As veterinarians, we can often lead very stressful lives. It is hard to step away and get perspective and find relaxation, to remember why we wanted this career. Have you ever considered participating in a volunteer veterinary trip? What about mentoring a student? What about doing both in a developing country?
You may be asking, “How will mentoring a student on a volunteer veterinary trip in a developing country decrease my stress?!” If you have never participated in a volunteer veterinary trip or traveled to a developing country, the secret is this: it is rejuvenating. This work helps puts into perspective the problems we are stressed about at home and the problems others in the world face.
Through your skills, you will tangibly decrease suffering and you will see the good you can do with limited resources. To top it off, it is rewarding to help future veterinarians develop essential skills, both clinically and in life.
Provide alumni who are primarily based in the U.S. an opportunity to travel to and work with service organizations in foreign countries, thereby enhancing the veterinary care in resource-poor areas and providing alumni an opportunity to make an impact in a short one or two week time frame
Provide students informal mentorship with a Tufts alum on neutral ground while gaining an understanding of a new culture and an appreciation for the medical resources we have at home
Improve the surgical and clinical competency of our veterinary students by increasing opportunities for practicing primary care
Provide avenues for alumni to help develop/participate in student research projects and make a positive impact in the diagnostics and treatment of at-risk populations
Amici Cannis is a small animal hospital in Cotacachi, Ecuador which provides free sterilization and veterinary care for the street dogs of Cotacachi, low cost sterilization for pets of families in need, and high-quality veterinary care of the surrounding area. Students will develop their surgical skills, mentored by an alum, as they aid in controlling the street dog population.
Mara North Conservancy Dog Project, based in Kenya, is a project of the Karen Blixen Camp Trust. The goal of this project is to establish a sustainable population of healthy guard dogs in a fragile ecosystem; investigate its longterm effect on wildlife; and improve its coexistence with the increasing human population. Students will enhance their clinical skills by conducting canine castrations and spays as well as performing vaccinations and health checks.
All Creatures Great and Small, an animal sanctuary located outside of Delhi, India, is refuge to injured large and small animals. Students will gain experience in shelter medicine, working with limited resources, and prioritizing medical needs. Miscellaneous surgical procedures will be conducted.
Checks payable to Trustees of Tufts College. In the memo section write "International Alumni-Student Service Program."