While many classmates compete for internships, jobs at specialty clinics, and general practice in the states after graduation, I decided to journey to New Zealand. Although the reasons are many, the idea to travel and learn while helping out a country lacking mixed animal veterinarians was my main basis. It is becoming very common in the states for vets to become involved in very small aspects of our profession and specialize. I believe this helps raise the level of medicine while giving clients more options with their pets. However, I hoped to learn as much as possible with a variety of species before deciding and settling in my specific area. With the novelty of James Herriot in the back of my head, and a Kiwi professor in the states, Dr. Tessa Marshall, I was fortunate to land a one year position at VetEnt.

Three months into my Kiwi experience, I could not be more grateful for the opportunities that VetEnt has provided me. The other vets and staff have been unbelievably patient and helpful with me as I work through cases. There have been many times that I have asked for a senior vet to come provide advice or a second opinion out on farm, and I have never received anything but a welcoming hand. In similar respect, the farmers have been patient and helpful with myself regardless of the fact that I am a new graduate and foreigner.  In all honestly, I have felt more support in my learning here than anywhere I have ever been.

Although I feel that there is so much to offer in New Zealand and VetEnt specifically, there have been some mild obstacles and growing pains initially. Some obstacles include: converting to Celsius from Farenheight when my last American thermometer broke, driving on the left side of the road (truck has ended up in a few ditches, but no major damage ), understanding Kiwi expressions and accents, transporting my dog overseas (very possible but includes many headaches, blood tests, finances, and a 30 day quarantine sentence), and leaving behind loving family, friends,  weddings, and summer (long hard Illinois winter straight into wet, cold New Zealand winter). As you read my drawbacks, it is quite obvious that there are minimal negatives to the actual clinic or New Zealand.

The medicine itself is very comparable to that in the States. Literally every aspect of my large animal base has improved since arriving. Some specific skills that I have either learned outright or improved upon include; how to cast a cow, untwist a uterus (manually or rolling), perform C-Section, replace uterine prolapses, perform fetotomies, and perform a proper physical and lameness exam. I am gaining confidence with the help of our Dairy Team Leader and mastitis specialist, Adrian Joe, into how to effectively prevent and minimize mastitis outbreaks. From a palpation standpoint, there will be plenty of opportunity as the non-cycling and pregnancy checks will begin in the next few months. Relative to small animal and sheep medicine, there are many options at our clinic and the surrounding branches that I plan on helping with as the calving season slows. 

Contrary to popular belief, it is not all work here in New Zealand. Te Awamutu is a wonderful little town that is very centrally located on North Island. In under two hours, one could drive to Auckland, Raglan (main surfing beach), both the east and west coasts, ski fields at Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, hot springs at Rotorua, or Waitoma caves.

I could not recommend a more helpful, professional clinic than VetEnt and am happy to help with any questions to those interested in travelling and working in New Zealand. 

Sincerely, Jeff Gerlesits