Rate My Professor Kai Chua

Dr Kai Chua serves as Clinical Services Veterinarian - Operations in the Animal Welfare Office at the University of Otago, located in the Eccles Building, Dunedin. In this capacity, he contributes to maintaining the health status, care, and welfare of laboratory animals used in university research activities. He provides essential clinical services, including 7-day on-call support, specialist expertise in surgery, and clinical assistance to researchers as needed. Dr Chua assists the Animal Welfare Officer in implementing animal welfare systems and services throughout the institution, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and standards.

Dr Chua offers veterinary clinical guidance on protocols, supports research staff and animal technicians with animal care and welfare matters, and prescribes veterinary medicines in accordance with the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997. He participates in delivering clinical training, conducting workshops and individualized sessions to build competence among staff and students in handling research animals. Regular site visits form part of his duties to monitor compliance with animal handling and facility requirements. Additionally, he advises the Drug Control Officer, researchers, and technical staff on veterinary medicine usage, while continuously evaluating and improving service delivery systems for efficiency and quality within the Animal Welfare Office, which oversees the welfare of laboratory animals across the University of Otago.