MEET THE TEAM 

Max pictured with Bertie & Millie

Dr Max Spicer hails from Devon in England. He qualified from Liverpool University in 1990 with his BvSc degree and is also a member of The Royal College of Veterinary surgeons. Max joined The Veterinary Hospital in 1997 and became managing partner in 1999.Since graduating; his focus has always been in companion animal medicine and surgery; with particular interest in orthopaedics and disorders of the eye and skin.
 
He has been living in Dubai for 12 years and met his wife, Michelle, here. They have two children, Guy and Charlotte, and enjoy family life with their two rescued dogs and cats. He holds high regard for exemplary patient and client care, and has noticed that with an ever changing and expanding population in Dubai, pets constantly need attention to a wide variety of problems. He has therefore taken an aggressive stride towards providing a comprehensive service by hiring four veterinarians that are highly specialised in their respective fields. He is very proud of the fact that his hospital is the only one in Dubai that can offer all such necessary services under one roof. He also insists on having people on his team that are friendly, approachable and flexible to client’s needs.
 
He enjoys kite surfing, wind surfing, snow skiing and water skiing. He also plays squash and likes to keep fit. He has an interest in natural history and enjoys playing the saxophone.

   
Ruben playing with one of his patients
 
Ruben Arias del Rio studied at the University of Extremadura in Spain.
He graduated in 1997 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery.
He has worked for the past 12 years in the UK, and has always opted for small animal practice. His most recent position was a five year period in England with the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) which is an extremely busy animal charity hospital. 

While he was there, he studied for his Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, and gained a great deal of experience through the number and variety cases that were placed under his care. He was offered a residency in small animal surgery at a referral practice in the UK, but chose to come and join The Veterinary Hospital in sunny Dubai instead.

“I have developed a special interest in fracture repair and brachycephalic upper airway syndrome. I have noticed a need for the latter in Dubai due to the large number of flat nosed dog breeds that struggle to cope with the heat in summer.”

Ruben has developed a strong taste for kite surfing since being here, and enjoys socialising and appreciating a good film. He likes to ski when he comes across snow, and enjoys relaxing with a book.