When a Hong Kong dentistry student was mentored by a leading animal welfare campaigner, it led to a lifetime of friendship and an unexpected career change.

Veterinary dentist Shirley Kot will be reunited with her university mentor Jill Robinson this week as the dual veterinarian and human dentist visits Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre.

Shirley will be joining veterinary dental specialist Dr Cedric Tutt to provide much-needed surgery for bears recovering from years of abuse on bear bile farms.

The occasion will also mark 10 years of Jill and Shirley’s relationship which - through a chance encounter in university - has gone on to shape Shirley’s life and career.

Shirley spoke to Animals Asia to explain how the Animals Asia Founder and CEO became her mentor while she was studying dentistry at the University of Hong Kong in 2008:

How did you first meet or hear about Jill Robinson and her work with Animals Asia?

“I first heard about Animals Asia Foundation when I was in high school. I read a magazine article about Jill and the bile bears. But it was not until I started my studies at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and engaged in the HKU mentorship program in 2008 that I met Jill in person, as she was assigned to be my mentor.”

It seems incongruous for an animal welfare advocate to be assigned as a mentor for a dentist. What circumstances led to Jill becoming your mentor while studying dentistry?

“Yes indeed! A lot of my classmates had dentists or medical doctors as their mentors but I was matched with Jill. I guess it is because I specified in the mentorship program application form that I would like my mentor to be someone that is passionate about animals and their welfare. Jill undoubtedly fulfils my little wish. She is the best mentor I could ever have hoped for.”

What caused you to change from dentistry to veterinary medicine?

“I grew up with dogs and I wanted to be a veterinarian. However, there was no veterinary school in Hong Kong back in 2007. I hence enrolled into the HKU dentistry program instead, as I was also fond of the art and science of dentistry. Frankly, I enjoy dentistry but I have not forgotten my innermost passion. After graduating from HKU, I worked as a full-time dentist for almost two years and saved up. With the support I gained from my family and friends, including Jill, I then headed to Melbourne to study veterinary medicine.”

How did Jill help with the transition between fields?

“Jill offered me invaluable advice during the process and has always encouraged me to pursue my dream. She also introduced me to various opportunities via her connections: I volunteered in ACRES, the first wildlife sanctuary in Singapore which AAF partners with, and also in Animals Asia’s bear rescue centre in Chengdu, China. I gained a lot of experience in animal husbandry and that equipped me well for the veterinary studies.”

Has your life changed since you started working as a vet, rather than a dentist? How, and do you feel more satisfied/rewarded in your new role?

“Actually I have never given up dentistry! I am now working as a full-time vet in Tasmania but I also work as a locum dentist during my off-days!

“I find life as a vet particularly interesting, as one has to acquire knowledge of different body systems of different species. And animals do not speak! Vets are like detectives, gathering as much information as possible via obtaining history from owners and examining the animals in order to reach a diagnosis and solve the problem. This is the fun part.

“It is challenging but I really enjoy working in this kind of intellectually stimulating environment. And I am making a difference, improving animal health and welfare on an individual level.

“On the other hand, dentistry is more about arts to me. It gives me a peaceful state of mind when I am carving a filling on a patient’s tooth! I really enjoy both professions and I try my best to strike a good balance between them.”

What does your daily routine involve now that you predominately work as a vet?

“I work as a general practitioner in a mixed-practice clinic and my patients include all creatures big and small. I mainly see dogs and cats, although sometimes I do have rabbits, birds, pet cattle and various wild animals. Working with iconic native species such as possums, wallabies and kangaroos makes you realise you are in Australia!

“Type of consultation varies from vaccination to emergency, such as sudden collapse or road accident. I have surgery day once a week, mainly performing routine surgery like desexing and dental treatments. My colleagues realise I have a great passion in dentistry and they book in heaps of dental cases for me!”

Can you remember the first time you visited one of Animals Asia’s sanctuaries?

“I volunteered in the Chengdu Bear Rescue Centre in summer 2009 while I was still a dental student. It was definitely an eye-opening experience as it was my first time up close with bile bears. I was so delighted to see the bears walking freely, interacting with each other and enjoying the enrichment program in a extremely well-maintained sanctuary.

“Staff from the bear team were wonderful and they are very passionate about their job. From them I learnt so much about bear husbandry and handling. I was particularly amazed that the staff can recognise each bear from afar based on body features and they know so much about each bear’s habits!

“Besides, I was given the opportunity to observe and assist in some procedures on bears and the veterinary team demonstrated true professionalism when performing surgeries. The trip to Chengdu made me realise how far one’s determination and teamwork can lead to success and bringing a change. I have huge respect for Jill and everyone working at Animals Asia.”

You will be visiting Animals Asia’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre with dental specialist Dr Cedric Tutt next week, what are you most looking forward to?

“I’m looking forward to helping out with the dental work that Dr Tutt is going to perform on the bears. I have done lots of fillings and root canal treatments in humans but never on bears!

“Besides, meeting Dr. Tutt up in person is like a dream come true. I have read all his veterinary dental textbooks and would love to work with him. Of course it will also be such a privilege to be part of the VBRC veterinary team and make a difference for the bears there.

“I am also looking forward to meeting Jill on site, as she and I have known each other for exactly 10 years this year.”

Have you ever felt you made a mistake switching from dentistry to working as a vet?

“Absolutely no, I have never ever felt I made a mistake. As mentioned previously, I have never given up dentistry. Both professions allow me to contribute to the community in various ways and bring me huge job satisfaction. And the experience I gained from both fields encourages personal growth and shaped me into the person I am today. In the near future I will continue both professions simultaneously, or if there is an opportunity, I wish to do further study in veterinary dentistry and acquire the specialist title in the field.”

Shirley Kot is currently working as a veterinarian at Montrose Vet Centre, Tasmania, Australia. In December 2018, she will be appearing alongside Jill Robinson at the University of Hong Kong to give a presentation on how the university mentorship programme influenced her life and career.

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