Doctor Philip Moses, Veterinary Specialist Services founder dies aged 61

Tributes have flowed for one of Brisbane’s most accomplished veterinary surgeons, educators and animal advocates after he tragically lost his battle with cancer.

Tributes have flowed for a highly respected Brisbane veterinary surgeon and university professor.

Tributes have flowed for a highly respected Brisbane veterinary surgeon and university professor who tragically lost his battle with cancer.

Adj. Prof. Philip Moses OAM was the founder of Veterinary Specialist Services at Underwood and taught at the University of Queensland, was the Head of Surgery at the University of Sydney and a loving husband and father of six children.

He tragically passed away at aged 61 on March 16, 2024 from an ongoing battle with stomach and oesophagus.

Colleague David Cook said Dr Moses was a highly respected veterinary surgeon, a passionate educator, adoring Pug owner, grill enthusiast, Johnny Cash fan and devoted supporter of the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies.

“He loved meeting people and making sure to keep in touch, he used his big network to help everyone however he could,” Dr Cook said.

“His work at the surgery was very important to him, he also loved the education side of his job by teaching students.

“He travelled around Australia and internationally to lecture which really motivated him,” he said.

Dr Moses met his veterinary wife Mary Anne Hiscutt and together they raised Ivan, Bob, Ellie, Bill, Tom and Marnie.

“He was an involved father who loved attending his children’s sports games and various activities,” Dr Cook said.

Dr Moses was an international advocate for animal care with his surgical interests including brachycephalic airway syndrome, spinal anomalies, and spinal, neurological and orthopaedic surgery.

Doctor Philip Moses and his wife Doctor Mary Anne Hiscutt.

Dr Cook said Dr Moses had a keen interest in advocating for the genetic breeding of French Bulldogs to improve their breathing and other genetic issues.

“He worked to improve the development of the breed, as well as pioneering many major surgical techniques in Koalas and Kangaroos.

“In 2014, Philip was awarded the Inaugural Conservation Award by Australia Zoo for his surgical work with wildlife,” Dr Cook said.

“In addition to research projects with Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney and UQ, he presented at numerous conferences in Australia and overseas, and was published widely in veterinary journals and textbooks.

“He was just an engaging person to be around, there was always something happening and he was consistently progressing the practice, surgery practices and helping the people around him improve.

Dr Moses was an international advocate for animal care.

“Dr Moses will be remembered for his quirky sense of humour, outgoing personality and the impact he made on the vet profession overall as a member of the Australian and New Zealand Veterinary Board,” he said.

Dr Moses was the President of the Cadillac La Salle Club of Queensland in his later life.

“He had a passion for Cadillac cars and was very involved in the club attending car shows and going on road trips,” Dr Cook said.

Dr Moses’ celebration of life service was held on Monday March 27, 2024.

Dr Moses’ children thanked his patients, family and friends for their love and support during this “difficult time”.

“Dad would love to see all the lives he has touched and people he has helped over a long career and life,” they said.

Originally published as Doctor Philip Moses, Veterinary Specialist Services founder dies aged 61