From animal lover to vet: Guyanese graduate returns home to strengthen local care 

From a very young age, Dr. Malika Singh knew she wanted to help others, but it was her love for animals that eventually led her to veterinary medicine.

Now, she has returned to Guyana after studying abroad and hopes to contribute to strengthening veterinary care locally.

In a recent interview with the News Room, Singh reflected on her early childhood, recalling that animals were always a part of her life while growing up on the Essequibo Coast.

“Honestly, a lot of my best memories are there. I remember just following my grandmother everywhere she went. She reared chickens and ducks, and our neighbour had sheep and goats, so there was always an animal around,” Singh said.

She lived with her grandmother until she was about six years old and spent much of her early years surrounded by animals and books. An avid reader, she also participated in spelling bee competitions as a child.

Still, becoming a veterinarian was not always the clear path she imagined.

“Looking back, I didn’t always know what a veterinarian was,” she said.

Like many young people, Singh explored several career options before finding the right fit. 

“I always knew I wanted to help people. I didn’t know much else,” she said with a laugh. 

Even when the idea of becoming a veterinarian took hold, Singh initially doubted whether it was achievable.

“At first, I didn’t even think it was possible because we don’t have a local veterinary school, and the fees abroad can be hefty. I didn’t think it was a conceivable dream for me,” Singh said.

However, with the support of her family, she pursued the goal and completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in January 2026. The academic portion of the programme was completed in the Cayman Islands, while the clinical training was done at the Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in the United States.

Singh is the first in her family to study abroad and said the transition came with its challenges.

“It was definitely a culture shock moving there, but the one thing that stayed consistent throughout both schools was the people I met. I encountered really passionate educators and colleagues who are now hopefully lifelong friends,” she said. 

There were other challenges. Singh said being far from her support system, including while coping with personal losses, made the journey particularly difficult at times.

Her time abroad also highlighted differences in the resources available for veterinary care. 

“There are a lot of really passionate animal healthcare professionals here in Guyana and citizens who care about animals, but we don’t always have access to clinical infrastructure like diagnostic imaging, bloodwork machines, or point-of-care tests. A strong supply chain for medications is also important,” she said.

Beyond clinical care, Singh has developed a strong interest in conservation and wildlife medicine. That interest was sparked during her undergraduate biology studies, where she focused on climate change and environmental issues — knowledge she hopes to apply in Guyana.

As she begins her career, Singh also hopes to support community initiatives such as spay and neuter programmes and public education on responsible animal care.

“We can only meet people where they are. If we communicate properly with the public, I think many people would be more open to taking better care of their animals,” Singh said. 

For young people considering the field, Singh’s advice is simple: get hands-on experience early before committing to this path.