At the end of February, world-class small animal orthopedics and neurosurgery expert Professor Dr. Bianca F. Hettlich visited Lithuania. The visit of the internationally recognized specialist, who has 26 years of experience in the fields of small animal neurosurgery and orthopedics, was funded by the MJJ Foundation.
A board-certified veterinarian-surgeon of both the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons, Professor Hettlich shared her priceless experience with Lithuanian veterinary specialists and students in Kaunas. The professor not only shared theoretical and practical knowledge but also captivated the students with her teaching methods—the lectures flew by unnoticed. The lecture topics covered key areas of neurosurgery and orthopedics, such as decision-making processes in treating spinal trauma and intervertebral disc disease, surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, and more.
During the visit, the professor not only gave lectures but also consulted veterinary doctors at the Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic and the Kaunas Animal Hospital, helped resolve complex clinical cases, and participated in two surgeries.
The LSMU (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences) community thanks the Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation for funding the visit. “I cannot express in words my joy that this event could take place and indeed did take place. You should have seen the students’ eyes—they were thrilled by the opportunity to listen to the professor!” shared Ligita Zorgevica-Pockeviča, a veterinary radiologist and lecturer who initiated the professor’s visit and has herself recently returned to Lithuania after completing her residency in Switzerland.
The team at the Kaunas Animal Hospital, which is part of the Dr. Vet clinic network, stated after the practical lecture and consultation that the lecturer was wonderful, possessing extensive experience and a great ability to teach. The doctors received a wealth of useful information and answers to their questions; concrete cases were discussed and analyzed, which will help provide even higher quality care in complex cases of animal trauma.
PD Dr. Bianca Hettlich, expressing her gratitude for the foundation’s grant for her visit, said that her first time in Lithuania fascinated her. “I was impressed by the engagement and enthusiasm of the students and young specialists. In my opinion, all the educational events went very well. We even had a practical opportunity to examine patients together with the doctors! And the half-day spent at the private Kaunas Animal Hospital was also great—what a beautiful, new facility and what great veterinarians running it! I hope to continue active academic exchanges with Ligita and LSMU!”
