Experience Veterinary Medicine in Italy's Top Rescues

During my trip to Perugia, I learned so much about Italy’s culture, a bit of the language, and met people that I still talk to today, two and a half years later. My experience revolved around rescues and refuges, and being able to see all the different species in Italy, and our vet who showed us how to examine them, was so inspiring! It made me want to switch my focus to exotic animals rather than small animals. It was an amazing experience, and one that I will remember forever!

From this experience, I felt more comfortable around large and farm animals. I participated in a realistic way of working in the field taking portal ultrasounds of horses with asthma, laminitis and Cushing's disease; conducted fecal examination outdoors for sheeps, goats, donkeys and horses; and learned about bovine and equine anatomy through physical examinations. I developed a new appreciation for sanctuaries because these environments thrive off the selflessness of devoted volunteers, constant donations, and mobile veterinarians. I learned about equine massage therapy from one of the volunteers who noted the different points to release pressure. This moment emphasizes why teamwork is critical and how collaboration is needed to complete a job thoroughly and holistically.

My two-week fellowship with the Doctors in Italy Pre-Vet program in Rome was indeed an unforgettable experience. Throughout the program, I, along with the other fellows, observed daily maintenance, feed routines, and veterinary care at two animal sanctuaries. It was amazing to see and learn about the different veterinary practices in a foreign country. At the second sanctuary, it was neat to watch the veterinarian on-site in action during an emergency with a sheep. During that week spent at the second sanctuary, I really enjoyed working with the other fellows as we helped the veterinarian with that case. Aside from the vet shadowing aspect, I had a blast exploring Rome. The program planned great group activities that immersed you into the culture, from site seeing villas, to learning how to make traditional pasta, and group dinners. I also had a fantastic time doing my own site seeing with the other fellows during the free time we had. Overall, it was an amazing two weeks filled with lots of learning and fun!