Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Steven Kruzeniski

Steven Kruzeniski

Dr. Steven Kruzeniski, Saskatchewan, Canada

Age:  27

School:  Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 2012

Place of Employment:  Animal Clinic of Regina

Q:  Tell us about yourself and your experience with animals?

A: I have been working in the veterinary field in some capacity since High School. My first exposure to a remote veterinary clinic was in Northern Saskatchewan in Grade 12. I have been volunteering and travelling ever since and have worked on veterinary projects across North America, South America, Africa and the Caribbean.

Q:  What is a fun fact about yourself?

A:  I am a drummer! I have been drumming from a young age and currently play in a couple bands as well as the Saskatchewan Roughriders Drumline.

Q:  What do you love about World Vets?

A:  I love the people I have been able to meet and work with; the volunteers from around the globe and the wonderful community members. I have made lifelong friendship and I have World Vets to thank for that. I also love to be able to provide my services at no charge for people and animals that need it most. There is no better feeling then using your knowledge and skills to help people and animals that are in need. I also love the opportunity to provide the best care we can in less than ideal medical environments. It forces you to think outside of the box and I am always amazed as to what we can come up with as a team.

Q:  What motivates you to volunteer with World Vets?

A:  I really enjoy the teaching aspect of the clinics. I strongly believe that these types of clinics can have a dramatic impact on student education and should have a place in all veterinary curriculums. I have loved working with students at the Latin American Training Center in Nicaragua, and it is always inspiring to see their growth in skills and confidence in just a matter of days.

Q:  What was your favorite World Vets moment?

A:  The moments that really impact me are the ones that display the universal human-animal bond. On my latest trip to Roatan, Honduras I was asked to remove a growth from a dog that was owned by a rough-tough looking farmer. He didn’t speak much but I could tell her cared greatly for this dog. The whole procedure went well but I found out later he waited outside the fence all day to watch his dog as it proceeded through the clinic. He was so relieved when everything was done and almost in tears when he was able to hold his dog again. This type of compassion and care for animals is not always as evident in other cultures, especially with men; but if you know how to look for it, it can always be found.

World Vets simply could not operate without our amazing volunteers and cannot thank them enough.  Click here to join the World Vets volunteer team!