Experiences

Submitted by Heather Sayles, Michigan State University

This past summer, I had the privilege of working with wildlife in South Africa with Live4Now Wild Vets. My time abroad an incredibly formative and eye-opening experience that deepened both my clinical skills and my appreciation for conservation medicine. Having the opportunity to work directly with species so different from those I typically encounter in small animal or domestic animal practice was both challenging and rewarding.

One of the most striking aspects of the experience was seeing firsthand the intersection between veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem health. Every procedure—whether setting a live trap for a nuisance crocodile, herding zebra for transport, or performing mite washes on snakes — was not just about the individual animal, but about protecting biodiversity and maintaining balance within a fragile ecosystem. This perspective emphasized the global importance of veterinary medicine beyond traditional practice.

Clinically, I gained invaluable hands-on skills in areas such as chemical immobilization, field anesthesia, and remote darting techniques, as well as practical problem-solving in resource-limited and unpredictable field conditions. I also strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, remain calm under pressure, and collaborate effectively within a diverse, interdisciplinary team that included veterinarians, wildlife rangers, and conservationists.

On a personal level, the externship was deeply inspiring. Witnessing the dedication of the professionals working tirelessly to protect endangered species and combat threats such as poaching and habitat loss reinforced my own commitment to using veterinary medicine as a tool for conservation and animal welfare. It also broadened my cultural perspective, as working alongside South African colleagues and community members provided a richer understanding of the social and economic dimensions of wildlife health.

Overall, this externship expanded not only my technical knowledge and clinical competency but also my vision of what it means to be a veterinarian. I left South Africa with a renewed passion for wildlife medicine and conservation, and with a stronger sense of responsibility to contribute to One Health initiatives that connect animal, human, and environmental health on a global scale.