Like many healthcare degrees, placements are a vital component of my veterinary medicine course. As mandated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the accrediting body for veterinary education, we are required to complete 10 weeks of non-clinical and 20 weeks of clinical placements. These experiences are essential for developing practical skills and understanding the realities of veterinary practice.
Coming from a bustling metropolitan city like Hong Kong, my exposure to specific animals, particularly farm animals such as sheep and cows, has been limited, or limited to a highly manufactured environment.The UK presents a limitless of opportunities to engage with a diverse range of animals, allowing for genuine interactions between caretakers and their livestock. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it deepens my understanding of animal behavior, welfare, and the complexities of farm management.
Lambing (sheep)
Despite there is no longer required placement, lambing is one of the must do placement for a vet student. For my placement, I chose to do it on a family run farm where we stayed at their house and assisted them during the lambing season. Lambing season is an exciting yet challenging time on a farm, and my placement offered me invaluable hands-on experience and insights into the world of veterinary medicine.
Throughout my placement, my primary responsibility was to diligently check the sheds every hour to monitor the ewes for signs of impending lambing, and assist in the lamb and ewes which needed some extra help. This hands-on experience allowed me to identify the stages of parturition and recognize when a ewe was struggling, enabling me to intervene effectively—whether by assisting with lamb extraction or repositioning the lamb into a more favorable position. Such timely interventions facilitated successful lambing, minimizing fatalities among the newborns.
In addition to the practical skills I gained, I became acutely aware of the various pathogens and zoonotic diseases that sheep can transmit to humans, underscoring the importance of adhering to biosecurity guidelines. I consistently wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including boiler suits and waterproofs, used gloves, and practiced thorough hand washing before entering the lambing area and before meals.
Equine (horses)
Horse riding holds significant cultural importance and is hugely popular in the UK. As a student from Hong Kong, where opportunities for interacting with horses are limited, my recent placement at a RDA (Riding with a Disabled Association) approved riding school was a transformative experience. Initially, I felt quite apprehensive and lacked confidence, having very little prior knowledge about horses. However, this opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in the world of equestrian care and management.
From the outset, I had the chance to assist with a variety of essential tasks, including turning horses in and out, grooming, tacking up, handling horses, mucking out, and guiding them during riding lessons. I learned to interpret horses' body language, recognizing their emotions—curiosity, excitement, fear, and relaxation—which is essential for safe interactions as a future vet.
Each responsibility not only contributed to my hands-on experience but also helped me gradually build my confidence in working with these magnificent animals. Observing different riding disciplines enriched my understanding of equestrian techniques and methodologies. As I progressed, I noticed significant growth in my confidence and skills, fostering a stronger bond with the horses.
Alpacas
The most unique animal that I have worked with is certainly the alpaca. Despite probably never coming across alpacas again in my career as a vet, I believe that experience with different animals is certainly invaluable in building my confidence and understanding of different animals. I have especially chosen a family run alpaca farm which uses the alpaca’s fleece to produce sustainable fibres and use them as an educational tool for the wider community.
My daily tasks were varied and hands-on. I fed mineral supplements, cleaned water troughs, assisted with halter training and helped with the alpaca experience. On occasion, I am able to learn about parasite control which includes access to microscope and diagnosing internal parasites, pasture management, care of pregnant alpacas and newborn cria, alpaca nutrition, foot care, administration of medicines
Other than alpacas, there is a llama named Loki who certainly enjoys the attention given to him! His playful personality and friendly demeanor make him a favorite among visitors and staff alike. Learning about their distinct uses and species differences has been eye-opening
While I was at the farm, I had the fortunate opportunity to witness the cria (baby alpaca) birth season.Observing the signs of impending labor was fascinating, and recognizing the behaviors such as humming was certainly very cute to witness. Seeing the actual birth of a cria was a highlight of my experience. It was awe-inspiring to see the newborns stand and nurse within minutes, showcasing the strong bond between mother and cria. I was able to weigh the cria everyday which gave me an appreciation of the slow but gradual growth of it.
I truly believe that the various placements and opportunities I've had would not have been possible if I weren't studying veterinary medicine in the UK. The diverse experiences I've gained—whether through hands-on work with animals, learning from knowledgeable professionals, or engaging with different aspects of animal care—have significantly enriched my education. I believe that these experiences will make me a better veterinary surgeon in the future, equipping me with the confidence and knowledge skills necessary to provide the best possible care for my patients.