Experience Veterinary Medicine in Italy's Top Rescues

I had a wonderful time working with a veterinarian in Italy and making so many new friends from around the US and the world! We all became fast friends and took many trips around Italy and Florence during our free time. I was able to go to Sienna as they were setting up for the horse races, I was able to go to the Uffizi gallery, and pisa. I had the most amazing lasagna at trattoria Marione! I was able to learn so much about horses and what goes into their senior care. It was so amazing to work with sanctuaries that respected animals just as I do. It was an unforgettable experience. I wish I could go again!

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!

My time in Italy was absolutely stunning from start to finish. Through the program provided, I got the opportunity to learn all the ins and outs of working with animals in a sanctuary setting, as well as beginning to get involved in clinical work! Doctors in Italy was a wonderful experience to dip your toes into the work of a veterinarian and cemented my desire to go on to vet school. Martina and Cristina were both wonderful providers throughout the program, and I would drop everything to go again given the chance!