Medivet Ashtead

Michael Fassas

Partner

I qualified in 1999 from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and completed an internship in small animal surgery and anaesthesia in 2002. I moved to the UK in 2003 to work as a small animal vet for two other practices in Sussex and Surrey, and joined Medivet 24 Hour Sutton in August 2008. I became a Partner there in August 2017, and Partner at Medivet Ashtead in July 2026. Over the years I’ve gained knowledge and expertise in all aspects of surgery; soft tissue and orthopaedics, radiography, analgesia and rehabilitation following musculoskeletal disorders. I also recently completed a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery.

DVM PGCertSAS MRCVS

Paolo Balocchi

Partner

I graduated from the University of Parma, Italy in 2014. I then completed an internship in Oncology before moving to the UK in 2016. I previously worked in another veterinary practice in Kent before joining Medivet 24 Hour Sutton in 2019. I am working towards the completion of an internal medicine certificate. I have a particular interest in internal medicine, ultrasonography and endoscopy. I became Partner at Medivet 24 Hour Sutton in 2023, and Partner at Medivet Ashtead in July 2026.

DVM GPCert(SAM) MRCVS

Sam Law

Partner

Since I could talk, I’ve been obsessed with animals - from cats, dogs, seals, and even woodlice, I was determined to help them all. I’m not sure my two childhood cats were big fans of my enthusiasm, or being my “patients” at home! I spent my teens volunteering at Wingrave Sutton and spent a year at the clinic gaining experience prior to attending university. I graduated from the University of Nottingham in July 2020 and since then, have developed a keen interest in surgery, emergency medicine, and providing compassionate end of life care. In January 2024 I returned to Medivet 24 Hour Sutton as a vet after spending time in other small animal clinics in Kent and Surrey, and in November 2025 I became a Partner. I also became Partner at Medivet Ashtead in July 2026. I am a self proclaimed mad cat lady, with four rescue cats at home, as well as a very sassy tortoise. I’m also a big dog fan, with two very cheeky Frenchies that keep me busy! In my free time I enjoy keeping fit, crochet, and reading.

BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS

Katrina Tang

Veterinary Surgeon

I joined the Medivet Ashtead team in August 2026, bringing extensive international experience across general practice, referral hospitals, and veterinary research. I am originally from Hong Kong, and graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2020 before working at the University of Otago. I later completed two rigorous small animal rotating internships at Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa in Auckland and the University of Glasgow in Scotland. I also hold postgraduate certificates in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care and Small Animal Ultrasound from the University of Melbourne. Before joining Medivet, I spent nearly two years working in general practice in West Yorkshire. I also worked as a hospitalist at Fitzpatrick Referrals, caring for animals referred for specialist treatment. I am dedicated to providing every patient with compassionate, high-quality care and I look forward to caring for you and your pets.

Vanessa Ng

Veterinary Surgeon

Vanessa joined Medivet in 2025 after graduating from the Royal Veterinary College. She is originally from Hong Kong and has lived in the UK for the past five years. She has particular interests in ophthalmology, ultrasonography, and most of all - cuddling all the furry friends! In her free time she enjoys weight lifting, swimming, baking, reading, and crocheting!

Umut Beydas

Veterinary Surgeon

I graduated from Selcuk University in Konya, Turkiye, in 2019. After graduating, I began a PhD in Internal Medicine while gaining valuable clinical experience working in various veterinary hospitals across Turkiye. In 2023, I moved to the UK and started working in first-opinion veterinary practice in Oxford before moving to a veterinary hospital in Cambridge. In September 2026, I joined the team at Medivet Ashtead. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary practice and take pride in providing the best possible care for my patients while supporting their owners. I have a particular interest in internal medicine, diagnostic imaging and dentistry. I am currently studying for an Advanced Veterinary Practice Certificate in Small Animal Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College to further develop my knowledge and skills. Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, going to the gym and travelling.

Sarah Walford

Head Veterinary Nurse

I have over 25 years' experience as a veterinary nurse although originally qualified as a human nurse. I now love working with the pets and their owners of Ashtead helping the vets provide the best quality veterinary care possible. In my spare time, when not caring for three bossy cats, Isaac, Caleb and Eli, I can be found crafting and reading.

Siobhan Gordon-Smalley

Veterinary Care Assistant

I joined the team in August 2025 as a Veterinary Care Assistant, bringing with me a Zoology degree and a real passion for animal welfare. My favourite part of the role is helping our patients feel comfortable, safe and loved during their visits, as well as getting to know and meet new clients. I grew up with my family dog, Mouse, a Jack Russell–Staffy cross, and although I don’t currently have any pets of my own, I’d love to welcome a Sphynx into the family one day — I’m still working on persuading my partner! Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit, gaming, spending time with my family and taking on creative projects

Ciara Commins

Veterinary Care Assistant

Hi my name is Ciara, I joined Medivet Ashtead in September 2026 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. I am hoping to become a veterinary nurse as this has always been my dream job and I am passionate about helping animals as much as I can and improving their overall wellbeing. I have always had a passion for animals and wanted to work with them from a young age. I have always had a variety of pets myself, including dogs, rodents and reptiles. While at college, I studied animal management, where I learnt to handle lots of different animals including sheep, chickens, rodents and exotic animals, I learned a variety of skills in my subjects, one being veterinary nursing. I have had lots of experience with animals, as I have worked as a hydrotherapy assistant, in kennels and I have had my own experience at home with my own animals. I have a range of hobbies including drawing, going on walks with my dogs, reading and going out with my friends.

Tarnya Parris-Grover

Veterinary Nurse

Hi my names Tarnya and from a young age I have always had a love for animals and took every opportunity to learn more about them. I have volunteered at many different places while at collage including my local pet shop, on a large animal unit for rescued/retired farm animals, a reptile rescue centre and even spending two weeks in South Africa on a wildlife reserve. I completed an Animal Management degree before joining Medivet and carrying out my nursing qualification. I have been a registered nurse since 2022 but have still work on learning as much as I can and now supporting others through their journeys. Even though I love every part of my role, my main interests are nursing clinics, dentistry and imaging. The majority of my work is with cat, dogs, small mammals and sometimes birds, but also I have knowledge in reptile care as I find them fascinating. Outside of work I love to unwind listening to music while reading a book or sketching whatever inspires me. Equally, I'm a proud nerd at heart and love playing a range of different games on my computer.

Amanda Dixon

Client Care Assistant

I have been Client Care Assistant at Medivet Ashtead since 2023. I enjoy helping clients and their pets feel welcome and supported during their visits to the practice and I am proud to be part of a dedicated team committed to providing excellent care for animals and their owners.

Isabella Clifton

Practice Manager

My name is Isabella, but everyone knows me as Bella. I began my journey with Medivet in 2018 as a Mobile Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) and have since worked my way up through several roles, including Student Veterinary Nurse, Practice Coordinator, Registered Veterinary Nurse, and Head Nurse. I joined Medivet Ashtead as a Practice Manager in July 2026. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, and over the years I’ve owned many. I currently have two French Bulldogs, Roddy and Bambi, who are my babies.