Dr Bernie Vaatstra

BVSc. (Distinction), MVS (Hons), MACVSc., Diplomate ACVP, Registered Specialist Veterinary Anatomic Pathology

Bernie has been a diagnostic pathologist with Awanui Veterinary since 2011 and is now part of the furniture. He graduated from Massey University with a BVSc (dist.) in 2004 and then spent 5 varied and interesting years in mixed clinical practice in South Otago. This was followed by a residency in anatomic pathology (back at Massey) in 2009-2010, leading to board certification in 2012 and specialization as a veterinary anatomic pathologist.

Bernie has expertise across all aspects of diagnostic pathology with particular interests in production animal pathology and companion animal surgical pathology. He enjoys helping vets troubleshoot diagnostic dilemmas and farm health issues and collaborating with colleagues to provide the most clinically useful diagnosis possible. In recent years, this includes increasing use of digital pathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular testing. Bernie has experience writing and contributing to scientific articles, teaching and mentoring veterinarians and pathologists, and contributing to a number of committees (BVD Steering Group, NZ Society for Veterinary Pathology committee, Bovine Digital Dermatitis Steering Group).

Out of work, Bernie enjoys keeping fit with a range of sports and outdoor pursuits, playing piano and viola, spending time with family, and pottering around the lifestyle property with a menagerie of animals.