Producing Namibia’s future veterinarians

Mariselle Stofberg Situated on the farm Neudamm 30 km east of Windhoek, the University of Namibia’s (Unam) School of Veterinary Medicine offers state-of-the-art equipment, qualified and experienced lecturers and a truly unique learning environment. Students have the opportunity to receive a balance between practical and theoretical work, with opportunities for one-on-one interactions with lecturers, to the benefit of about 112 students registered at the campus. The school was approved by the Unam senate in September 2015 and offers two courses: a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a Diploma in Animal Health. The purpose of this programme is to provide Namibia with veterinary science graduates who are competent in both the theoretical and practical aspects of veterinary medicine.The six-year degree course starts with one semester at the Unam main campus in Windhoek, where basic sciences such as biology, physics and mathematics are covered while giving students their first taste of veterinary studies. After successfully completing the first semester, students transfer to the Neudamm campus where they start veterinary studies in earnest.The sixth and final year of this degree is an internship, as well as completing rotations at abattoirs, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, game reserves and private and state veterinary clinics.“The school has absolutely exceeded my expectations. Everything is state of the art and the balance between practical exposure in working with animals and theory is exceptional. The school offers students the opportunity to get first-hand experience in working with animals. I think this will be the way forward and offers students the opportunity to receive a quality qualification in their own country,” said Nina Bridgens-Foerster, a veterinary nurse who recently joined the team at the Neudamm Campus. “The range of facilities, the animals on site and the variety of animals from wild animals to domestic animals truly offers a unique tertiary experience,” Bridgens-Foerster added. Dr Mari de Villiers is one of the schools’ lecturers who specialises in exotic animals and hopes to assist future veterinarians to ensure the proper nourishment of animals, especially exotic pets.“I have really enjoyed teaching the students and sharing my passion and knowledge at the school. At the school I’m able to help to send out qualified veterinarians who are specialised in exotic animals, and that makes me truly excited.”A sixth-year student, Natasha Bornman, urges prospective students to understand that this course is not just open to those who perform well academically.“This course showed me that you don’t necessarily have to be the best academically to become a veterinarian, but good grades are important for your acceptance into the programme. It has showed me that you need to be an extremely hard worker and have a passion for animals, because anything you do that is done with passion, is always worth it in the end,” Bornman added. Dr Alaster Samkange, the HOD of production animal clinical studies and the acting deputy associate dean of the school, emphasised the great contribution of the school towards the meat industry of Namibia. “Our school greatly benefits the meat industry and the exports of our meat to other countries, because we are able produce veterinarians who are competent and will ensure the health of our animals countrywide,” Samkange added. “My passion for imparting knowledge to others has always played an important role in my life and being able to impart my knowledge to our students is such a privilege. Seeing new veterinarians being cultivated and produced by the school plays such an important role in the health of our country’s animals,” said Dr Vimanuka Mutjavikua, a veterinarian clinician and lecturer at the department of production animal clinical studies. CaptionsPhoto 1: Nina Bridgens-Foerster, a veterinary nurse who recently joined the team at the Neudamm Campus, with one of the orphaned goats she and her team are attending to. Photo 2: A sixth-year student, Natasha Bornman, during one of her practical rotations. SPhoto 3: The team at the Unam School of Veterinary Medicine. PHOTOS MARISELLE STOFBERG

Producing Namibia’s future veterinarians

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Republikein 2025-11-04

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Producing Namibia’s future veterinarians

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