Valuable Insights from a World-Class Expert for Future Veterinarians

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and the Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic recently hosted a remarkable event with Dr. Bianca F. Hettlich, a globally renowned expert in small animal trauma and spinal surgery and a diplomatic representative of small animal veterinary surgeons in the U.S. and Europe. The highly respected orthopaedic surgeon and professor of neurosurgery shared invaluable insights with future veterinarians at our University.

From 17 to 21 February, professor Bianca F. Hettlich delivered lectures to the students and residents of Veterinary Medicine, as well as the veterinary doctors at Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic. The lectures on 17 and 18 February also provided a unique opportunity for the veterinary doctors from “Dr. Vet”, LSMU’s social partner, to participate. The visit of the esteemed expert to Lithuania was made possible with financial support from the Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation (JJJ Foundation).

Professor Hettlich’s first lecture at LSMU began with a warm and cheerful welcome from Prof. Rolandas Stankevičius, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This was followed by a brief introduction to the Foundation’s initiatives by Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė, Head of the JJJ Foundation.

Welcoming the Special Guest

“We are delighted to collaborate with such a distinguished specialist and are committed to ensuring that Lithuanian veterinary surgeons have the opportunity to learn from the world’s leading experts.

This will be an exciting week full of valuable experience and inspiring discussions,” said Prof. R. Stankevičius, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, encouraging students to be proactive, engage in discussions, and ask questions to the Professor.

Expertise Built over Decades

Bianca F. Hettlich graduated in Veterinary Medicine in Germany in 1999 before moving to the United States for a rotating internship and specialisation in surgery. In 2015, she relocated to Switzerland where she worked at the University of Bern. In 2021–2022, she served as Head of the Small Animal Surgery Service at the Small Animal Clinic in Stuttgart. Currently, she works in Germany as an independent surgical consultant in small animal orthopaedics and spinal surgery.

Professor Bianca F. Hettlich holds a Doctor of Science degree and is certified by the American and European Colleges of Small Animal Surgery. The internationally renowned expert in small animal orthopaedics and neurosurgery, she has dedicated 26 years to the field of small animal neurosurgery and orthopaedics. She is also an international speaker, actively lecturing at international congresses and conferences.

Renowned for her innovative teaching methods, she effectively conveys complex knowledge to both students and experienced professionals. She is also a scientist, researcher, and trainer for AO Vet Europe, an international organisation of veterinary doctors, scientists, and researchers.

Striving for Excellence: Advancing with Visiting Experts

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Juodžentė, Head of the L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic, veterinary surgery is one of the fastest-evolving fields in the world. While European veterinary surgeons are making significant progress towards becoming leaders in the field, the United States remains the leader in this field.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at LSMU Veterinary Academy is also committed to becoming a leader in Europe. To ensure the highest quality standards in education, the specialists at Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic continuously enhance their expertise by participating in internships, specialised trainings, and courses in Europe.

“At LSMU, we invite leading specialists from abroad to give lectures and workshops to the students and residents of Veterinary Medicine. Training is also provided for clinic staff. However, securing funding to bring in top experts remains a challenge. While the university has some resources to help attract international specialists, but these are not always sufficient.

To achieve our goal of inviting an expert in small animal trauma and spinal surgery to Lithuania, we applied for support from the Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation– and we succeeded,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. D. Juodžentė.

“It is great to be able to provide veterinary medical students and residents with highly valuable international expertise. The staff at the Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Clinic are also benefiting from the specialised training. Moreover, we want to show that professional development does not end with a university diploma, which is just the beginning of an exciting journey towards specialisation,” remarked Ligita Zorgevica-Pockeviča, a veterinary doctor at Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic, who previously spent several years undertaking an internship in Switzerland.

Supports Those Who Contribute to Lithuania’s Growth

K. Stankutė-Jaščemskienė, Head of the Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation, emphasised that the Foundation’s support for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is no coincidence.

Established in 2019 by lawyer and investor Marius Jakulis, the Jason Foundation provides financial support to talented entrepreneurs, academics, and students who want to and can contribute to the economic growth of Lithuania.

The Foundation has identified three key areas for support: business, knowledge, and science. Over its six years of operation, the JJJ Foundation has awarded more than €2 million in grants and scholarships.

The founder of the Foundation is also involved in another charitable activity: dogs collected from overcrowded pet shelters in Lithuania receive medical care and socialisation before being placed with caring owners in Finland who are ready to provide them with a new loving home.