...my treasures do not sparkle they clink,
they shine in the sun and neigh in the night...

 

 

Future international vets in Montaione: the partnership between IHP and Doctors in Italy is renewed

28/06/2026

The strong partnership between IHP and the renowned international programme ‘Doctors in Italy’ continues to thrive. Once again in 2026, our Rescue Centre in Montaione (Florence) is opening its doors to young university students from all over the world for a truly unique educational experience.

The clinical shadowing project, originally set up to enable North American and Latin American students to shadow doctors in hospitals, expanded its scope to include veterinary medicine in 2022. IHP has been a proud part of this initiative from the very beginning, offering students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of equine medicine.

We have also planned to host two separate groups of students in 2026: the first group has already completed its fieldwork in June, whilst the second group is expected to arrive at our facilities during July.

Under the close supervision of Dr Serena Borghi, the Centre’s equine veterinary surgeon, participants undertake an intensive training programme, during which they gain in-depth knowledge of the day-to-day clinical management of equines through:

  • Carrying out basic clinical examinations and diagnostic protocols
  • Learning ultrasound techniques in the field
  • Practising blood sampling and the administration of vaccines.

Clinical Medicine and Professional Ethics

The residents at our Centre are horses with a history of abuse, or those who are partially disabled due to old age and chronic conditions. Interacting with these animals requires future professionals not only to have impeccable technical skills, but also to develop a deep sense of ethical sensitivity, patience and a non-coercive approach.