Daniel Ribal
I spent two weeks completing an externship at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. I spent my first week in their dermatology and small animal reproductive medicine departments where I was introduced to the world of responsible dog breeding. Unlike in the United States, animal shelters in the Netherlands are not overflowing with dogs, and so the general attitude towards responsibly breeding them is more tolerated and even encouraged. Most male dogs are not neutered, and spaying is usually performed when medically necessary. I found this especially interesting, and it ignited an interest in small animal reproductive medicine that I had not explored before. In their avian and exotics department, I had the opportunity to learn more about disease processes in our feathered and scaly companions. I also worked with many hedgehogs and ferrets, both of which are not allowed in California.
Utrecht University is unique considering it is the only veterinary school in the Netherlands. Access to care can be difficult for people across the country who must travel by car or train with their pets to receive specialized veterinary care. Pet owners were happy to receive care in their native Dutch language but were also friendly and happy to speak English to international students like myself. I will never forget how kind and welcoming everyone was at Utrecht University. Externing at an academic institution similar to UC Davis allowed me to not only learn from world class faculty but share ideas with other veterinary students. The veterinary student comradery is one that transcends borders. One can learn a lot from other institutions, especially those abroad!
