From Fashion to Wildlife Rescue: How These Twin Veterinarians Do It All Without Missing a Beat!
In the fast-paced world of veterinary medicine, where long hours and emotionally charged cases are the norm, it takes a special kind of dedication to balance professional excellence with a fulfilling personal life. Dr. Alison and Dr. Audrey Shen, the dynamic duo behind the revolutionary 21 Scrubs, have not only managed to achieve this balance but have also made time to pursue their passion for fashion and wildlife conservation.
Never Giving Up: The Journey of the Shen Sisters
From a young age, the Shen sisters were inseparable, sharing everything from their love of animals to their dreams of becoming veterinarians. Their journey was anything but easy, marked by long nights of study, grueling shifts, and the challenges of establishing their own veterinary practice. Yet, they never gave up. Today, they are not only celebrated veterinarians, known for their work on Bondi Vet, but also successful entrepreneurs with a passion for fashion that led to the creation of 21 Scrubs.
The idea for 21 Scrubs was born out of their frustration with the traditional, drab medical uniforms that did little to reflect the dynamic nature of their work. Teaming up with fashion designer Rebecca Lau Marsh, the sisters set out to create scrubs that were as functional as they were stylish. The result? A line of medical-grade scrubs that combine flattering silhouettes with practical features, designed specifically for the needs of veterinary professionals.
Fashion Meets Functionality
The scrubs by 21 Scrubs are not just about looking good; they are designed to meet the demands of a veterinary professional's daily life. With features like large pockets for essential items, dirt and stain repellence, waterproof and quick-drying fabrics, and four-way stretch for ease of movement, these scrubs are a game-changer. The signature jumpsuit scrubs, for instance, are not only stylish enough to wear out after a shift but also practical, with secure stethoscope holders and zip-on, zip-off convenience.
"All doctors carry stethoscopes around their neck, it’s a thing. As soon as you bend down, that stethoscope falls straight off and you’ve got hundreds of dollars of equipment hitting the ground, or in our case, hitting a dog or cat in the face," explained Dr. Alison. "So we’ve got signature gold or silver buttons to fasten it on either side of your shoulders."
The Shen sisters' approach to fashion is deeply personal. Dr. Audrey enjoys pairing her scrubs with white sneakers, a nice handbag, and cute earrings, ready to transition seamlessly from the clinic to a night out. Dr. Alison, who frequently travels between Brisbane and Sydney for filming and running their mobile vet business, appreciates the versatility of the high-collar shirt and jumpsuit styles that can go from "really smart to really sexy."
A Passion for Wildlife
But the Shen sisters are more than just veterinarians and fashionistas—they are also passionate wildlife advocates. Their love for animals extends beyond the clinic and into the wild, where they have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation. The twins have been involved in numerous rescue and rehabilitation efforts, particularly during Australia’s devastating bushfires, where they provided critical care to injured and displaced wildlife and helped to establish Possumwood Animal Sanctuary.
Through their mobile vet service, they offer not only high-standard veterinary care to pets but also extend their services to help wildlife in need. Whether it's rescuing koalas from burning forests or treating kangaroos injured on busy highways, Dr. Alison and Dr. Audrey are on the front lines, using their skills and resources to make a difference.
"We’ve always believed that our work isn’t just about the animals we see in our clinics," said Dr. Audrey. "It’s about all creatures, great and small, and doing what we can to protect the natural world."
The Future of 21 Scrubs and Wildlife Conservation
As their careers and their fashion line continue to thrive, the Shen sisters are committed to ensuring that their success benefits more than just themselves. A portion of the proceeds from 21 Scrubs is dedicated to wildlife conservation efforts, funding projects that support the preservation and rehabilitation of endangered species.
Their fashionable line of scrubs, which can be viewed on Instagram at @21scrubs, is more than just a clothing line—it's a symbol of the Shen sisters' dedication to their profession, their family, and the world around them. With elegant designs, practical features, and a mission to improve the daily lives of medical professionals while giving back to wildlife conservation, 21 Scrubs is set to make a lasting impact in both the veterinary and fashion worlds.
Dr. Alison and Dr. Audrey Shen are proof that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference, it is possible to achieve greatness in multiple fields, all while staying true to what matters most—family, work, and the love for all living beings.
Check them out soon on Vet Candy Radio on their new podcast show!
