Challenges and Aspirations of a Young Vet from Senegal

Training and Passion:

I completed my veterinary studies in Dakar, where my passion for animals, particularly dogs, was confirmed. From my first year, I chose to specialize in companion animal medicine and surgery, a field in which I completed the majority of my internships, aside from those mandated by the school curriculum.

International Experience:

Due to the absence of certified specialization in companion animal medicine and surgery in Dakar, I pursued internships abroad, notably in Rabat, Bouskoura, and Casablanca in Morocco, as well as in Lyon and Paris in France. I also sought internships in large institutions in Europe and Canada, but these efforts were often unsuccessful due to visa refusals or institutional restrictions.

Veterinary Hospital Centre Project in Dakar:

From my third year of studies, I began developing a project to establish the first veterinary hospital in Dakar. However, several major obstacles stand in the way of its realization:

• Lack of Specialists: In Dakar, there is a significant shortage      of veterinarians specializing in companion animal medicine and surgery.      Among the clinicians I know, only one recent graduate has obtained an      internship in an equine clinic, while many others do not currently practice      in Senegal.

• Lack of Professional Collaboration: In Senegal, it is rare to see      veterinarians working together or employing one another, which limits the      development of shared clinics.

• Recognition and Respect for the      Profession: Veterinarians      are not perceived and respected as they are in other countries, despite      their crucial role.

• Funding and Support: The lack of public or private funding,      combined with general investor skepticism towards this field,      significantly complicates the establishment of a veterinary hospital.

The State of Veterinary Medicine in Senegal:

The perception of pets has evolved with globalization and increased recognition of their importance. However, veterinary medicine in Senegal lacks adequate diagnostic and therapeutic resources. For instance, only three clinics have X-ray facilities, fewer than five offer 24-hour care, and there is no dedicated veterinary emergency service. Additionally, there is no pet insurance system, and the lack of medical resources can sometimes result in the euthanasia of treatable animals.

Absence of Veterinary Specialists in Senegal:

The absence of animal veterinary specialists in Senegal was historically justified by African state policies that prioritized veterinarians' roles in agricultural production to ensure food sovereignty. This has led to a persistent lack of resources for specialization in veterinary medicine and surgery. Today, despite the motivation of young graduates, access to specialization remains difficult for Senegalese veterinarians.

I present my own experience as an example. After obtaining my doctorate, I decided to pursue my dream of establishing a Veterinary Hospital Centre (VHC) in Dakar. To achieve this, I needed to become a specialist recognized by specialist colleges. I explored the possibility of undertaking an internship at French veterinary schools, but this proved impossible as I did not reside in France. Obtaining a visa solely to sit an examination was impractical, and the exams themselves were not adapted to our training level. In fact, imaging and advanced diagnostics for companion animals were not emphasized in our curriculum as they were in French schools.

Since this path was unavailable, I attempted to secure a VHC internship/residency internship, but this required diploma equivalency—a prerequisite even for those willing to finance their specialization. The only remaining option was to obtain this equivalency, but this proved nearly impossible, as one must reside in France for at least five years to apply for naturalization. To enter and remain in France, a valid reason is required. Therefore, during my internship, I sought establishments that could offer me a permanent contract (CDI) as a veterinary assistant (ASV). However, most positions were denied to me, with employers citing a preference for qualified ASVs despite my experience.

Fortunately, the clinic where I interned was willing to hire me and made every effort to secure a work permit. However, this proved impossible because I only held an internship visa. Upon returning to Senegal, we resubmitted the application, but it was rejected, as the company was required to advertise the position for two weeks on recruitment platforms before hiring a non-European candidate, even if the applicant had superior qualifications and experience. Despite these setbacks, I applied for a long-term visa with my employer's support, but this too was denied because I lacked the work permit—a document I had exhausted all avenues to obtain. I appealed with all the necessary evidence, but I have yet to receive a response.

Despite my determination, relying solely on France or other European countries for professional advancement may prevent me from realizing my dream of developing veterinary medicine in Senegal and beyond.

With globalization and the increasing need to train and qualify young professionals worldwide, such barriers should not exist. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to improving veterinary medicine in Senegal, hopeful that global advancements in education and specialization will one day facilitate this process.