From New Zealand Barns to California ORs: The Trailblazing Vet Redefining Heart Care for Pets
Dr. Hayley McDonald’s career is a masterclass in defying convention. Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, her journey—from a small-town veterinarian to a globally recognized, board-certified cardiologist pioneering cutting-edge cardiac medicine in California—is a testament to relentless determination, unshakable passion, and the transformative power of human connection.
The Unstoppable Force: Determination, Passion, and the Friendships That Shaped Her
When asked what fueled her extraordinary path, Dr. McDonald’s answer is as dynamic as her career: “Determination isn’t just about persistence—it’s about embracing challenges as stepping stones, not roadblocks.” That mindset carried her through veterinary school at Massey University and beyond, forging a trail few dare to follow.
Her passion for veterinary cardiology burns brightly. “Cardiology isn’t just a specialty—it’s a frontier,”she says. “Every day brings breakthroughs, and being part of that evolution is electrifying.” But beyond skill and ambition, it’s the friendships she’s cultivated across continents that have anchored her journey. “The world is full of incredible people. Some become mentors, some become collaborators, and some become lifelong friends who remind you why this work matters.”
The Bold Leap That Changed Everything: Scotland & Beyond
In 2015, Dr. McDonald took a life-altering risk—leaving behind the familiar shores of New Zealand for a cardiology residency at the University of Glasgow. “Saying yes to that opportunity was terrifying,” she admits. “But it was also the best decision I ever made.”
Scotland didn’t just sharpen her clinical expertise—it expanded her worldview. Collaborating with leading specialists, she honed her craft while building an international network that would later propel her career to new heights.
From Horse Manure to Heart Valves: The Early Hustle That Built Resilience
Long before she was repairing mitral valves, Dr. McDonald’s first entrepreneurial venture was delightfully humble: selling bags of horse manure from her family farm as garden fertilizer. “A dollar a bag at the end of our driveway!” she laughs. “It taught me early on that hard work—no matter how unconventional—pays off.”
Kitesurfing, Dancing, and the Art of Balance
When the intensity of life-saving cardiology weighs heavy, Dr. McDonald finds freedom on the waves. “Kitesurfing is my therapy—wind, water, and pure adrenaline.” She also unwinds with her beloved pets, long coastal walks, and an unexpected passion: salsa and bachata dancing. “Dancing is medicine for the soul. It’s about letting go, connecting, and just feeling joy.”
Pioneering the Future of Veterinary Cardiology
After earning her PhD in biomedical sciences at the University of Queensland—where her research on advanced cardiac imaging and novel human heart therapies bridged the gap between species—Dr. McDonald became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM) in 2019.
Her career skyrocketed as a Consultant Cardiologist at one of the world’s only centers performing mitral valve repair under cardiopulmonary bypass—a groundbreaking feat in veterinary medicine.
In 2022, she brought her expertise to California, founding HeartHeart Veterinary Cardiology, where she now delivers state-of-the-art care across the state. Her work spans:
Advanced cardiac imaging (3D echocardiography, CT, MRI)
Interventional cardiology (minimally invasive procedures)
Electrophysiology (managing heart rhythm disorders)
Collaborative innovation, training alongside human cardiologists to push veterinary medicine forward.
A Life Lived in Full Color
When she’s not in the clinic, Dr. McDonald is chasing adventure—kitesurfing Pacific swells, skiing Scottish peaks, hiking New Zealand’s rugged trails, or jet-setting to reunite with friends across the globe.
The Takeaway: Courage, Curiosity, and Heart
Dr. Hayley McDonald’s story isn’t just about professional excellence—it’s about living boldly, embracing the unknown, and recognizing that the journey is just as extraordinary as the destination.
For her, veterinary cardiology isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. And the best, as they say, is yet to come.
Follow her journey. Be inspired. And remember—sometimes, the biggest waves lead to the most incredible rides.
