Yogyakarta, July 27th 2026 — Four students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM), participated in the International Student Exchange program to the Northern Regional Veterinary Healthcare and Learning Centre (Novel), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, from July 6–27, 2026. As part of the student mobility program, the program aims to provide students with academic, cultural, and professional exposure through a learning experience at an overseas partner institution. The program provided the participating students with an opportunity to broaden their clinical experience through direct exposure to a variety of cases and procedures, while gaining a new perspective on veterinary practice in Thailand.
The four students were Fayza Najma Athiya and Siska Nazwa Nur Hamidah, both eighth-semester students, and Annisa Zulfa Maulida Az Zahra and Muhammad Iman Bin Shaharul Akmar, both fourth-semester students. Over the course of three weeks, the students participated in clinical activities across various service units and had the opportunity to directly observe a wide range of cases managed at Novel, including the Emergency Room, General Medicine, Ward, Surgery, Exotic, and Imaging Room. Each rotation offered a different set of experiences and learning opportunities.
The first week consisted of rotations in the Emergency Room (ER) and General Medicine/Outpatient Department (OPD). In the ER, students were introduced to the management of patients requiring immediate attention and intervention. Through these cases, students observed how patients were rapidly assessed through initial examinations, prioritization of care, and monitoring of their responses to treatment. In the OPD, students followed the management of a broader and more comprehensive range of outpatient cases. Activities included observing consultations, history taking, physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and the development of diagnostic and treatment plans.
The next rotation was in the Ward, where students were involved in the care of hospitalized patients, including wound care, intensive patient monitoring, and postoperative rehabilitation. The participants favorite rotation was the Operating Room (OR). Students had the opportunity to follow the entire procedure, from preparation and anesthesia to surgery, and observe a variety of cases, including biopsies, fistula tract removal, lipoma, lymphoma, amputations, perineal hernia, and dorsal laminectomy. Beyond observation, students were also given the opportunity to assist the surgical team during one of the procedures.
The program did not focus solely on dogs and cats, but also provided exposure to the management of exotic animals through the Exotic unit. During this rotation, students encountered a variety of patients, including sulcatas, squirrels, ducks, rabbits, sugar gliders, geckos, and various species of birds. Students also had the opportunity to observe a marsupialization surgery procedure performed on a rabbit. The final rotation took place in the Imaging Room, where students learned about the use and interpretation of ultrasonography as part of the diagnostic process for various clinical cases.
“Participating in the International Student Exchange program at Chiang Mai University, Thailand, has been one of the highlights of my undergraduate journey. Throughout these three weeks, I have learned so much about clinical reasoning, diagnostic approaches, treatment principles, and overall case management. We are truly grateful to everyone at Novel and the CMU Veterinary Medicine for sharing their knowledge, guiding us throughout the program, and helping us adapt to a new environment. We would also like to express our gratitude to FVM UGM for giving us this valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and gain international clinical experience,” said Fayza, one of the participating students.
For the participants, this exchange program was not only an opportunity to gain additional experience in clinical case management, but also a valuable learning experience in adapting to a new environment, communicating in an international setting, and viewing veterinary practice from a broader perspective. Through this experience, the four students hope that the knowledge and skills gained during their time at Chiang Mai University will serve as a foundation for continuously developing their competencies and broadening their perspectives as future veterinarians.
This activity supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
