Dr. Jack Egan – A Horse-First Approach to Equine Veterinary Practice
BVSc, BVetBiol, MANZCVS (Veterinary Practice – Equine)
From the rolling hills of Mansfield, Victoria, to the forefront of equine veterinary medicine, Dr. Jack Egan has built a career grounded in authenticity, compassion, and deep respect for the horse. His story begins on his family’s thoroughbred and beef cattle property, where horsemanship was not simply a skill but a way of life.
Growing up surrounded by livestock and racing culture, he developed an early understanding of animal behaviour and welfare that continues to inform his professional philosophy today.
Dr. Jack Egan’s father, Gerald Egan, is a celebrated Australian horseman and stunt rider best known for performing the breathtaking downhill ride as Jim Craig’s double in The Man from Snowy River. His equestrian talents also featured in film classics such as Phar Lap, Quigley Down Under, Robbery Under Arms, and The Lighthorsemen.
That legacy of discipline, courage, and connection to horses left an indelible mark on Jack, shaping his future not only as a rider but as a veterinarian devoted to equine health and welfare.
A Path Forged Through Education and Experience
Driven by a fascination with both the science and art of animal care, Dr. Jack Egan pursued a degree in Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. His studies laid the groundwork for a career that would blend hands-on practicality with clinical precision.
After graduation, he undertook a demanding internship at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, training under esteemed clinicians Dr. Jim Vasey and Dr. Angus McKinnon. The intensive program encompassed equine surgery, medicine, anaesthesia, and reproduction, providing the technical depth that would become the cornerstone of his later work.
Following time in mixed practice in Maffra, Dr. Jack Egan began focusing exclusively on equine medicine, guided by a commitment to professional excellence and progressive care, an approach reinforced through the equine vet lifelong learning program. His curiosity for learning and collaboration soon distinguished him as one of the profession’s emerging voices.
Professional Growth and Recognition
In 2019, Dr. Jack Egan was awarded the 4CYTE Interpath EVA Young Member Scholarship, enabling him to attend the Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, a defining moment in his career. There, his interactions with international experts such as Professor Brian Gilger and Professor Stephen White deepened his interest in evidence-based practice and lifelong learning.
Not long after, he relocated to Western Australia to join Baldivis Veterinary Hospital, a leading equine facility renowned for its collaborative approach to patient care. His leadership qualities quickly became evident, and in 2023 he was appointed Director of Baldivis Vet Hospital, marking a new chapter in both his clinical and administrative journey.
A Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine General Practice, Dr. Jack Egan is also an active advocate for professional development within the veterinary community.
He has served as EVA WA Young Member Representative and later as EVA National Young Member President, roles through which he has mentored aspiring veterinarians and championed a culture of inclusion and resilience in the profession.
His dedication and leadership were recognised in 2023 with the Ben Cunneen & Alister Rodgers Memorial Award for Outstanding Young Member, one of the industry’s most meaningful acknowledgements of early-career excellence.
Clinical Focus and Contributions to the Profession
Dr. Jack Egan’s clinical interests span equine reproduction, performance horse medicine, lameness investigation, emergency response, and first-opinion care. His approach is rooted in practicality and compassion, values that extend even to the most difficult aspects of veterinary work.
In 2024, he authored “How to Perform Equine Euthanasia Using the Intrathecal Lidocaine Technique,” published in the Australian Equine Veterinarian. This article reflects his unwavering belief that end-of-life care deserves the same diligence and respect as any other stage of a horse’s treatment.
Life Beyond the Clinic
Away from the hospital, Dr. Jack Egan remains connected to the rural lifestyle that shaped his character. He participates in football, cricket, polo, water-skiing, and horse racing, activities that balance his demanding professional life and keep him rooted in the equestrian and agricultural communities he serves.
Dr. Jack Egan: A Leader for the Next Generation
Today, Dr. Jack Egan stands as part of a new generation of veterinarians blending tradition with innovation. His journey, from the paddocks of Mansfield to leadership in one of Western Australia’s premier equine hospitals, reflects not only technical skill but also empathy, mentorship, and a lifelong respect for the animals that first inspired his calling.
Through his clinical work, advocacy, and leadership, he continues to shape the future of equine veterinary practice in Australia and beyond.
Enhance your expertise and elevate your equine practice with the Practitioner’s Program – a continuing education experience created by equine veterinarians, for equine veterinarians. Learn from world-renowned clinicians including Dr. Sue Dyson, Dr. Jesus Buil, and Dr. Marta Ferrari, whose evidence-based insights and practical teaching transform complex cases into confident decision-making.
With a curriculum tailored to real-world equine challenges, this program empowers practitioners to refine their diagnostic skills, strengthen clinical outcomes, and stay at the forefront of modern equine medicine.