We recently interviewed our newest team member, Dr. Manuela Fischer (MV, MSc, PhD, DVSc Student, ECVCN Resident) to learn more about her veterinary background and interests!
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as dedicated to my family and very focused on my professional goals.
What interests or motivates you most?
What motivates me most are the challenges that life or I impose on myself to achieve a certain goal. I realized that I don’t like to stay in my comfort zone for a long time. I am always looking for new challenges that allow me to improve both personally and professionally.
Where did you work before joining the OVC Pet Nutrition Team?
Since 2011, I worked as a veterinary nutritionist in a small animal hospital in Brazil. I worked part-time as an undergraduate professor and as a graduate professor in Brazil for many years. I have also previously worked as a consultant for pet food industries.
When did you become interested in nutrition?
I first became interested in nutrition when I had the opportunity to visit a pet food facility during vet school. Afterwards, I completed a mandatory internship at a veterinary hospital where there was a Clinical Nutrition Service. During my internship, I was able to see how patients recovered faster with early and correct nutritional intervention. Correct nutrition combined with correct dietary management can prevent diseases, treat diseases or delay disease progression. It is both amazing and fascinating to see the results when we put nutrition into practice!
Tell us about your pets, past and present.
I currently have 1 small dog. He is 4 years old and was adopted when he was 9 months old. His name is Bigode, which means Mustache in Portuguese. I chose his name in honour of the dog used in my surgical technique group during college, and since he has a beautiful mustache, I thought it was the perfect name.
