Mandy Chan - Taiwan
This summer, I traveled to Taiwan for my veterinary clinical externship, rotating through the departments of Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Exotics, Surgery, and Internal Medicine at NTU’s veterinary hospital. In rehabilitation, I observed acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and Chinese herbal medicine as common treatment options for geriatric or cancer patients with chronic pain. These integrative approaches highlighted how Eastern and Western practices can complement each other in veterinary medicine.
The Exotics department was a fascinating experience, where I encountered patients ranging from ducks, chickens, and parrots to groundhogs and even deer—one of which I got to pet for the first time. I practiced microscopy, refined my handling skills, and placed my first IM pin in a bird cadaver. In Surgery, I learned that the department encompasses not only everything that involves anesthesia, but also ophthalmology, neurology, and ENT cases, and I had the rare opportunity to observe a canine pelvic limb amputation. Internal Medicine exposed me to a wide variety of cases, from cardiology to oncology, where ultrasound was used extensively. I also joined NTU students in their weekly online classes, gaining insight into their academic training.
Beyond clinical skills, this externship opened my eyes to cultural differences in veterinary medicine. Taiwanese students complete their training at a younger age, study in English but practice in Mandarin, and work in a society where euthanasia is rarely performed due to cultural and religious influences. Meeting students from Taiwan and Thailand deepened my appreciation for the global nature of veterinary medicine. Immersing myself in a Mandarin-speaking environment also challenged me to expand my medical vocabulary, and I’m proud to say my professional Mandarin has improved significantly.
Outside the hospital, I reconnected with family and friends, explored Taiwan, and indulged in Taiwanese food and boba. Although I was born there, I never truly felt Taiwanese until this experience gave me a deeper connection to the culture and people. This externship was not only academically rewarding but also personally transformative, leaving an unforgettable mark on both my veterinary journey and my sense of identity.
