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The SoVM program aims to train veterinary professionals to comply both with the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE) Day-one competencies, and the requirements of the Namibian Veterinary Council.
Three postgrad students of the vet school presented their MSc proposals to the Higher Degrees committee this afternoon - well done to Drs Eugene, Salom and Vaino, as well as Dr Junior who joined online. Great research projects coming up - watch this space!
Today our third year students collected Crotalaria specimens for their plant collections. Crotalaria is a toxic plant responsible for an often fatal lung disease commonly known as “jaagsiekte”.
Our 4th year students on a recent field trip as part of their module in Wildlife Clinical Studies were fortunate to get experience with elephant, zebra and wildebeest immobilization. They worked under supervision of Dr Ulf Tubbesing and Dr Mark Jago
Final year students prepping their patients for surgery under the watchful eyes of Prof Stegmann and Dr Sulet
The multihead microscope and Dr Salom hard at work !
We are pleased to welcome a number of interns from DVS to our school, to undergo some practical training.
The Vet School was honored to host His Excellency Pres. Nangolo Mbumba during his recent tour of Neudamm campus.
Our fifth year students in an equine lameness evaluation practical with the patient Enzo, one of our resident geldings.
Our fifth year students in an equine lameness evaluation practical with the patient Enzo, one of our resident geldings.
Final year vet student Anne, assisted by Dr Herbert to treat a patient with a severe mammary wound.
The Namibian chapter of the International veterinary students Association, IVSA, recently attended a career information day at Delta School in Windhoek. We hope that a number of learners were inspired to join us next year!
The Veterinary Academic Hospital is a proud recipient of a brand new electric van, donated by the Welsh Government and Cardiff University through Prof Judith Hall, our Executive Dean. The van is used for the safe transport of sick and injured animals requiring surgery or hospitalization. Pictured above are 2 feline patients with Dr Emilia and Brenden.
The Hon. Deputy Minister of MAWLR, Anna Shiweda, with the newly appointed members of the Namibian Veterinary Council. The SoVM is pleased to have two staff members elected onto the Council by the veterinary profession: Dr Anna Marais (chairperson of Council) and Sr Malaika Loschke, representing veterinary para-professionals. We wish our colleagues tne best of luck!
"Coaching veterinary students toward resilience"
As an executive coach working with veterinary students in Namibia, I step into a container of resilience. Let me share their story—the grit, the financial strain, and the personal battles they wage.
When studying veterinary science, you are confronted with a harsh reality. Getting accepted into vet school is not easy. It starts with the need to demonstrate above-average school performance followed by a competitive screening process. Namibia’s veterinary curriculum is by no means a gentle stream; it’s a relentless river. Students navigate intricate pathways—anatomy, surgery, wildlife, pathology, pharmacology and more — each demanding unwavering focus. Lectures during the morning and practicals in the afternoon. Additional dog duties, horse duties, weekend clinic duties and other responsibilities on Neudamm campus complete the picture. Assignments and exam preparations must be done at night and over weekends. The average day of a vet student easily exceeds 14 hours every weekday.
To make ends meet, at times students balance textbooks and part-time jobs. Financial strain is their constant companion. They stretch their meagre resources, hoping for scholarships or sponsorships to bridge the gap.
As an executive coach working with veterinary students, I step into a world where compassion and crisis intersect. These aspiring healers bear the weight of responsibility—their green coats a canvas for both triumphs and heartaches.
The veterinary profession bears a heavy toll, as veterinarians score amongst the top 10 professions which have an above-average risk for su***de. Students pro-actively need to learn about stress management, compassion fatigue and how to strive for a balanced life.
“Do no harm.” The oath echoes through the clinic corridors. Yet, behind the scenes, students grapple with life-and-death decisions. Lack of understanding by some owners, animal cruelty, or euthanasia, a daily reality for many vets. How do you choose between suffering and release? How do you silence the doubts that haunt the quiet hours?
Long hours in the clinic blur into sleepless nights. Outside, life whirls by — a kaleidoscope of missed birthdays, strained relationships, and forgotten dreams. The student’s phone buzzes with urgent messages, but they dare not answer. The weight of the world rests on their shoulders, and vulnerability feels like betrayal. They carry the pain silently, fearing judgment, fearing weakness.
As an executive coach, I guide veterinary students not only through emotional challenges but also practical ones. We work on study skills — examples include effective notetaking, active learning techniques, and time management strategies. These tools empower them to navigate the demanding curriculum while maintaining balance. Alongside academic support, coaching also focuses on essential life skills. We explore purpose, goal setting, financial management, authenticity, resilience, and healthy conflict management as well as building and maintaining friendships, stakeholder management, the need to set boundaries, and effective communication. These skills empower veterinary students to thrive both in their studies and beyond. Together, we unravel stress knots, learn about mindfulness and healthy habits. We explore emotions—the guilt, the grief, the fragile hope. Sometimes the pain is so raw that all I can do is to whisper, “You are not alone.”
Strategies for Survival
Breathe: Amid chaos, find stillness. Breathe in hope, exhale sorrow.
Boundaries: The clinic door becomes a threshold. When taking off your coat, leave stress behind; embrace life beyond.
Debrief: Share burdens. Tears flow, vulnerability strengthens. Daily journalling and reflection.
Kindness: Compassion heals unseen wounds.
A call to action: Dear reader, next time you encounter a vet or a veterinary student — whether in the clinic or elsewhere—see beyond the stethoscope. Balancing quality care with financial realities in the Namibian veterinary practise remains a delicate challenge. Acknowledge their silent battles. Offer encouragement. Remind them they’re not alone. For within their tired eyes lies a love that keeps the world alive, one heartbeat at a time.
One Health: Veterinarians work collaboratively with multiple disciplines and stakeholders to protect and advance the health and well-being of animals, humans, and ecosystems. Veterinarians work for the direct benefit of the health and welfare of all animals, both for the betterment of the animals themselves and to protect species diversity and ecosystem health; to promote the human-animal bond, which contributes to the emotional and physical wellbeing of both animals and humans; and to advance food security and economic health.
World-wide support for veterinarians: “Not One More Vet” (NOMV) is a powerful movement within the veterinary community. It aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by veterinarians and veterinary students. The profession can be emotionally taxing due to the responsibility of caring for animals, making difficult decisions, and dealing with compassion fatigue. NOMV advocates for mental health support, destigmatisation of seeking help, and fostering a sense of community among veterinary professionals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice or treatment. This article is a work of empathy inspired by the challenges faced by veterinary students. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help.
Written by Birgit Hoffmann
Birgit Hoffmann Executive Coaching
Final year exams are underway and we are preparing to graduate our 5th batch of Namibian trained veterinarians! Best of luck to the class of 23!
The SoVM had the honour of hosting a delegation from the South African Veterinary Council this week. The SAVC toured our Neudamm and Main campus facilities. We look forward to future visits and collaboration!
Thank you to Dr Baby Kaurivi and team for representing the SoVM at a successful open day, attended by hundreds of Namibian learners
Congratulations to our fantastic Equine team and final year students for successful surgery today on a cryptorchid stallion!
Thanks to Lady Pohamba Private Hospital for the very generous and welcome donation of linnen to the UNAM Veterinary Academic Hospital
The UNAM Veterinary Academic Hospital are the proud recipients of an electric vehicle, handed over today by our Vice Chancellor Prof Kenneth Matengu.
Massive thanks to Prof Hall, Cardiff University and the Welsh Government for this donation, which will be used for our after-hours and weekend veterinary services.
Grand Rounds with a difference! Today we learnt about Fear-free handling of animals from Dr Sulet, supported by our partners from the Windhoek SPCA, Dr Shalom and Sylvia. Thanks to Dr Lourens for organizing the event 😊
Wishing 7 of our final year students all the best as they prepare to leave for Onderstepoort, where they will participate in clinical rotations in surgery, equine medicine and pathology!
Many thanks to HILLS and MSD for sponsoring their smart jackets and overalls 🙏🏼
A massive thank you to Vet Aide Vet Shop at Maerua Mall for their generous donation! Our dogs and cats will be very cosy and well nourished in this cold weather 🐕🐈
The Equine Unit of our Veterinary Academic Hospital was privileged to host Dr Annalisa and Dr Fred Barrelet from Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket (the equine capital of the UK). Our students and staff enjoyed two days of brilliantly delivered informative lectures, as well as a practical session with one of the in-patients. Thanks to Dr Ian Baines for organizing, and to Christiane Smith from MSD and SWAVET for the sponsorships.
A patient with a condition known as atresia ani was successfully operated today- job well done to Dr Vimanuka and Dr Jan, with their team of PACS students
It’s exam time! Today the 5th year students wrote theory and practical exams in Production Animal clinical studies. Good luck to all!
Hats off to our clinicians at Neudamm who are available 24 hours a day for emergency cases. Final year students De’Andre and Kristen are assisting Dr Herbert this weekend.
Our 5th year vet students spent a week participating in routine wildlife field work under supervision of Dr Jago, Dr Tubbesing and Dr Amuthitu. Thanks to Africat Foundation Okonjima, and Alex Heinrich photographer.
Over 30% of our surgical cases are orthopedic - too many dogs being hit by cars!
Here Dr Nambinga monitors anaesthesia while our adjunct lecturer Dr Maargraff operates on a stifle joint, and Dr Sulet prepares for the next case assisted by 6th year student Kristen and theatre assistant Julia.
We are thankful to the Robert Koch Institute for an intensive week of training in serology and molecular work. They also donated a number of laboratory consumables for our One Health research projects 🙏🏼
Our foals (Basel and Faiza) are learning fast! First long walk with their moms and the patient grooms today 😊
School Of Veterinary Medicine, Neudamm
Windhoek
10026
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