Since graduation as a DVM from the University of Adelaide, I spent time in primary opinion veterinary practice. A high-paced clinical environment was stimulating for me and allowed me to hone my technical skills. However, after 2 years I decided I wanted to take a more academic view of the world, and commenced a PhD program through the University of Adelaide.My research focuses on veterinary epidemiology. In this vast field, we try and tackle the "why" and the "how" behind disease occurrence in populations, how to improve productivity, welfare and economics for animal producers, assist pet owners with making evidence-based decisions about the care of their pet, and finally, to inform stakeholders about options to best achieve their goals of animal ownership. We use an analytical approach to find and report the best evidence-base for clinical decision making to improve population health. Finally, we consider how our actions as veterinarians affect public health, food security and developing countries.