Dr Michael Sames
learning curve. The hours were long often 60-hour weeks, but I loved every minute.”
In 1996, Mike headed overseas, spending nearly eight years in the UK, primarily managing a large veterinary group in East London.
During that time, he completed his Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology and was invited to attend an intensive course at the University of North Carolina.
“ It was full-on- six 10-hour days a week for four weeks- but an amazing experience alongside veterinary specialists from around the world.” Of course, it wasn’ t all work.“ We’ d work three months, then take a month off and travel. We made the most of every break, exploring the UK and Europe.”
Mike returned to Sydney in 2003, joining Eyevet Associates, where he completed his Membership in Feline Medicine.
In 2005, he became part of Quakers Hill Veterinary Hospital, playing a key role during a significant growth phase.
Then, in July 2022, he joined Glenhaven Veterinary Hospital, bringing with him extensive expertise in ophthalmology, internal medicine, ultrasonography and brachycephalic airway surgery.
He also works at Winston Hills Veterinary Hospital in his childhood suburb.
“ Travel the world … and then come home,” he said.
Dr Michael Sames a man for all seasons … and all animal ailments.
At home in Kings Langley, the family includes a Birman cat and two Cavoodles.
I asked Mike whether Cavoodles were half caveman and half noodle. He just shook his head:“ Very funny … not.” Fair enough. Away from the clinic, the Sames family shares a serious case of wanderlust.
“ We’ ve travelled extensively across Europe, Russia, Canada, 30 US states, South Africa and Vanuatu,” he said.“ We’ ve caravanned through Queensland, NSW and Victoria, and recently visited India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.”
They’ re also sports fanatics particularly when it comes to field hockey.
“ I played most of my life before hanging up the stick a couple of years ago when the body finally said‘ enough’.
“ Both Christopher and Benjamin followed me into the sport and have done extremely well, playing in Sydney’ s top Premier League competitions and representative teams.
“ We travelled all over from Murwillumbah to Albany for State Cups. The boys started representing from the age of nine and even had the chance to play together for school and Combined High School teams.
“ In their final State Cup together, they helped Sydney West finish third- an outstanding result for a region not traditionally known for hockey.”
What a life- rich in experience, adventure and achievement.
Dr Michael Sames has well and truly scored goals in love, work and play.
This 50kg loggerhead turtle was one of the young Dr Sames’ first patients after graduating with his Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree in 1992.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 61 // APRIL 2026 7