Full Article in Chinese

• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
• Junior Veterinarian of Hong Kong Jockey Club

Horse racing is immensely popular in Hong Kong, and aside from trainers and jockeys, veterinarians play a crucial role. Martin Lee, who graduated last year from City University of Hong Kong’s (CityUHK) Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, joined the Jockey Club team immediately after completing his studies. Through the program, he not only gained professional knowledge in animal medicine but also discovered the unique and fascinating personalities of horses during internships supported by CityUHK. Ultimately, he fulfilled his dream of joining the Jockey Club’s veterinary team, becoming a guardian for horses. "My experience in CityUHK’s veterinary program was deeply fulfilling and rewarding. Last year, I even returned to my alma mater during Alumni Homecoming to share my study experiences with current students."

Many people assume horses are agile and robust, but after working closely with them for over eight months, Martin describes them as timid and sensitive animals. "Theoretically, horses are most afraid of veterinarians, just as people fear doctors. But by understanding their habits and respecting them, they learn to trust you and allow you to approach. That’s when I feel the greatest sense of achievement." When talking about the transformation in the horses, Lee’s face lights up with a warm, cheerful smile.

It was precisely his appreciation for horses’ delicacy and sensitivity that led Lee to choose the Jockey Club after graduation. He adds that the most common breed in horse racing is the "Thoroughbred," which tends to be more spirited. Initially, approaching them for diagnosis and treatment requires extreme care and caution. For procedures like injections, gentle movements are essential to minimize their discomfort. Once, he treated a Thoroughbred for stomach pain. After about a week of interaction, the horse fully trusted him. From then on, it would actively approach him whenever they met, giving him an immense sense of fulfilment.

Reflecting on his choice to pursue veterinary medicine, Lee says he has loved animals like cats and dogs since childhood. However, his residential building prohibited keeping pets, so he had to suppress this passion. It wasn’t until CityUHK—build collaboration with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine—launched Asia’s first six-year veterinary program accredited by the UK’s and Australia & New Zealand’s most important veterinary regulatory bodies, and promoted a summer experience course at his secondary school, that he realized he could qualify as a veterinarian in Hong Kong. Through this program, he visited various veterinary institutions to observe their daily work environments and decided to enroll, turning his interest into a career.

Before CityUHK’s program, aspiring veterinarians in Hong Kong had to study abroad, bearing high tuition and living costs, to obtain dual accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC). "I considered studying overseas, but CityUHK’s veterinary college showed great sincerity by offering scholarships to high-achieving students and providing abundant internship opportunities. In the end, I chose CityUHK," Lee explains.

Lee notes that CityUHK’s program is comprehensive, covering all animals—including livestock—that require veterinary observation and treatment. It trains students under the international concept of "One Health" (particularly animal welfare, aquatic animal health, emerging infectious diseases, and food safety). The program also arranges field visits and internships at relevant institutions such as farms, animal clinics, and even the Jockey Club’s equine hospital at Sha Tin Racecourse. These experiences help students personally observe the anatomy and behavior of different animals, enabling them to choose a suitable specialization for their future careers.

（Published at 29 May 2025）