UCD Vet Students Attend IVSA Global Congress
Two UCD Vet students, Trinity Dockery (4th Year MVB) and James Caligiuri (2nd Year Grad Entry MVB) recently attended the 71st annual International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) Global congress in São Paulo, Brazil. IVSA is a non-profit organisation co-ordinated by volunteer veterinary students. The association was founded in Denmark in 1953 and its mission is to 'benefit the animals and people of the world by harnessing the potential and dedication of veterinary students to promote the international application of veterinary skills, education and knowledge.' Trinity and James attended as representatives of IVSA Ireland which is the national member organisation and local chapter for our students since 2020. Trinity is the current President of IVSA Ireland.
Congress follows a specific agenda with a particular number of hours dedicated to general assemblies, lectures and social activities. Trinity attended lectures in Nutrition while James followed talks on Novel Techniques in Veterinary Medicine. The delegates also enjoyed an immersive culture night when each country provided native food and drink and IVSA Ireland teamed up with IVSA UK to give out samples of tea and Guinness. Delegates also had a chance to visit the Zoo, a Buffalo Farm or an Equine Hospital. (Trinity and James pictured (middle left & right) with delegates at the IVSA Global Congress)
Both Trinity and James ran for the position of Secretary General on the IVSA Executive Committee. At the end of a nail-biting process, James was announced to now hold this position on the executive board. Trinity still has an active role in the organisation's Secretariat.
At the end of the Congress, Trinity and James left Brazil with more tools to apply to our local IVSA chapter. They were inspired by the dedication of global members and the hard work of the organising committee. They also built many connections, on behalf of IVSA Ireland, within the IVSA Executive Committee and other National Member Organisations. (Pictured, right: Delegates on the final day of the IVSA Global Congress)
IVSA Ireland is supported by the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine and Hill’s Nutrition.
For more information on IVSA, please see their website: (opens in a new window)www.ivsa.org