Finding his path: Rithashyan’s journey into veterinary medicine

What inspired your path into the veterinary profession? 

Growing up in Sri Lanka, I was surrounded by a remarkable diversity of animals and plant life, which sparked my fascination with wildlife from an early age. After moving to the UK, my passion continued to grow as I spent countless afternoons watching David Attenborough and Steve Backshall, inspiring me to pursue a career where I could work with animals and contribute to their health and welfare. It was during my first clinical work experience at the age of 16 that I truly confirmed my desire to pursue veterinary medicine. Being able to observe the profession firsthand allowed me to appreciate not only the scientific knowledge and clinical skills required, but also the compassion, responsibility and dedication involved in caring for animals.  

What has been the best part of your career so far? 

The AHEMS placements I have undertaken over the two years of my preclinical studies have been a highlight of my journey. Being able to learn about animal husbandry in lectures and then apply this knowledge in real-life settings has been both rewarding and insightful. These placements have helped me appreciate the importance of good husbandry, welfare and care for animals. One of the best placements I completed was at the Horstmann Trust in South Wales. I really enjoyed learning about the husbandry and care of endangered vultures, as well as the important role they play within ecosystems around the world. It was fascinating to see how their health, welfare and conservation are managed in practice and gave me a greater understanding of the challenges faced by endangered species.  

veterinary education. 

And what have been the biggest challenges? 

My biggest challenge in university so far is adjusting to the amount and types of content given throughout the years. Learning from lectures and practicals is one thing but retaining the information and balancing practical tasks has been a learning experience. Although this has been challenging, the experiences I have gained throughout have made me more resilient. It is not about knowing everything immediately but about being willing to learn, adapt and overcome.  

What advice would you offer to someone starting out in the veterinary profession today? 

One piece of advice I would give to someone starting out as a veterinary student, or thinking about applying, is to never give up! There are many different routes to becoming a vet, and there is no single “right” way to do it. Some people take an extra year, or even three, while others switch careers later in life. Some people discover their passion for veterinary medicine while working in a completely different career. Resilience is such an important quality in the veterinary profession, and it starts long before you even enter it. There may be setbacks and moments when things don’t go to plan, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goal.