At Fitzpatrick Referrals, we have a team of dedicated interns who are qualified veterinary surgeons undertaking a 12-month supervised placement with us to advance their learning and understanding of specialist treatment and care.
We caught up with Hrithik, who began his internship with us in 2024, to share his experience as he approaches the end of the programme.
Name: Hrithik Varma, BVM&S MRCVS
Job title: Advanced Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Intern
University: University of Edinburgh
Home: Dubai, UAE
Hi, my name is Hrithik Varma. I’m 26 years old and originally from Dubai, UAE. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2022. I began my career in a busy first opinion practice before completing a rotating internship at Glasgow University Small Animal Hospital in 2024, followed by my current advanced orthopaedic and neurosurgery internship at Fitzpatrick Referrals.
Tell us about your internship
Hrithik: As an advanced orthopaedic and neurosurgery intern at Fitzpatrick Referrals, I play a hands-on role in supporting the surgical team to deliver the highest standards of care to our patients. Working closely with Professor Noel Fitzpatrick and other specialist surgeons, I assist in a wide range of procedures, from complex, custom orthopaedic reconstructions to intricate spinal stabilisations.
My responsibilities include patient preparation and perioperative care such as diagnostic imaging, surgical assistance, anaesthetic support, and postoperative management, including medical management.
As with any internship, this role involves long working hours and a demanding workload. However, the knowledge and experience gained through daily exposure to cutting-edge surgery and clinical mentorship make it an incredibly rewarding and worthwhile journey. Journal clubs, book clubs and lectures occur regularly, which is another way to gain knowledge.
“The expertise and insight shared by these leaders in the field not only shape my professional development but also inspire a lifelong commitment to advancing surgical care for animals.”
Hrithik: This internship provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from world-renowned experts while also playing an integral part in each patient’s journey, from admission to recovery. I am proud to be part of a team committed to innovation, compassion, and excellence in veterinary surgery.
Read about our internship programmes
We’re currently recruiting for our internships – see our careers page for the latest opportunities
