What makes someone choose a career full of uncertainty, constant learning, and never-ending challenges?
For Dr Josh Maxwell-Toro, that unpredictability is the draw. With a doctor grandmother and a veterinarian mum, medicine was always close.
He chose veterinary medicine for the sheer variety of cases, knowing no two days are ever the same, and boredom simply doesn’t exist.
Ask Dr Josh what he enjoys most about his work, and he’ll tell you plainly: he likes fixing things.
When that “thing” happens to be a pet who’s unwell, uncomfortable, or struggling, the reward runs deeper than any technical success.
He finds genuine fulfilment in making a real difference to an animal’s life — and to the people who love them. That drive is what keeps him motivated, focused, and always looking for better answers.
One case, in particular, changed how Dr Josh saw his future in veterinary medicine — and it was deeply personal.
His own cat developed a rare kidney disease he had never seen, nor even heard of, before. Suddenly, the stakes were higher, and the learning curve steeper.
Dr Josh carried out the full diagnostic workup himself and worked closely with a specialist through subsequent surgical treatment.
The process was demanding, confronting, and incredibly rewarding, turning a frightening situation into a powerful learning experience.
That case confirmed his long-term goal: to specialise in surgery, while remaining open to learning across different areas of veterinary medicine.
Life Outside the Clinic
Dr Josh doesn’t currently have pets, but he grew up with a dog, fish, hamsters, and — oddly enough — a crab. His own experience caring for his cat gave him firsthand insight into the worry and hope pet parents feel.
He’s lived in four countries, is fluent in Spanish, and has treated some unforgettable patients — including echidnas, which he’ll happily admit make for very unusual patients.
Our team are quick to describe Josh as dedicated, motivated, and deeply committed to his patients — and he’s only just getting started!
Welcome aboard, Dr Josh!