My Veterinary Journey: Guided by Passion and Supported by Sponsorship from V-Tech
Dr Leratho Nedzanani
My name is Lerato, also known as Dr Nedz, I’m a Veterinarian, originally from Polokwane Limpopo and currently doing my Compulsory Community Service year in Cape Town. I consider myself highly ambitious and hungry for knowledge. I have a special interest in Veterinary public health and welfare. I enjoy travelling, hiking and coffee. I’ve always been a small girl with big dreams, saving the world one puppy at a time…
With an unwavering passion for animal welfare and an insatiable curiosity for the complexities of veterinary medicine, I embarked on my journey as a Veterinary Science student at the University of Pretoria. Driven by an ardent desire to make a positive impact on the lives of animals, my aspirations soared towards becoming the Director of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
This pursuit was, and still is, fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to improving the well-being of communities, particularly those in rural areas of South Africa with limited access to veterinary services and facing One-Health-related challenges.
In June 2023, an incredible opportunity presented itself when I was selected for an exchange program in the Netherlands. V-Tech, the leading veterinary compounding pharmacy in South Africa, generously contributed to my journey.
This exchange program, a collaboration between the University of Utrecht and the University of Pretoria, was a dream come true, providing me with the invaluable chance to deepen my knowledge of veterinary public health and gain profound insights into the Dutch veterinary system. Not only did I improve my Veterinary knowledge, but I was also exposed to a different way of life and made international friendships.
The five-week exchange program was an enriching experience that broadened my perspectives and solidified my commitment to the veterinary industry. During our time in the Netherlands, we visited various abattoirs, gaining valuable insights into the country’s
stringent food quality and safety standards. We also engaged with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, learning about animal welfare control, disease outbreak management, and import, export, and transport regulations.
Upon returning to South Africa, the exchange program continued with a focus on transboundary disease control. State veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) generously shared their expertise on the current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) status in South Africa, its impact on trade, and the global implications of avian influenza.
V-Tech played a pivotal role in organising my CCS week in Cape Town, facilitating a series of enriching experiences that broadened my understanding of the veterinary profession. My itinerary included a visit to the State Veterinary Office in Elsenburg, where I gained insights into the intricate workings of animal disease control and public health initiatives.
Additionally, I immersed myself in the compassionate world of animal welfare at the dedicated organisation in Khayelitsha, witnessing firsthand the dedication and expertise of their team in alleviating animal suffering. These diverse encounters provided me with an invaluable perspective on the multifaceted nature of veterinary practice, highlighting the profound impact veterinarians have on animal health, public health, and the well-being of communities.
My academic journey was further enriched by an internship week at V-Tech, where I delved into the fascinating pharmaceutical aspects of veterinary science.
During this week, I was warmly introduced to the V-Tech team and gained firsthand experience in the compounding process, learning about the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and its dedication to providing customised pharmaceutical solutions for animal patients.
Veterinary compounding is the personalised creation of medications tailored to the unique needs of individual animals, addressing their specific requirements and ensuring optimal treatment outcomes. This specialised practice involves meticulously tailoring dosages, application forms, and flavours to enhance medication palatability, improve compliance, and minimise adverse effects. V-Tech, the leading veterinary compounding pharmacy in South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of compounding services, encompassing the preparation of oral, topical, injectable, ophthalmic, and otologic medications. V-Tech’s unwavering commitment to quality is evident in its fully digital state-of-the-art facility with processes following GMP principles and the team of highly experienced pharmacists, veterinarians and support staff. V Tech’s contributions to the veterinary industry in South Africa are extraordinary and have significantly increased the availability of veterinary medicines; further, V-Tech is contributing to the continuous improvement of the veterinarian’s ability to give the optimal treatment to their patients due to the availability of top-quality compounded medicines. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive unwavering support from companies like V-Tech, whose sponsorship opportunities have opened doors and expanded my horizons. I’m incredibly grateful for their generosity and the profound impact they’ve had on my professional development.
As I look towards the future, I’m filled with excitement to continue pursuing my passion for veterinary public health and making a positive contribution to the animal welfare sector. I wholeheartedly encourage aspiring veterinarians to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and to actively seek out opportunities that can enhance their learning experiences.
I invite you to follow my journey with V-Tech on their social media platforms and stay tuned for more updates on my veterinary adventures. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, and people living in rural areas and contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world.
v