Jindalee Interns

Dr. Ming Chen joins our VSS Jindalee team as our ophthalmology intern for 2025. Ming’s passion for veterinary medicine was sparked by a childhood love for animals and a deeply personal experience—losing a beloved family dog unexpectedly. The feeling of helplessness in that moment led her to pursue a career where she could make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

Before transitioning to veterinary medicine, Ming worked as a human optometrist for over a decade, where she developed a strong interest in ocular pathology and vision science. Recognizing the many similarities between human and animal eye diseases, she was inspired to bring her expertise into the veterinary field. Combining her love of animals with her deep knowledge of eye health, she found a natural calling in veterinary ophthalmology.

During her internship at VSS Jindalee, Ming is eager to refine her examination techniques under the mentorship of Dr. Johana Premont and Dr. Vicki Liddle. She looks forward to the unique challenge of diagnosing and treating patients who don’t follow human instructions, as well as gaining experience with exotic species. Additionally, she is excited to explore how human ophthalmology technologies might be adapted for veterinary use and contribute to research in this field.

Outside of work, Ming enjoys baking whenever she has the time. Her most requested treats include sticky date puddings and melting moments, and she firmly believes that dessert is the best part of any meal!

Dr. So Jung Kim joins us as our 2025 medicine intern at VSS Jindalee. So Jung’s passion for animals has been a lifelong driving force, leading her to study animal science and develop a deep fascination with the complexities of animal health. She realized that veterinary medicine was the perfect career to combine her commitment to animal welfare with a scientific approach. She is especially excited to be joining VSS, where she will have the opportunity to work in a specialized environment, learn from experienced professionals, and collaborate within a team dedicated to advanced patient care.

So Jung completed her studies in animal science in the U.S. and gained valuable hands-on experience while working as an animal attendant at the University of Queensland’s Clinical Studies Centre for three years. There, she assisted with health checks, behavioral observations, and procedures, further solidifying her interest in internal medicine. Drawn to the diagnostic challenges and intricate nature of multi-systemic diseases, she finds immense satisfaction in solving complex cases. For her, internal medicine is more than just about prolonging life—it’s about improving an animal’s quality of life, ensuring they feel better and enjoy more precious moments with their families.

Throughout her internship, So Jung aims to refine her diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills while deepening her understanding of complex diseases. She looks forward to collaborating with specialists, managing challenging cases, and gaining confidence in a fast-paced medical environment.

Outside of work, So Jung enjoys an active lifestyle, with swimming, scuba diving, and hiking helping her stay connected with nature. She also shares her life with Minam, her 14-year-old dog whose name means "handsome" in Korean. Their bond has been a constant source of joy and inspiration throughout her journey in veterinary medicine.

Connor Liu joins Veterinary Specialist Services as a 2025 intern, rotating through departments to gain diverse experience. A 2024 BVSc graduate from the University of Queensland, he combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical skills.

Initially drawn to equine medicine, Connor’s passion shifted to small animal care, where he is excited to learn from VSS’s renowned specialists. His interests include emergency and critical care, as well as diagnostic imaging, and he aims to build a strong foundation in surgery and internal medicine.

Outside of work, Connor is a proud “cat dad,” food lover, and boba tea enthusiast who enjoys exploring new dining spots and unwinding on beach drives.