Discover the AEA ECC Graduate Program

With Dr Lisa Brumby

What’s the team culture like at Carrara, and what makes it work?
Emergency medicine is a team sport, and that’s exactly how we approach it at AES Carrara. We’re here to help each other. Our team includes vets fresh out of uni who’ve walked straight into ECC internships, as well as those with a background in mixed or general practice. Everyone brings something different to the table, and there’s always someone to learn from, lean on, or laugh with.

There’s a casual, calm energy when things are quiet, but when it’s time to get moving, we shift into gear together. We triage, prioritise, and stay focused on our patients and each other. It’s that shared sense of purpose and support that keeps our team strong, even on the busiest days.

What sets Carrara apart from other hospitals you’ve worked in or visited?
Every AES hospital has its own heart and rhythm, and what makes Carrara feel different isn’t that it’s better, just that it’s familiar. We know our people. There’s a comfort in that, and that belonging builds over time and makes the work feel a little more connected, especially in the middle of the night when the world is quiet and everyone’s guard is down.

We’re a mix of backgrounds, GP vets, mixed practice, fresh grads, mums and dads, and that variety brings depth to how we learn and work together. At the core, everyone here chose emergency medicine knowing it can be unpredictable. No appointments, no set routine, just whatever rolls through the door. And that’s the beauty of it. We lean into the unknown, and we do it together.

Working alongside VSS also adds something really valuable to our practice. Being able to interact with their ECC team, internal medicine clinicians, and surgical specialists means our vets are constantly exposed to higher-level thinking. Whether it’s handover conversations or informal chats about complex cases, the access to that expertise helps lift the standard of care and keeps learning front and centre in our daily work.

Mentorship and support—what does it look like at Carrara, and what’s your role in it?
At Carrara, mentorship and support aren’t confined to a checklist, they simply happen. With our “team sport” mindset, there’s always someone nearby to lend a hand, talk through a case, or offer reassurance. And if they don’t know the answer, someone else will. It’s just how we work.

As Vet Manager, I still work clinical shifts, around 7-10 each month, so I stay connected to what’s happening on the floor. I’m in the trenches with the rest of the team, which means I see firsthand where support is needed. We also have a strong group of senior vets who are approachable and generous with their time and knowledge. When newer vets start moving into solo overnight shifts, we’ll often stay on call, not because we are usually needed, but to give them that bit of extra confidence when stepping into the unknown.

It’s about being present, whether that means debriefing after a tough shift, backing someone heading into their first GDV surgery, or simply sitting down off the floor to help work through a challenge. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but when someone needs support, we make the time.

What kind of vet thrives at Carrara?
The vets who thrive at Carrara are those who want to do their best, not because someone’s watching, but because they genuinely care. We’re not into micromanaging. We value people who take initiative, ask for help when they need it, and aren’t afraid to holler when they want someone there to catch them.

Culture matters here. We like to have fun and keep things light when we can, but we also know when it’s time to knuckle down and get serious. It’s about reading the room, supporting each other, and bringing the kind of energy that lifts the team, not just yourself. If you’re the kind of person who wants to grow, who’s open, self-aware, and ready to pitch in, you’ll fit right in.

How does the team support new vets, especially those just starting in ECC?
Everyone at Carrara has something to give and everyone’s been that vet who needed a bit of extra support. It’s part of our culture: you pay it forward, because someone once did the same for you.

For all our new vets, regardless of how long they’ve been out of uni, we start with buddy shifts. These shifts give them time to get to know our people, our processes, and the pace of the hospital without pressure. It’s a chance to ask questions, build confidence, and settle into the team before stepping into full clinical responsibilities.

From there, we support ongoing development through the Accelerate program, and we’re mindful with rostering, pairing less experienced vets alongside those with more time in the trenches. It’s not just about supervision, but about creating an environment where questions are welcome, and growth is expected. Support here isn’t a system, it’s a mindset we all share.

With Dr Michele Rebelo

What’s the team culture like at Carrara, and what makes it work?

Teamwork and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do at AEA Underwood. In an environment where the pace can shift rapidly—from routine to critical in moments—having a team that truly has each other’s backs makes all the difference. Whether it’s jumping in to help with a tricky case, offering a second opinion, or simply sharing a laugh after a hectic shift, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie here. We check in on each other, celebrate wins big and small, and make sure no one ever feels like they’re on their own. It’s a fast-paced environment, but never one you have to navigate alone

What sets Carrara apart from other hospitals you’ve worked in or visited?

What truly sets Underwood apart is the sense of connection—both within our emergency team and with the specialist and ICU teams we share the space with. There’s a feeling here that we’re part of something greater than just a single hospital; it’s a collaborative ecosystem where knowledge flows freely and learning is constant. Whether it’s working alongside specialists, debriefing complex cases, or supporting each other during challenging shifts, there’s a shared purpose and mutual respect that elevates everything we do. It’s an environment where your growth is supported, your work matters, and your team genuinely wants to see you succeed.

Mentorship and support—what does it look like at Carrara, and what’s your role in it?

Mentorship is a core part of my role—and one of the most fulfilling. I work closely with our vets to help identify areas where they can grow, whether that’s in clinical knowledge, decision-making, or confidence under pressure. We have a strong framework in place for onboarding and ongoing support, including structured mentoring, buddy systems, and regular case discussions. But beyond the formalities, it’s really about being approachable and available—whether it’s to talk through a tricky case, debrief after a tough shift, or just offer a word of encouragement. Watching our team develop their skills and grow into confident, capable emergency vets is truly one of the best parts of the job.

What kind of vet thrives at Underwood?

If you’re a team player who genuinely wants to do your best—for your patients, your clients, and your colleagues—you’ll feel right at home at Underwood. Our team is made up of vets who are curious, driven, and always looking to grow—but we also don’t take ourselves too seriously.

How does the team support new vets, especially those just starting in ECC?

We support each other, celebrate progress, and share a lot of laughs along the way. Whether it’s jumping in to lend a hand on a tough case, chatting through a case, or winding down with a bit of humour after the dust clears, we strike a great balance between professionalism and camaraderie.

One of the most consistent ways our team shows support is by helping new vets find their feet in the world of emergency medicine. Whether it’s offering guidance on case management, walking through a tough decision, sharing practical tips from experience, or just being a calm sounding board—it’s all part of how we look out for each other. There’s a real culture of mentorship here, both formal and informal. From day one, new team members are surrounded by colleagues who are invested in their growth and happy to share stories, advice, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from being in the trenches together.