Interview with Dr Réka Szeidl, graduate veterinarian
Which country and city did you visit, under what type of scholarship, and how long did the mobility last?
I had the opportunity to study in Stockholm, Sweden, with the help of the Pannónia Scholarship Program. My internship lasted for two months.
What kind of activity did you do (study, research, internship)?
I participated in a postgraduate internship at a private clinic.
Why did you choose this particular place?
As a fourth-year student, I had already spent two weeks at the Solvalla clinic, about 20 minutes from Stockholm. I learned so much during that time that I knew I wanted to return after graduation to further expand my knowledge at a place I already knew to be professionally outstanding. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Sweden several times, and it has become one of my favourite countries. I wanted to experience what everyday life there is like. But honestly – who wouldn’t want to have IKEA meatballs for lunch every day?
What did a typical day look like for you?
In the morning, the veterinarian I was assigned to would pick me up, and we either spent the day at the clinic or drove out to stables in the company car. A large part of the practice focused on trotting horses, a discipline that is incredibly popular in Sweden. Upon arriving at the stables, we discussed with the trainers which horses needed to be examined that day, then got to work. We performed numerous lameness examinations, followed by X-rays and/or ultrasounds of the lame horses – tasks I was often allowed to carry out myself. If necessary, we treated the horses afterwards. Sometimes, we also performed respiratory endoscopies, which I was able to practice independently. Additionally, I took part in scheduled surgeries at the clinic, such as castrations and tie-forward procedures. In the afternoons, I often went running in the nearby beautiful Scandinavian pine forest – a view I could never get enough of.
What was your most inspiring or surprising experience?
A story that’s very dear to me comes to mind. One Monday, instead of visiting a trotting stable, we went to a facility that bred and trained eventing horses – specifically, horses competing internationally as part of the Swedish Olympic team. The owner had concerns about one young horse that kept shaking its head and biting the bit while being ridden, making it difficult to control. We suspected an oral problem, but at first glance, everything looked normal. I then took an X-ray of the horse’s head, and we discovered an extra tooth hidden under the gum line. We removed it through a minor surgical procedure, and the owner was extremely grateful. The next day, my phone pinged – I was tagged in an Instagram post from the stable’s official account. The owner had shared photos of the case, thanking both the Swedish vet and me for our helpful work. It was such a heartwarming moment.
What practical skills or connections did you gain?
I gained an enormous amount of practical knowledge during those two months – something I really needed right after earning my degree. It made starting my career at home much easier and more confident. I also built great professional relationships with the Swedish vets, which is very helpful. If I ever come across a difficult case, an X-ray, or a lab result I’m unsure about, I can send it to them for a second professional opinion.
In one sentence: What did the Pannónia Scholarship give you?
A wealth of experience, knowledge, and unforgettable memories.
Learn more about the Pannónia Scholarship Program: https://univet.hu/en/about/international-relations/pannonia-international-mobility-programme/
Photos: Dr Réka Szeidl