Dr Gary Turnbull 

BVSc (Hons) CMAVA

When it comes to reshaping the veterinary profession through inspired leadership, there are few names as widely respected as Dr. Gary Turnbull.

A distinguished veterinarian, leadership coach, and international speaker, Dr. Turnbull stands at the forefront of a much-needed evolution in veterinary business, one that places people, purpose, and personal growth at the heart of practice success.

From Clinical Practice to Transformational Leadership

Dr. Gary Turnbull’s journey in veterinary medicine began traditionally. A first-class honours graduate of the University of Sydney, he entered the profession with a solid clinical foundation and a clear passion for animal care.

He spent the early years of his career as a companion animal clinician, eventually becoming Director of East Port Veterinary Hospital, a multi-award-winning practice and Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA) Accredited Hospital of Excellence based in Port Macquarie, NSW.

But like many practice owners, Dr. Turnbull soon realized that clinical expertise alone was not enough to build a sustainable, high-performing business. Facing the all-too-common challenges of team dysfunction, burnout, and limited profitability, he recognized the critical need for a different kind of skillset—leadership.

The Lincoln Institute: A Calling Fulfilled

This realization led him to the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business, where he not only transformed his own practice but found a new calling. Mentored by Lincoln Institute co-founder Paul Ainsworth, Dr. Turnbull embraced leadership development and strategic business education.

The result? A cultural revolution within his own team, increased staff engagement, skyrocketing productivity, and a level of profitability he had once thought unattainable.

Inspired by this transformation, Dr. Turnbull took on a leadership role at the Lincoln Institute, eventually becoming a Principal and Director. Since then, he has been instrumental in expanding the institute’s impact, helping veterinary professionals around the world reclaim their passion, elevate their teams, and build practices that support not just financial success, but personal fulfillment.

A Global Voice in Veterinary Leadership

As an international speaker and sought-after facilitator, Dr. Turnbull has presented across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the United States, speaking on topics ranging from veterinary business models to professional mastery and life balance strategies. His signature programs including the acclaimed Goldmine Veterinary Dental Program, blend cutting-edge insights with hands-on experience to deliver powerful, practical education.

Dr. Gary’s focus on personal leadership, interpersonal communication, and sustainable professional development sets him apart in a crowded field. He doesn’t just talk about leadership; he lives it. His deep understanding of both the business and emotional complexities of veterinary practice makes him uniquely positioned to speak to owners, associates, and teams alike.

Advocacy, Innovation, and the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Beyond individual coaching and education, Dr Turnbull is also a passionate advocate for industry-wide change. As a co-leader of the Veterinary Shortage Think Tank, he has played a key role in uncovering and addressing the causes behind workforce attrition, from mental health challenges to unsustainable business models.

In this capacity, he’s sounded a much-needed alarm: without action, the veterinary profession risks a serious crisis of capability and capacity. Through the Lincoln Institute and his own voice, Dr Turnbull is leading a movement focused on creating viable, values-driven practices that serve both animals and the humans who care for them.

A Leader With Heart

While his resume is undeniably impressive, what sets Dr. Gary Turnbull apart is his authenticity. Whether he’s mentoring a new practice owner, delivering a keynote, or performing surgery at East Port, his passion for people is evident.

He understands that veterinary success isn’t just about animal care, it’s about creating an environment where every team member feels empowered, valued, and capable of making a difference.

When he’s not immersed in the profession, you might find Dr. Gary chasing waves at his favorite beach, recharging in nature to return refreshed to the mission that drives him: improving the lives of veterinary professionals through leadership, one conversation at a time.

Why Dr. Gary Turnbull Matters

In an era when veterinary burnout, talent shortages, and business pressures dominate industry headlines, Dr. Gary Turnbull offers a blueprint for hope, and a proven pathway to change. Through his work at the Lincoln Institute, his leadership at East Port Veterinary Hospital, and his global speaking engagements, he is helping redefine what it means to be a successful veterinary professional.

For anyone serious about building a thriving veterinary practice and a life that supports it, Dr. Gary Turnbull isn’t just a speaker worth listening to, he’s a guide worth following.