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Beating 600 other practices to win a prestigious national award, the founders of Veterinary Dermatology Specialists say true leadership entails clarity of vision, consistency of values and genuine care for people. By Tracey Porter
Rhinos riddled with dermatitis, ear-infection-plagued elephants, anaphylactic meerkats, itchy sheep and horses—such cases are the bread and butter of a typical day’s work for Western Australian veterinarians Drs Fiona Scholz and Samantha Crothers.
The Perth-based duo are the founders of Veterinary Dermatology Specialists (VDS), a boutique practice dedicated exclusively to treating skin conditions in animals great and small.
Such has been their success, the VDS team was recently recognised by the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business at the recent 2025 Omega Summit in Queensland, where they were awarded the prestigious Australasian Best Led Practice Award for excellence in veterinary leadership, culture and innovation.
Honoured to be acknowledged on such a large stage, Dr Scholz claims the award is testament to both resilience and the power of embracing differences.
“We lead with heart, and we think that shows,” she says.
Beyond skin treatment
While dermatology is not every vet’s cup of tea, the specialty appealed to both veterinarians because of its complexity as well as the impact it can have on an animal’s comfort, behaviour and quality of life.
It is a specialty that blends diagnostics, therapeutics, and client education to make a tangible difference in animal wellbeing, Dr Scholz insists.
Following years working in specialist hospitals and referral centres across Australia and the US, the pair launched VDS in 2020 after identifying a gap for a dedicated dermatology service that could deliver exceptional clinical care while maintaining a client-centred experience.
Happy, supported staff deliver the best outcomes for patients and clients, [therefore] investing in our people will remain a top priority.
Dr Fiona Scholz, co-founder, Veterinary Dermatology Specialists
They undertook their specialist training in California, gaining invaluable experience at some of the world’s most progressive veterinary dermatology centres.
Dr Scholz holds dual specialist qualifications as a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (DACVD).
Dr Crothers is also a Diplomate of the ACVD, bringing a similarly rigorous, international perspective to the practice, having worked at the prestigious UC Davis and Colorado State University.
A diverse discipline
Having initially comprised just two board-certified veterinary dermatologists, today the VDS team also boasts a dermatology resident and a project veterinarian.
Supported by a dedicated group of highly skilled veterinary nurses and administrative staff, the VDS crew manage approximately 2500 cases per year, ranging from new referrals to ongoing management of chronic skin, ear, and allergy conditions.
The first-ever patient at VDS was a meerkat at the Perth Zoo with allergies to ants and pine. However, the most common condition treated at the practice is allergic dermatitis, particularly atopic dermatitis. Alongside this, the staff frequently manages cases of recurrent ear infections, bacterial pyoderma and fungal infections such as Malassezia dermatitis.
With antimicrobial resistance presenting an increasing challenge, over time the clinic has seen a rise in resistant infections, necessitating what Dr Scholz describes as “careful, targeted antimicrobial use, supported by culture and sensitivity testing, to ensure optimal outcomes while preserving antibiotic efficacy”.
While most patients are companion animals, the clinic also consults on a wide range of other species, with its patient list including elephants, rhinoceros and a host of other exotic and large farm animals.
“We like to say, half in jest, that ‘if it has scales, skin, horns or feathers’, it falls within the realm of veterinary dermatology, illustrating the diversity of the discipline of dermatology and our commitment to all creatures,” Dr Scholz says.
Most cases arrive via referrals from general practice veterinarians. In addition to treating patients at its primary clinic, VDS staff conduct quarterly satellite visits to Treendale in the South-West of WA, extending specialist dermatology services to an underserved regional community and improving accessibility for patients and referring veterinarians outside the metropolitan area.
Given that dermatology is such a visually based discipline, the clinic also conducts a high volume of telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments.
This not only makes specialist care more accessible, but it also allows the VDS team to maintain momentum in treatment plans without the logistical burden of travel for families living outside metropolitan areas, Dr Scholz says. “It’s been a win-win for patient outcomes and practice efficiency.”
Going all out
To minimise stress and support a calm environment, VDS’s primary clinic in Osborne Park features two dog consulting rooms and one cat consulting room, alongside separate waiting areas for cats and dogs.
The facility is equipped with a range of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies to support comprehensive dermatological care, with an onsite CT scanner and all imaging interpreted by a board-certified radiologist, ensuring precise and timely diagnostics.
Anaesthesia is administered exclusively by a specialist anaesthetist, while the clinic also houses a CO2 laser for minimally invasive dermatologic surgeries and the latest otoendoscopic ear-flushing equipment for the treatment of chronic ear conditions.
Perth’s hot, dry climate, combined with frequent windy weather and abundant pollen, creates an environment ideal for bees and wasps to thrive. As a result, VDS see a high number of patients presenting with anaphylactic reactions to bee and wasp stings. This means venom allergies are a common and serious concern for the practice.
To help address this, VDS performs venom allergy testing to accurately identify the offending allergen, followed by venom immunotherapy (desensitisation treatments).
These treatments can significantly reduce the severity of allergic reactions, often providing patients and their owners with a renewed sense of safety and freedom. For many, this means being able to enjoy everyday activities such as walking in the park without the constant fear of a potentially life-threatening sting, Dr Scholz says.
A Fear Free workplace
Accessibility and clinical excellence are not the only areas where the clinic exceeds expectations, with patient and client emotional wellbeing also an earmarked priority.
We like to say, half in jest, that ‘if it has scales, skin, horns or feathers’, it falls within the realm of veterinary dermatology, illustrating the diversity of the discipline of dermatology and our commitment to all creatures.
Dr Fiona Scholz, co-founder, Veterinary Dermatology Specialists
Every member, from administrative staff and nurses to veterinarians and dermatology specialists, is trained and certified in Fear Free principles.
Whether it’s instilling maintenance ear medications, administering monthly Cytopoint injections, performing skin diagnostics, or conducting intradermal allergy testing, the team is trained to do it all in a “low-stress, patient-centred way”, Dr Scholz says
“Given that most dermatological conditions are chronic and require long-term management, we believe that all procedures, no matter how routine, should be performed in a way that supports the emotional wellbeing of the patient.
“Importantly, we also educate and coach owners in Fear Free handling techniques, so they feel confident continuing treatments at home. When owners are empowered and comfortable, treatment adherence improves, outcomes are better, and patients thrive. For us, that’s the ultimate goal—to create a sustainable, low-stress treatment journey for animals and the people who love them.”
Future plans
One of the biggest challenges faced by the clinic is balancing increasing demand with the constraints of specialist availability and time, claims Dr Scholz.
To help address this, Dr Scholz says the clinic is introducing a voice dictation system to streamline clinical documentation, reduce administrative burden, and improve communication with referring vets, ultimately freeing up more time for patient care.
The clinic will continue to invest heavily in training and mentoring to nurture talent internally.
Ultimately, her vision for the clinic is to continue to grow the practice sustainably while maintaining its boutique ethos by expanding its specialist team to increase capacity for referrals and follow-ups.
Dr Scholz also aims to enhance regional outreach via telehealth and periodic clinics while strengthening its research collaborations, contributing to the broader veterinary dermatology community through publications, clinical trials and education initiatives.
“We have built a culture where empathy, integrity, and excellence are more than words; they shape everything from how we treat our clients and patients to how we support and develop our team. Happy, supported staff deliver the best outcomes for patients and clients, [therefore] investing in our people will remain a top priority.”
