Exploring Veterinary Medicine in Costa Rica: A Journey of Discovery and Service
From June 5th to the 11th, Euthabag hosted its first veterinary campaign in Alajuela, Costa Rica. I was lucky to be one of three chosen veterinary students to participate in this unique learning experience.
DAY 1 – May 5th
Arriving from Canada, the warmth of the Ticos (Costa Ricans) was first felt through their country's weather. Very quickly after, we met the pillars of this project, Jorg and Dra. Alejandra Gonzalez, who showed us the most heartwarming welcome throughout our journey. By the evening, Kiran, Julia and I were gathered by the porch of our B&B and chatted all evening, feeling grateful to have the opportunity to share this experience together.
DAY 2 – May 6th
We started our first clinical day early in the morning with a field trip deep in the forest. Our knowledge and abilities were quickly put to the test when stabilizing a dog with a deep and infected leg wound. Although the situation contrasted with what we are typically taught in North American veterinary schools, it was a great reminder of how medicine can make a difference for our patients. Conditions don’t have to be perfect, but it is our responsibility to make them as good as possible.
In the afternoon, Dra. Gonzalez took us to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center Costa Rica, a 100 % Costa Rican non-profit foundation dedicated to conserving the country's wildlife. We met with one of the veterinarians on site to learn more about their mission and spent the whole afternoon exploring the sanctuary.
Fun fact: Costa Rica has more than 500,000 species, making it one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world.
DAY 3 – May 7th
On the second day, we visited a backyard poultry farm in the morning. With our hats and gloves on, we entered the enclosure, trying to capture every chicken and turkey to weigh them and administer an anthelmintic orally. What a crazy experience—trying to outsmart a 4kg turkey… they definitely did not teach us that at school!
Covered in dust and feathers, we returned to the mountains for a calm afternoon. Dra. Gonzalez made us practice different sutures and ligature techniques on a pig trotter in preparation for the next day!
DAY 4 – May 8th
From morning to night, we sterilized many cats and dogs from one of Alajuela's underserved communities. The girls and I worked together to prepare every animal for the next surgery.
DAY 5 – May 9th
This morning started calmer after yesterday’s fully packed day, with only a few sterilizations awaiting us.
In the afternoon, we visited the underserved community from which many pets from yesterday’s campaign came. We followed up on the surgical wounds of our patients and offered basic vaccination and antiparasitic drugs to the other animals of that community. Seeing our profession's direct impact on this community was beautiful.
DAY 6 – May 10th
On our last clinical day, Dra. Gonzalez brought us to one of her colleagues' clinics, which was lost in the deep forested mountains of Costa Rica. There, we learned a new spaying technique for cats through the lateral abdominal wall. Although initially surprising, it was inspiring to see this technique being performed to minimize the risk of complications for animals part of TNR (trap-neuter-release) programs. This was a good reminder that there is knowledge beyond what is taught in school.
DAY 7 – May 11th
The end had arrived, clearly a bit too fast for all of us. One by one, it was our departure time, and once more, Jorg accompanied us back to the airport and wished us a safe departure.
The Euthabag veterinary campaign has been a unique experience. Through this journey, we were challenged to use our clinical knowledge and skills in unfamiliar conditions and to expand our horizons beyond the limits of what we were taught at school. Dra. Gonzalez welcomed us with open arms and never hesitated to share her love for her country, its culture, its biodiversity, and the importance of our role as veterinarians.
Thank you to Dra. Alejandra Gonzalez, Jorg Haecker, Dra. Paula Sanchez, Dra. Iriam Aileen Herrera Maestre, and everyone who contributed to this beautiful adventure.
Thank you to Kiran and Julia for being the best companions. Forever the best three chickies.
In my heart, Costa Rica now feels like a second home. And as the Ticos always say, PURA VIDA!
By Alice Cheng
Student in veterinary medicine,
President of AEMVQ and
Representative of CEACMV Senior.
Win a 7-Day Spay & Neuter Trip to Costa Rica, February 24-30th, 2025!
Calling all passionate USA Vet Team members! Ready to broaden your horizons, enhance your surgical skills and immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural experience? See all details HERE!