences, in June 2023.  I have always loved my time at Avalon so accepted a permanent position as an Animal Care Assistant in August 2023.  
In my spare time I enjoy taking my Collie pup out on long walks, paddleboarding and open water swimming.

Anna Pate

Practice Manager

I have worked at Avalon Veterinary Clinic since 2006, firstly as a vet and more recently as practice manager.  I am passionate about practice management and strive to continually improve the service that we provide. 
I am also proud to be both an adviser for recently graduated vets and a clinical supervisor for student veterinary nurses.  
I have two primary school age children at home to keep me busy and until recently had a lovely old dog Okall who loved sitting on knees!  I am waiting for the right companion to fall into my life when the time is right.
In my spare time I enjoy walking, cooking and curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Fiona McBean

Receptionist

Hi my name is Fiona and since September 2004, I have worked as receptionist with the practice.  Prior to working here I worked in the accounts department of a local packaging firm.  I love all animals, but have had more experience of ‘small furries’ over the years.  Sadly I am without animal companions at present having lost the last of my rabbits at the ripe old age of 13 at the start of 2021.  However that situation won't last for long!
Back in 2001 along with a good friend of mine, I started up the Scottish Rat Club which proved to be a lot of fun and something I am very proud of.
My other interests include most types of music, going to concerts, films, reading, gardening, hill-walking, travel, complementary medicine, astrology and other subjects relating to the human spirit.
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Judy Button

Receptionist

Hi I'm Judy, I was born in the Netherlands and moved to Scotland in 2008.
I have a BSc and MSc in Animal welfare, biology, husbandry and health.
I worked for a very busy, large rescue centre for 12 years before making the move to Avalon vets.
Animals are my passion having grown up with guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and hamsters. I currently have 2 rescue dogs, a Husky cross called Kaylee and a Belgian shepherd cross called Ripley. I also have 7 snakes ranging from an 8 foot Boa Constrictor to a tiny Mandarin rat snake and my latest addition to the family is a tarantula called Fluffy.
In my spare time I love drawing, crafting, and taking my dogs for long walks exploring Scotland.