Stephen’s career has seen him embrace private Veterinary practice to television presenter, documentary making, feature film production and establishing numerous animal and wildlife charities.

Graduating from Murdoch in 1984 with a veterinary degree, Stephen established three major vet hospitals in Sydney in his early career, Riverview Animal Hospital, Mosman Veterinary Clinic and North Randwick Veterinary Clinic. He was the resident vet at Channel Nine’s The Today Show for 14 years, from 1991 to 2004, and is most well-known for his appearances on shows such as Burke’s Backyard, Sixty Minutes and A Current Affair.

In 2007 Dr Van Mil established Animal Media Australia, a film production company that specialised in raising awareness about endangered animals.

Stephen received a commission to do a full-length documentary for Animal Planet/Discovery Network – White Lions: King of Kings.

During this time, he made the decision to sell off his Sydney Veterinary Hospitals and focus full-time on media. He made The Last Trimate, which Mel Gibson narrated. The documentary won The Special Jury Prize, Best Newcomer, Best Editing and Best Conservation Message awards at the 31st International Wildlife Film Festival.

Dr Van Mil has led numerous eco tours to Borneo - raising funds for Orangutan Foundation International - in addition to eco tours into Africa and the Amazon. He is the foundation board member of Assistance Dogs and acted as President from 1998 – 2003. This organisation trains dogs in community settings to assist people with physical disabilities.

In 2020, Dr Van Mil established Wildlife Recovery Australia, and built Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital - Australia’s only Mobile Wildlife Hospital. Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Raptor Recovery Australia and Ocean Warriors Australia are all not-for-profit charities created by Dr Van Mil under WRA. His main focus now is to save native Australian animals.