Estonian University of Life Sciences Equine Clinic internship: a launchpad for Europe’s emerging veterinary talent

Dr. Katarzyna Kuc, a veterinarian from Poland (Figure 2), joined the EMÜ Equine Clinic internship program in 2023. Her connection to EMÜ began earlier during her studies, when she spent an Erasmus+ exchange at the clinic—a formative experience that inspired her to return for more in-depth clinical training. During her 14-month rotating internship, Dr. Kuc was actively involved in all aspects of patient care, from routine procedures to critical emergencies. Under the guidance of EMÜ’s senior clinicians, she made rapid progress in both clinical knowledge and technical skills. By the end of her internship, she was independently managing equine emergency cases in both the hospital and ambulatory settings—a testament to her growth, determination, and the strength of the program’s hands-on training approach. Her internship also included an externship at the University of Ghent Equine Hospital in Belgium. Dr. Kuc's professional development and growing interest in surgery led her to pursue a second internship at the University of Helsinki Equine Hospital. 

Dr. Julia Linek, a veterinary graduate from Poland (Figure 3), began building her connection with EMÜ Equine Clinic during her studies through two independent Erasmus+ exchanges, including a full final-year clinical rotation in Tartu. These early experiences sparked her passion for equine surgery and solidified her decision to pursue further clinical training at EMÜ. In 2024, Dr. Linek commenced a 16-month internship at the EMÜ Equine Clinic, where she became a key member of the clinical team. Her daily involvement in hospital and field cases significantly enhanced her practical abilities—from handling emergency situations to participating in diagnostic and surgical procedures. Eager to broaden her expertise, she also completed externships at the University of Helsinki Equine Hospital in Finland and Højgård Hestehospital in Denmark, as well as an Erasmus+ clinical visit in Georgia, gaining valuable international experience and exposure to a wide range of clinical approaches. Dr. Linek's dedication, curiosity, and steady professional development led to her acceptance into a second internship at University College Dublin Equine Hospital.

Dr. Monika Varter, EMÜ graduated from Estonia (Figure 4), began her journey at the EMÜ Equine Clinic as a night nurse. Her commitment and enthusiasm led her to transition into the clinic’s 12-month internship program in 2024. Throughout her internship, Dr. Varter demonstrated a strong drive to expand her clinical knowledge and skills, particularly in the field of equine surgery. She actively pursued additional training opportunities, completing externships at De Morette Equine Hospital in Belgium and Højgård Hestehospital in Denmark. She also took part in an Erasmus+ clinical visit in Georgia, further broadening her international perspective and adaptability in diverse clinical settings. Her focused dedication to surgery and her growing clinical proficiency have now earned her a place as an intern at the University of Edinburgh Equine Hospital.

Dr. Veera Koponen, EMÜ graduated from Finland, Dr. Monika Ungurytė from Lithuania and Dr. Míša Brokešová from Czech Republic are the last 3 incorporations at the program and looking forward for further development in their careers. 

Whether their interests lie in surgery, sports medicine, internal medicine, imagenology, anesthesia or general practice, EMÜ provides the foundation to explore these paths. Several interns have also taken part in academic publishing, presented clinical cases, and conducted workshops for veterinary students, further reinforcing the clinic's mission to contribute to veterinary education on multiple levels.

Internship Culture: Mentorship, Growth, and Real Clinical Impact

Interns typically begin with varying levels of clinical experience, but all are united by a shared ambition to become skilled and confident equine practitioners. At EMÜ Equine Clinic, interns benefit from direct mentorship, particularly in areas like internal medicine, emergency care, anesthesia and surgery. Throughout their time in the program, they become integral members of the clinical team (Figure 5), managing hospitalized patients, assisting in surgeries, and providing ambulatory services. Regular case discussions, skill-building sessions, and a supportive teaching environment ensure continuous learning.

By the end of their internships, many participants have progressed from performing basic clinical procedures under supervision to independently handling emergencies both in the hospital and in the field. For several interns, this has led to advanced internships or placements at leading institutions such as the University of Dublin, University of Helsinki and University of Edinburgh. 

From Student to Intern: A Natural Progression

A unique strength of the EMÜ Equine Clinic Internship Program lies in its seamless connection with both EMÜ veterinary students and Erasmus+ exchange participants. All interns accepted into the program so far have first encountered the clinic as students—either through their studies at EMÜ or during Erasmus+ clinical exchanges, from who Karoli Kõiv, Chief Specialist of Foreign Affairs has played a key role. This progression reflects the program’s strong educational environment, where students are welcomed into the clinical team and encouraged to take part in meaningful hands-on experiences. Working alongside interns and senior clinicians provides early exposure to real-world cases, fosters clinical confidence, and allows students to build relationships that often lead to formal internship positions after graduation. For many, their first visit to EMÜ Equine Clinic as a student became the foundation for a long-term professional journey in equine veterinary medicine (Figure 6). 

Looking Ahead

The EMÜ Equine Clinic is now positioned among top-tier equine internship programs in Europe. The clinic remains committed to providing high-quality, mentorship-driven training for young veterinarians seeking a strong start in equine clinical practice. The success stories of past interns stand as proof of what’s possible through the program: a path to growth, specialization, and meaningful contribution to the field of equine veterinary medicine.