Jacqueline Tong

What appealed to you about the 2+1+1 degree structure offered by HKU in partnership with the R(D)SVS?

When I graduated from secondary education, there was no local vet school in Hong Kong unfortunately. The partnership programme between HKU and R(D)SVS seemed to be a good alternative in order to pursue veterinary medicine. By having a science research degree and veterinary medicine degree, I have more career path options. For instance, the research skills developed in biomedical sciences can be applied in the veterinary research field.  

What stands out in your mind from your experience at Edinburgh and studying Veterinary Medicine for a year?  

It would be the lambing placement during Easter. A part from getting lots of hands-on experience in sheep husbandry and assisted lambing, it was my first time living with the farmers and having the opportunity to chat with them. It was hard to describe the satisfaction when I successfully assisted in lambing for the first time, and both ewe and lamb were safe and healthy afterward. I could never find the same experience in Hong Kong as it is difficult to find farm placements there. 

Did Edinburgh become your home away from home?

Definitely. I have been volunteering in a convent since November 2018 to help underprivileged people by providing meals and support. I feel like I am part of the Edinburgh community. The experience has been extremely rewarding and I have been able to expand my social network.  

How did your year at the R(D)SVS contribute to your overall degree?

I got exposure to different sectors of the veterinary profession, and I developed an interest in public health and zoonosis during the year in R(D)SVS. I was inspired and later worked on zoonotic coronavirus in various animals in my final year research project for my Biomedical Sciences degree. I may continue exploring in this field in the future. 

What made you decide to return to R(D)SVS to complete the Graduate Entry Programme (GEP)?

Being a veterinarian is my life-goal and so I decided to return to Edinburgh when I started the programme. As one of the top vet schools worldwide, R(D)SVS has excellent teaching facilities to support student learning. But more importantly, I greatly appreciated that the lecturers and clinicians teach willingly. I believe that the veterinary medicine here is taught at extremely high standards. 

If you could offer some advice to fellow students thinking about joining the same programme, what would it be?

It would be nice if students acquire some animal-handling experiences beforehand, such as volunteering or veterinary shadowing. These experiences help them prepare for the application process. It can be challenging to find these experiences as they can be fully booked over Christmas and summer, so I suggest the students plan them early and in advance. The experience is also helpful for the students to have a deeper understanding of this profession, and prepare (physically and mentally) for studying and being on placement – both are enjoyable but can also be stressful. 

How would you rate the staff support?

11 out of 10. The staff is always helpful and supportive. They do listen to our worries and make their best efforts to help us solve the problems.