A Stellenbosch veterinarian was named the Dotsure vet of the month in July as part of the online insurance company’s We Love Vets initiative.
This was according to Marelize Stones, head of marketing at Dotsure.
Dr Johannes Coetzee de Beer, who specialises in the care of exotic animals, was named the Dotsure vet of the month due to his significant contributions to veterinary science in his work sphere, said Stones.
Dr Coetzee de Beer. PHOTO: Facebook/CARE
“Each month we run a competition with South African vets, with the aim of celebrating these heroes,” said Stones.
A winner is randomly selected, and is then featured on the company’s website and social media platforms to spread awareness, according to Stones.
“We have a panel of vets who we communicate with regularly. But the competition is open to any and all vets who wish to participate,” Stones said.
Dr Coetzee de Beer performing an endoscopy on a bird with respiratory disease. PHOTO: Facebook/CARE
Although achievements like these are good for publicity, the animals that he treats don’t really care, said Coetzee de Beer. He was also named the South African Young Vet of the Year by the South African Veterinary Association in 2019.
“It’s nice that someone in my field gets the exposure. Unfortunately, the species that I work with don’t get the same amount of exposure as dogs and cats,” said Coetzee de Beer.
“I’ve won awards in my career, it’s good for publicity but the animals don’t really care,” said Coetzee de Beer. PHOTO: Facebook/CARE
“Being a vet is one of the most rewarding but also emotionally draining professions out there. We realise this and just want to celebrate these humans who share our passion for pets,” said Stones.
Dealing with the loss of animals is the most challenging part of being a vet, according to Coetzee de Beer.
“Unfortunately, it does happen, and how you deal with it is what is important,” he said.
Coetzee de Beer tries to remind himself that each loss is a learning experience, he added.
“It’s great that vets like dr Coetzee de Beer get exposure. Many people have pets besides dogs and cats, and need to have these exotics and bunnies given specialised treatment,” said Andrea Bromley-Norton, a student at Stellenbosch University.
Coetzee de Beer treated Bromley-Norton’s rabbit in 2019, she said.
Dr Coetzee de Beer with Buneary, Bromley-Norton’s rabbit. PHOTO: Facebook/CARE
Coetzee de Beer has been a vet for six years, graduating from The University of Queensland in Australia, and following that he worked at Murdoch University in Perth, he said. He opened the Centre for Avian Reptiles and Exotics (CARE), based in Klapmuts, in August 2018, said Coetzee de Beer.
CARE is based in Pellmeadow Estate, Klapmuts. PHOTO: Fern Bamber