Vet Student Look Back at Fossil Rim

My name is Matthew Donato, and I am a fourth year veterinary student at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. I have always had a strong passion for zoos and wildlife ever since I can remember. Much of my childhood was spent glued to Animal Planet, trying to soak up all I could about the natural world. Throughout veterinary school, I have been hoping for opportunities where I could get hands-on experience in a facility that housed a variety of wildlife species. One of the veterinarians here at Fossil Rim, Dr. Julie Swenson, had taught an Introduction to Zoological Medicine course during my third year of veterinary school. Enrolling in that course opened my eyes to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and all the amazing animals at this large landscape facility. I was fortunate enough to be able to complete a 6-week preceptorship here, and make lifetime memories over the past few weeks.

The animals and my time with them have been incredible over these last 6-weeks. But even more impactful has been my time with the people. The Animal Care staff have been beyond welcoming of me, answering any questions I have had, and have had such patience as I learned throughout procedures. The connection they have with these animals and the diligence with which they go about their jobs has been incredible to see. Alyssa Roberts, the Veterinary Technician, and Katherine Dunn, the Veterinary technician Intern, have also been a huge help guiding me through technical skills during any and all procedures and I have really appreciated their insight. The three veterinarians at Fossil Rim, Dr. Holly Haefele, Dr. Julie Swenson, and the fellowship veterinarian Dr. Jasmine Sarvi, were instrumental in my time in the preceptorship program. From the conversations in the vehicles on our way to work through cases, to going over zoo veterinary journals, and teaching me the core techniques and aspects of veterinary medicine in a large landscape facility with wildlife, the experience and lessons have been unforgettable. I cannot thank them enough for this dream coming true.

I can now go into the rest of my fourth year of veterinary school with some fantastic experience with me. And even more so, a deeper sense of purpose to pursue the field of zoological veterinary medicine, in the hopes of advocating for education and conservation of these amazing animals like Fossil Rim has done all these years.