Phil graduated from the University of Bristol in 2005. He worked in rural mixed practice prior to completing a surgical internship in 2009 and a residency in orthopaedics in 2013, both at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists. He received the RCVS certificated in advanced veterinary practice (general small animal practice) in 2013 and the RCVS diploma in small animal orthopaedics in 2018. He has been the head surgeon at Cornwall Veterinary Referrals since 2020. His interests include trauma management, angular limb deformity and joint disease.