Veterinary Skills in Action Locally and Globally
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Soaring high above the South American landscape is the magnificent Andean Condor, a creature with a wingspan exceeding 10 feet. As the largest raptor in the world, this stunning bird is on the cusp of endangerment. In May, Regan Peercy, a veterinary assistant from Laughery Valley Veterinary Hospital and an incoming senior at Purdue University, had the extraordinary opportunity to not only see a condor, but provide care for one during her trip to Cusco, Peru.
Regan's journey to Peru was part of a veterinary outreach internship with the VAW Global Health Alliances chapter at Purdue. This South American mission allowed a group of students to provide free veterinary care to communities around Cusco and volunteer at a local animal sanctuary and zoo.
"The day we went to the zoo was a truly out-of-body experience,” she said. “I had the pleasure of working with some amazing animals that I may never work with again, and I met some amazing people along the way. Opportunities like this are once-in-a-lifetime, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience and for the people who have helped me believe that I belong in the veterinary field.”
During her time in Cusco, and especially at the zoo, Regan helped care for all kinds of animals, including monkeys, alpacas, bears, and various bird species. Coming from a small animal clinic, this exposure to such a wide range of animals—especially the Andean Condors—was a special experience that significantly influenced her veterinary aspirations.
“Prior to this trip, I had a good amount of clinical experience, but it only applied to one particular setting,” she said. “It was cool to expand my horizons, experience new things, apply my skills on animals I hadn’t worked with before, and learn more about animals I’m interested in working with. It helped me realize how passionate I am and how much I want to work with animals.”
Regan has been with Laughery Valley Veterinary Hospital (LVVH) since 2020, and her hands-on experience as a Veterinary Assistant proved invaluable in Peru. During the clinical days of the trip, the primary goal was to provide essential treatments like vitamin B12 shots, flea medications, and dewormers. However, Regan's expertise allowed her to go further. She was able to teach other students proper animal restraint techniques and how to identify anatomical landmarks. In one instance, she even spotted an early-stage mammary tumor on a dog that might otherwise have been missed (good news: it was benign!).
“My clinical experience helped me significantly. Overall, it allowed me to apply my own knowledge, but also help others and expand their knowledge as well. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to do that,” she said.
Currently majoring in Biology and minoring in Animal Science, Regan is actively applying to veterinary schools, with Purdue as her top choice. She credits LVVH for providing a strong foundation, which makes the prospect of veterinary school less daunting, knowing what clinic work entails. Looking ahead, Regan hopes to work with a diverse range of animals, with a particular interest in wildlife rehabilitation and avian care.
About VAW Global Alliances
VAW Global Health Alliances partners with local initiatives and leaders to enhance communities' access to medical, dental, and veterinary treatment, medication, nutritional security, clean water, and health education. The Purdue University chapter of VAW Global Health Alliances strives to provide rural communities with essential veterinary treatment, medication, and vital nutritional and health education. To witness their impactful work, visit their Instagram profile @vawpurdue.
