Ilinca Zarinschi, a tech vet from Cluj, Romania has done her externship at Clinica Veterinara Lago Maggiore, Italy with Dr Luca Formaggini and his amazing team. She will tell us more about this experience:
“How it all started
I had the pleasure to meet Dr. Luba Gancheva for the first time at the Feline Medicine Congress in Bucharest, talking about her amazing project, Vets on the Balkans. I was so impressed I decided to approach her and find out more.
She explained to me that, as veterinary technician, I could improve my knowledge and skills by signing up for her amazing programme and she thought the best option for me might be Clinica Veterinara Lago Maggiore from Dormeletto, Italy.
So, two months later, I was finding myself flying over the Italian Alps not knowing what to expect from this new adventure.
Getting there
I took off from Cluj-Napoca, Romania on the 1st of August.
After a long flight and many delays, I landed on Malpensa Airport. Alberto, one of the nicest vet techs I’ve ever met, was waiting for me. He drove me to the Clinic and then to the Crazy Pub where Dr. Luca, Dr. Sara, Dr. Marta and Dr. Giulia and Dr. Cecilia were waiting for me, with arms wide open. It was such a lovely evening, I could hardly wait for the next day to start!
The clinic and the team
My first impression was that the clinic is well equipped and highly organized. Everyone was really eager to explain and share their knowledge with me, even though there were certain subjects I was not familiar with (like operating the Radiology and CT units).
I was very impressed with the surgical ward, Dr. Luca being one of those doctors that you can learn a lot from, having both the patience and experience to share from.
One thing that I am very grateful for is that they taught me how to preform and epidural, something I don’t get to do everyday.
We had various discussions about protocols regarding anaesthesia, vaccinations, post-op therapy and I learned a lot of useful information, which I already passed on to my colleagues.
A little piece of Italian heaven
During the 12 days I was there, I got the chance to experience a bit of the Italian lifestyle, I travelled to Milan and explored the surrounding area. I fell in love with Italian cuisine and warm summer nights spent with the girls, we shared stories and experiences and the most important part, I got the chance of rediscovering myself and what I was capable of.
Saying goodbye
I was really sad I had to leave, it was the best experience I’ve had abroad, I would love to be able to go back one day and I highly recommend it to everyone who is willing to broaden their horizons.
A big special THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to Luba, who encourages and empowers me everyday, to Dr. Luca and his lovely, amazing team, to Giulia – who is also the best room-mate that anyone could want , to Marta, Sara, Mariangela, Cecilia, Anna, Chiara, and Alberto (Nayra and Nina too). And a big thanks to Pamas Trading, for making this happen, of course. 
Also, I would love to remind you, guys, again, that we have better cannulas but you have prettier pink alcohol, haha.
My best regards and warmest hugs,
Ilinca, “the hybrid” vet tech
