Meet the USVC Team
Veterinary Surgeons
Malcolm
Rose
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Malcolm graduated from the University of Bristol (UK) and worked in both the UK and Hong Kong before moving to Dubai in 2004. He is one of fewer than 250 vets recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine - see findavet.rcvs.org.uk for more information! He also holds a specialty qualification in Small Animal Medicine from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) and a post-graduate certificate in Small Animal Ultrasound, with a focus on abdominal and cardiac imaging.
Malcolm particularly enjoys medicine, diagnostic imaging - including CT interpretation - and cardiology. He frequently handles both first opinion and second opinion cases in these fields and is a highly experienced soft tissue surgeon, having worked in high surgical caseload hospitals. Committed to staying at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine, he regularly attends conferences around the world to stay updated on the latest developments and research.
When not working, Malcolm continues to pursue his passion for Ironman triathlons, pushing his limits in endurance racing.
Monique
Strange
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Monique graduated from the University of Queensland (Australia) and has worked in Australia, Hong Kong, and the UK before moving to Dubai. She is recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine, a distinction that reflects her expertise and dedication. More information can be found at findavet.rcvs.org.uk. She also holds a specialty qualification in Small Animal Medicine from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS). In 2022, Monique embarked on an intensive course in Extracorporeal Medicine from the Hemodialysis Academy (USA), which she completed in 2024, placing her at the cutting edge of kidney disease therapies and interventions for veterinary applications.
While Monique is highly skilled in internal medicine, her true passion lies in surgery. She has advanced her surgical qualifications through the European School of Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS), focusing on thoracic, upper respiratory, facial, and abdominal surgery. Monique also performs complex eye surgeries, including conjunctival grafts for punctured eyes. Leveraging USVC’s state-of-the-art CT scanner, she conducts thorough diagnostic exams to determine the optimal BOAS procedures for brachycephalic breeds. The advanced imaging of a CT scanner supports a wide range of complex soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries performed routinely at USVC. Monique handles both surgical and medical second opinions while continuing to offer first opinion consultations.
A strong advocate for creating a stress-free environment for pets and their owners, Monique has been instrumental in making USVC one of the first ISFM Gold Standard cat-friendly practices in the UAE. Her commitment to providing exceptional care is evident in every aspect of her work.
Outside the clinic, Monique is an accomplished Ironman triathlete, having competed in numerous races and qualified for the 70.3 World Championships in 2023. Monique and Dr. Malcolm Rose are also key benefactors of the Liz Junior School in Uganda, which was established by their former colleague, Fred Lukonge.
Patrik
Holmboe
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Patrik serves as both as a veterinary surgeon and Hospital Director at USVC. Born and raised in Boston, USA, to Swedish parents, he brings a unique blend of cultural and professional experiences to his role. His journey with USVC began in 2009 as a trainee nurse, which sparked his passion for veterinary medicine and led him to pursue a degree at the University of Melbourne, where he graduated in 2015.
After spending three years in Australia honing his skills, Patrik returned to USVC in 2018 as a veterinary surgeon, where he quickly became known for his commitment to providing the exceptional care USVC is known for. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a move to the Netherlands with his wife, but in 2023, Patrik returned to USVC in his current dual role.
Patrik enjoys all aspects of veterinary work, from hands-on patient care to the responsibilities of managing the hospital. Outside of work, he lives with two cats and a dog, and he and his wife are eagerly expecting their first child in November 2024.
Chris
Queen
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Chris graduated from the University of Bristol in the UK with dual degrees in Veterinary Science (BVSc) and Biochemistry (BSc). As a practising member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), he brings a wealth of experience to our team in Dubai, UAE. Specialising in small animal first opinion practice, Chris excels in both medicine and surgery, including out-of-hours and emergency care.
Beyond his clinical expertise, Chris is passionate about marketing and communication. He has successfully spearheaded marketing and PR campaigns for multiple veterinary clinics. An accomplished author and publisher, he advises on vet careers and veterinary school applications through his work with Vet School Success. Additionally, he is the developer behind the popular pet care apps Mucky Pup & Purrfect Paws.
Recognised for his talents, Chris was a Highly Commended runner-up in the 2011 Young Marketer of the Year Award, presented by The Veterinary Marketing Association. When he’s not writing or exploring the latest tech, Chris enjoys adrenaline-filled activities like ultrarunning & standup comedy.
Charlene
Sim
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Charlene graduated from the University of Sydney in Australia in 2010. She worked at some of the top veterinary hospitals in Sydney and Canberra before moving to Dubai. These institutions are renowned for their commitment to providing gold-standard, human-grade care, a philosophy Charlene brings to her practice every day.
An advocate of evidence-based medicine, Charlene is dedicated to delivering the most up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic care available. She has a special interest in internal medicine and ultrasonography and excels in managing complex medical cases, including second opinions. In 2017, she earned her membership in Small Animal Internal Medicine from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists with distinction. In 2024, she was awarded a GP certificate in Ultrasonography.
Charlene understands that pets are a vital part of the family and believes that owning one should be a joyful experience. Recognizing that vet visits can be stressful for some pets, she employs a gentle, fear-free, and low-stress approach to ensure the best care for your beloved companion.
Louise-Anne
Manasco
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Hailing from the Rock of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, Louise graduated from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh University, UK, in 2014. After completing her studies, she embarked on a 9-month journey across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, gaining unique experiences along the way. In 2015, Louise moved to Australia, where she honed her skills in a mixed practice in Western Sydney. Following a valuable year of professional growth, she returned to the UK and spent two and a half years working in general practice in Newcastle before relocating to Dubai in 2019.
Louise’s deep love for animals and commitment to providing exceptional medical care extend beyond her work at the clinic. She regularly volunteers in countries with limited resources, where veterinary support is urgently needed. Her volunteer work has taken her to shelters in St. Lucia, Cyprus, South Africa, and across Thailand, where she has made a meaningful impact despite challenging conditions.
When she’s not at the hospital, Louise is often found travelling the world, with Africa being a favourite destination for her annual wildlife pilgrimages. Otherwise, she enjoys relaxing on the beach or binge-watching Netflix, accompanied by her three rescue cats.
Francesca
Podda
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Francesca graduated from the University of Parma in Italy. Originally from the beautiful city of Cagliari on the picturesque island of Sardinia, Francesca comes from a proud lineage of veterinarians. Inspired by the careers of her father and grandfather, she chose to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Her brother, Marco, also joined the family tradition and is currently the Clinical Director at their family hospital in Cagliari.
After earning her degree, Francesca moved to the UK in 2010, where she gained invaluable experience working at a 24/7 hospital in Essex. She then broadened her expertise by working in several clinics across the South of England. In 2015, she embraced a new challenge by relocating to Shenzhen, China, where she worked at an expatriate veterinary clinic and deeply enjoyed immersing herself in Chinese culture and cuisine.
Having returned to the UK in 2017 she continued her practice in Brighton until 2018, when she sought warmer climates and moved to Dubai. Her commitment to continuous professional development is evident in her extensive training, including courses with the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS) in Neurology, Surgery I, Emergency critical care, and Dentistry across Europe and Asia. She is currently enrolled in a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery and is certified as a Fear Free Veterinary Professional.
Outside of her professional life, Francesca enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, travelling to new destinations, and indulging in her passion for scuba diving.
Ren
Payne
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Ren joined USVC in January 2024. A 2020 graduate of the University of Nottingham in the UK, Ren brings a passion for veterinary medicine and delights in meeting and getting to know all of our clients and their fur-babies. After working in Wales since graduation, Ren has embraced the change to Dubai's sandy desert and thoroughly enjoys the sunshine over the Welsh rain!
Ren has a keen interest in first-opinion and primary care cases, where she excels in providing comprehensive, compassionate care for pets and their families. She is dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for her patients and making every visit as stress-free as possible.
When she's not at the clinic, Ren is an avid cyclist and a competitive racer, and has recently taken up the challenge of training for the Dubai T100 Triathlon. Between training and exploring her new home, she spends time with Ralph, a charming stray cat who quickly became a beloved member of her family shortly after her arrival.
Pauline
Coquempot
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Pauline hails from Pau in Southwest France and spent the first 10 years of her life in Africa, living in Gabon, Congo, and Angola. From a young age, she loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. That dream became a reality in 2014 when she graduated from the University of Liège in Belgium with a veterinary degree.
Following her graduation, Pauline completed a one-year internship at a small animal referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. She also holds a Master’s degree in Wild Animal Health from the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK. During her studies, she led a research project on wild cat assisted reproductive technology at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in the USA before returning to clinical practice. Pauline then worked as a locum veterinarian for two years in several busy small animal practices around London.
Pauline’s journey in the Middle East began in 2019 when she joined the Qatar Veterinary Center in Doha. She moved to Dubai in 2021, working in a small animal veterinary hospital before joining Umm Suqeim Veterinary Centre in 2024. Her professional interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and analgesia.
Outside of work, Pauline enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a passion for outdoor activities, especially hiking and running.
Lauren
Wright
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Lauren graduated with honours from the University of Liverpool in the UK and is a proud member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She began her career working in both equine and small animal veterinary fields before advancing to a key role in a 24/7 small animal hospital. Here, Lauren gained invaluable experience in emergency and critical care, all while continuing her studies and earning a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice with distinction, focusing on small animal medicine and anaesthesia.
Born and raised in Dubai, Lauren has recently returned to the city with her family. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her spending quality time with her family, exploring new destinations, or enjoying a barre or Pilates class.