Companion animals need help in all kinds of places. Dr Nicholls discusses how vets and vet students can lend a hand. |
Dr Nicholls and wife Anna with a patient. |
I am from Anniston in
Northeast Alabama (USA) and attended Auburn University.
What prompted you to want to become a vet?
I have always had an
interest in the biological sciences and a fascination with animals: wildlife
and pets.
What is your regular job?
I am one of seven
doctors in a busy 24-hour practice. We see small animal patients - from dogs
and cats to birds, snakes, iguanas.
How did you become a veterinary volunteer?
It really all started
when I read an article in a veterinary journal about the Esther Honey
Foundation (EHF). Volunteering there seemed like an exciting and altruistic
thing to do so I contacted Cathy Sue Anunsen and found out a veterinarian was
needed for a few weeks in the winter of 1996. I "signed up" and my
wife gamely agreed to go along. The experience at EHF was life-changing. The
local Cook Islanders were so friendly, helpful and appreciative.
The EHF is fortunate enough to have a clinic. This photo is an example of a field hospital station from another volunteer spay/neuter program. Knowing what to pack is important! |
Some of the places have
been operational clinics (actual buildings), but I have worked temporary stints
in other places in whatever building, shed, school, etc. was provided; once
even an old jail. Makes volunteering interesting. Countries so far: Costa Rica,
Honduras, Colombia, Nicaragua, Thailand, Panama, Cook Islands.
What do you like about being a volunteer?
The best: the feeling
that you are making a difference.
The camaraderie is also
fun and the feeling that you are, sort of, "a local".
What different skills does a volunteer veterinarian
need?
It's important to have a
broad range of veterinary skills along with good communication skills. But, far
and away, the most important skill is a willingness to adapt and work with what
you have on hand.
What sorts of things do you always pack when you go
on a volunteer mission?
I always take a good
headlamp (200 lumens with rechargeable battery) for surgery and a pair of good
needle holders. A vial of surgical glue often comes in handy too.
Now, I also always take
gigli wire in addition to a special Gerber knife after a volunteer stint in
Nicaragua in which I had to amputate the hindlimb of a pet dog. The dog was
brought in to our sterilization clinic with a severe fracture and vascular
injury to her distal tibia / paw. We had no gigli wire, no bone saw. So, I used
the serrated edge of a Gerber knife to saw through the femur while 12
Nicaraguan children watched. Fortunately, the dog did fine. I received followup
photos 6 weeks post-op and she was managing well on three legs.
Which have been your favourite places to volunteer
and why?
Esther Honey runs a
model clinic to me and I am very comfortable there.
Also - Phangan Animal
Care in Koh Phangan, Thailand, because of the friendly and helpful staff.
Volunteering can be hard work, the hours are long and the patients don't stop needed help. But it often offers unique opportunities to recharge. |
Those who can't go can
always be "a connector" - spreading the word about the good
organizations that are out there.
Another way to help:
Helping to collect supplies (for example, extra suture or bandage material) is
often needed by non-profit groups. Couriers can sometimes be found to take
these supplies.
Finding a sponsor would
be a way to overcome the financial obstacle for a vet student or young
veterinarian.
Thank you Dr Nicholls for your time!
Thank you Dr Nicholls for your time!