By Lily Rutherford

The University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) is pursuing global engagement on a level different than ever before. With multiple international experiences available to students and emphasis placed on veterinary medicine around the world, the college has its sights set on a future abroad.

The Galapagos, Belize and Argentina are only some of the places UTCVM has helped its students reach, and with goals of continually increasing the number of those studying abroad each year, this list will only expand.

University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine students engaging in global experiences

Each program to a new place, every student that has a new experience in vet medicine, makes a greater impact. Elizabeth Wagner, a second-year veterinary student at UTCVM, traveled to the Galapagos this January. She had so much to say about her time there.

“Some highlights of my trip were performing my first surgeries, including spays and neuters of local dogs and cats, visiting two local animal shelters and completing physical exams on the animals there. I also enjoyed spending time meeting local people, trying new foods and swimming at the beaches.”

For Wagner, this program not only allowed her to gain hands-on experience with surgery, but also helped her learn more about the different aspects of patient care in a country apart from the U.S.

Claire Yolitz, another second-year veterinary student, had similar experiences on the trip.

Yolitz expressed her thankfulness for the opportunities she had, and said, “It was amazing to be able to provide low-cost veterinary medical care to the community and get to perform physical exams on all fifty of the dogs at the shelter we visited.” 

Marcy Souza, professor and associate dean of UTCVM, offered her view on the importance of global engagement, especially for trips like this one. “Global engagement gives us the opportunity to get outside of our bubble on campus. So often when we teach our students, they get the absolute best options for our clients, and once they get into practice, that is typically not actually how it works.” 

This reality makes the availability and accessibility of global opportunities for UTCVM students even more important. Exposure to situations in places outside their comfort zone can make a significant difference in the service and care students will be equipped to provide as professionals. International opportunities also offer vet students the potential to learn from countless different professionals with wide arrays of experience.

When reflecting on her travels, Wagner said, “Studying in the Galapagos was special because many diseases and conditions that the animals get there are different from what our patients in the U.S. have, so it was interesting to see how people treat and provide care for the animals there.” 

Similarly, Yolitz felt, “The ecology in the Galapagos Islands is incomparable to anywhere else. I grew as a person and a student doctor. This trip took a lot of courage, patience, willingness to learn as well as an adventurous attitude.”

As Souza said, this trip allowed students like Wagner and Yolitz to get into real life practice and experience what it was like not having all the same options they’d been taught about at home. It created a learning environment nonexistent anywhere else.

Programs like this one are phenomenal parts of UTCVM’s international opportunities, but they are not the only ones. When thinking about the future, Souza expanded on a level beyond programming that only focuses on students. 

“Our faculty and staff have already been excellent ambassadors for the state of Tennessee as well as the United States through different international faculty exchange programs, where they would mentor veterinary educators from other countries. Those experiences have motivated us to keep growing and pursuing global opportunities.”

Programs like these help the wellbeing of patients, create a stronger global community within vet medicine and expand research. They also leave an important impact on students’ lives.

In summary, both students who shared their experiences traveling on this program to the Galapagos felt they learned much for their futures and careers.

Wagner said, “I am so thankful for this experience that allowed me to combine my love for veterinary medicine, international travel and creating relationships with new people. This trip not only furthered my education, but it has positively impacted me as a person, and I am grateful for the memories that I made while in the Galapagos Islands.”

Yolitz added, “This trip is a wonderful opportunity for veterinary students, and everyone interested should apply!”

Hear it here first: international engagement has the power to change lives and UTCVM is only beginning to grow their global engagement.