FECAVA Laboklin Travel scholarship 2018: Armenian vets visit Estonia

The 2017 FECAVA Laboklin Travel scholarship was awarded to two young companion animal practitioners from Armenia, Syuzanna Arakelyan and Samvel Ter-Avetisyan. Here is a short report of their trip to Estonia.

From February 17 to March 4 we were able to benefit from practical training for veterinarians in the frame of the FECAVA Laboklin Travel Scholarship. During our trip we had the opportunity to get familiar with new culture, mentality, traditions of one of the famous old universities in Northern Europe.

We also had wonderful possibility to learn and gain professional knowledge, comprehend new approaches during performing surgical procedures and discuss some important issues in the therapeutic treatment of patients suffering from ophthalmological, dermatological problems as well as infections.’

Syuzanna and Samvel spent 10 hours every day at the Small Animal Clinic of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences in Tartu. ‘The clinic is equipped with modern equipment, we found the approaches in patients’ examination interesting, we saw some operations on the eyes performed by Andzela Lethla, head of the Small Animal Clinic, and learned much from her. It was interesting to discuss dermatological problems with Liisi Kulasalu, and dermatological signs of Cushing’s syndrome.’ They also watched many operations, including neutering, pyometra, bowel surgery and treatment approaches to infections.

They also did some sightseeing, in spite of the cold (20-30 below zero!). ‘We saw the old part of Tallinn, the medieval city of Northern Europe in Gothic Architectural Style, with narrow, winding cobblestone streets and Gothic spires. We walked along these streets, Peak street, the longest in the old town, and visited a small café there. We also admired Tallinn town hall, St. Nicholas Church, St. Olav’s Church, Town Pharmacy – all fascinating and unique. We have become addicted to this well-preserved architecture,’ they add.

‘We also tasted some national dishes, with fish (herring), potatoes, as well as ‘kringel’, a sweet yeast bread flavoured with cardamom.’

For those intending to visit Tallinn next June, they advise to visit ‘cosy cafés with a warm atmosphere,’ and of course to visit the clinic if possible. In fact, ‘any meeting with colleagues is very useful and desirable!

Click here for more information on a FECAVA Laboklin Travel Scholarship.

 

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