Four Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture participated in the Virtual International Student Exchange (VISE) program organized by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Brawijaya, Indonesia from September 4 to October 30, 2021. Second-year DVM proper students Kim Paula P. Cardona, Dana Mae F. San Andres, Jonas N. Fernandez, and Ace DL. San Carlos was chosen to participate in the said program.
The two-month-long event aimed to strengthen the partnerships and collaborations between veterinary schools from various countries in Asia. A total of 181 students from 13 Veterinary Education Establishments in Asia participated in the VISE.
Exchange students gained many lessons from the VISE program through the online visiting professors. Eight lecturers from different universities around the world conducted a lecture series in their respective specialties such as anatomy, pathology, surgery, parasitology, virology, immunology, animal nutrition, microbiology, and epidemiology. The event also featured the 2nd International Conference on Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine for Students (ICAVETS) with the theme, “Student Innovation on One Health for Human, Animal, and Environmental Post-Pandemic Covid-19 Life Recovery”.
The delegates had an opportunity to learn the most recent innovations, trends, concerns, practical challenges encountered, and solutions adopted in the fields of One Health. Aside from the ICAVETS, the delegates also participated in the 4th International Conference on One Health (4th ICOH) wherein global experts discussed the economic impact of pandemics on education, emerging and re-emerging diseases, animal welfare, antimicrobial resistance, and more. Since the exchange program is purely online, the organizers prepared a virtual tour for the delegates to learn advanced artificial insemination through the Singosari National Artificial Insemination Center. Showing pure Bicolano talent, the CBSUA delegates placed as one of the six finalists during the Multinational Cultural Gathering with their entry entitled, “Philippines – Storytelling, and Art: Daragang Magayon”.
Overall, the participants learned both practical and theoretical experiences, connecting with animal experts and veterinary students worldwide and gaining more insight into the life of a veterinarian. During the closing program, delegates had a chance to share their impressions on the VISE Program. Also, Dr. Ilene B, Mirabeles is one of the Deans that shared her gratitude to the organizers for inviting CBSUA to the event.
(Written by the CBSUA delegates)
