James Kirkham, Hospital Director, BSc, DVM

Dr. James Kirkham is the co-owner of Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital with his wife Dr. Alex Kirkham. James was raised in Squamish, BC and has a love for Canada’s west coast. James and Alex have been the proud owners of Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital since 2018. James and Alex have a dog named Rigby and a cat named Dexter and have recently expanded their family to welcome a new baby girl Josie.

James completed his Bachelor of Sciences with Distinction at the University of British Columbia. He went on to complete his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012, graduating at the top of his class and was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for highest academic achievement.

James has a professional interest in diagnostic imaging, dentistry, internal medicine and preventive care.

In his free time he enjoys kayaking, skiing, hiking, camping and motorcycling.

Trish Briggs, DVM

Trish knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was young. After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, she moved to Vancouver Island and began working as a mixed animal veterinarian then transitioned to small animal medicine. Trish then became the owner of Austin Animal Hospital in Coquitlam where she practiced for several years. After selling Austin Animal Hospital, together with her partner and their French Bulldog, she moved to Costa Rica to enjoy the sun, surf and jungle. While in Costa Rica, Trish volunteered with an animal rescue and veterinary hospital where she fell in love with two Costa Rican dogs. Her family and three dogs are now very happy to be back home on Vancouver Island, where she enjoys camping and exploring the island. Trish enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine with a special interest in feline and canine internal medicine.

Please contact us at 250-758-3985 if you have questions or would like to book an appointment.

 New clients are always welcome

Alexandra Kirkham, Hospital Director, BSc, DVM

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dr. Alex Kirkham knew from a very young age that being a veterinarian was her life calling. She attended the University of Manitoba and received her Bachelor of Sciences degree. Alex completed her veterinary studies at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She has been the proud owner of Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital with her partner James since 2018. She has a special interest in small animal surgery, dentistry, dermatology and feline medicine.

Alex has many non-veterinary interests and struggles to find enough time for them all. She enjoys reading all types of books, knitting, drawing and painting. She also enjoys being active with her family by getting outside kayaking, hiking, camping and skiing. Alex lives with husband James, their daughter Josie, cat Dexter and dog Rigby. 

Chris Milligan, MAVetMB, MRCVS

Chris and his wife Hannah fell in love with Vancouver Island after visiting on holiday and moved to Nanaimo to enjoy everything the BC Coast has to offer. A native of Robin Hood country in the UK, he graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2010 and returned several years later to undertake research into blood clotting disorders. Since then he has worked mostly in emergency and critical care medicine and has particular clinical interests in ultrasonography and interventional endoscopy, as well as a love of exotic pets. An avid wildlife photographer, outside of work he is usually found in a kayak or walking the stunning beaches the island has to offer looking for whales and bears. They have three gorgeous cats, Nimpkish, Tsitika and Skookumchuck who braved the crossing from England and now divide their time equally between charging through the house and sleeping.