My two-week externship with Amici Cannis, a small animal hospital in Cotacachi, Ecuador, which provides free sterilization and veterinary care for street dogs, low-cost sterilization for pets of families in need, and high-quality veterinary care for the surrounding area, was, without exaggeration, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Not only did I receive valuable surgical training in spay/neuter that will serve me throughout my career, but I also participated in community medicine in a different culture, gaining perspective that has made a lasting impact on me and shaped my career goals.

During my time at Amici Cannis, I performed 25 surgeries over seven surgery days; of these, 16 were dog spays.

I also performed two cat spays, two dog neuters, and five cat neuters.

Prior to Amici Cannis, my surgical experience was during my clinical rotations at Tufts at T…