Hands-On Continuing Education for Practicing Veterinarians in Ecuador

The Amici Cannis Surgical Skills Enhancement Program is a 40-hour, RACE-approved continuing education course designed for veterinarians seeking to strengthen their surgical proficiency through intensive, hands-on training. Conducted at our nonprofit veterinary hospital in Cotacachi, Ecuador, this immersive program combines practical surgical experience with mentorship from experienced veterinarians in a high-volume clinical setting.

Participants refine their surgical techniques while contributing to Amici Cannis' mission of improving animal welfare and expanding access to veterinary care in underserved communities. Through structured instruction and individualized guidance, veterinarians gain confidence, increase efficiency, and enhance their ability to provide high-quality surgical care in their own practices.

Program Highlights

• 40 hours of RACE-approved continuing education
• Intensive hands-on surgical training
• Small participant-to-instructor ratio
• Personalized mentorship and feedback
• Exposure to high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter techniques
• Surgical decision-making and case management discussions
• Anesthesia and pain management protocols
• Post-operative care and patient monitoring
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable animal welfare initiatives

What You Will Learn

This course is designed to strengthen both foundational and advanced surgical competencies through direct participation in clinical cases. Participants will have opportunities to:

• Improve surgical speed and efficiency without compromising patient safety
• Refine tissue handling, ligation, and closure techniques
• Enhance confidence performing routine sterilization procedures
• Strengthen anesthesia monitoring and perioperative patient care skills
• Develop strategies for managing common surgical complications
• Participate in case reviews and clinical discussions with experienced mentors
• Gain insight into high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter programs

The curriculum emphasizes practical skills that can be immediately incorporated into everyday veterinary practice.

Learn in a Purpose-Built Veterinary Hospital

The course takes place at the Amici Cannis Animal Hospital, where participants work alongside our veterinary team in a modern clinical environment serving both companion animals and underserved communities.

Our hospital provides a unique setting in which continuing education is paired with meaningful impact. Every procedure performed contributes directly to reducing animal overpopulation, improving animal welfare, and supporting families who otherwise have limited access to veterinary care. 

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:

• Recent veterinary graduates seeking additional surgical experience
• Veterinarians returning to surgery after time away from clinical practice
• Practitioners looking to improve surgical confidence and efficiency
• Veterinarians interested in high-volume spay/neuter medicine
• Professionals seeking a unique international continuing education experience

Beyond the Operating Room

Participants gain more than surgical experience. They become immersed in the broader mission of Amici Cannis and learn how veterinary medicine can be a powerful tool for advancing animal welfare, public health, and community well-being.

Working within our nonprofit model offers valuable insight into sustainable veterinary outreach, population management, and the role veterinarians play in creating healthier communities for both animals and people.

Program Availability

The program is available year-round, allowing individuals and teams to participate at a time that best fits their schedules and interests. For more information, please contact us at info@amicicannisusa.org. We would be happy to discuss how the program can support your educational and professional goals.