SIT DOWN WITH US, INTERVIEWING DR SIDDH CHHEDA

  

A blog by International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA), India Magazine team in collaboration with International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Wild and Exotic Animal Network (WEAN)

An interview by Anjali Dixit & Vrinda Borkar

Meet Dr. Siddh Chheda worked as associate veterinarian in Phoenix Veterinary Specialty as an exotic animal veterinarian. He has various experiences including veterinary consultancy for wildlife conservation projects at Turtle Survival Alliance India and internships in wildlife hospitals. He has a keen interest in wildlife anesthesia with a particular focus on avian and reptile species.  He also worked in different rescue projects like Flood Rescue at Kaziranga National Park , North Bank, Central range.  A young wildlife enthusiast, who loves to work and grow more in wildlife.  

Dr. Siddh Chheda, graduated from Mumbai Veterinary College contributing to conservation
of endangered flora and fauna

Q1. IVSA is known for shaping leadership in young vets. How has your Role as the vice president of IVSA Mumbai and the Animal welfare Head for IVSA India shaped you — both professionally and personally?

"Let’s just say — it’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster (the good kind, not the ones that make you regret your life choices halfway through). Being the Vice President of IVSA Mumbai and Animal Welfare Head for IVSA India has pushed me way beyond the textbooks and into the real world — where planning a welfare drive feels a bit like assembling Dumbledore’s Army. You’ve got a diverse bunch of passionate people, limited resources, and somehow... magic happens.

Professionally, these roles taught me things I didn’t even know I needed — from handling teams across states to navigating international conversations without zoning out at 2 a.m. time zones (coffee helps). I’ve worked with shelters, clinics, NGOs, and international vets — and each experience added a different page to my adventure book.

Personally? I think I levelled up in empathy, patience, and learning how to be a better listener (especially during those “urgent call at 3 a.m.” situations — never complained, never will). It’s wild how deeply animals and the people around them can teach you about life — and leadership.

Also, the people I met? Absolute gems. Some of them I now text memes to daily, others are the reason I believe in good teamwork. I’ve grown as a vet, as a human, and honestly... I’ve had so much fun along the way.

IVSA gave me the space to build a version of myself that isn’t just about sutures and surgery — but about connection, kindness, and creating moments that matter."

Q2. What were the most significant challenges you encountered while rescuing and rehabilitating freshwater species and different reptiles during your time with Turtle Survival Alliance India?

"If you think rescuing dolphins and crocs sounds all cool and NatGeo-ish, let me hit you with a reality check: it’s 20% training, 30% quick thinking, and 50% “how-is-this-even-happening” energy.

One of the most pressing issues was the lack of awareness and knowledge among local communities and even the ground response teams. In many areas where we were called for intervention, people were either fearful of the species or entirely unaware of their ecological importance and protected status. This gap often led to delayed reporting, mishandling of stranded or injured animals, and sometimes, resistance to relocation efforts. Educating the locals while responding to an active rescue posed a major hurdle but also became a parallel priority in our fieldwork.

Working in freshwater systems also means you're dealing with species that are sensitive to stress and environmental fluctuations—something that added layers of complexity to the rehabilitation process.

Then came the logistics nightmare — remote areas, flooded terrains, and resources so scarce, you start feeling like Bear Grylls (but with more animal trauma cases and less camera crew). No fancy transport, no dolphin-sized stretchers lying around, and definitely no “how-to” manual for rescuing a disoriented croc at 2 a.m. We got through using jugaad, borrowed tarps, local boats, and that magical thing called teamwork.

But weirdly enough, every chaos-filled rescue became a chance to do more — build relationships with local communities, show kids that dolphins belong in rivers not myths, and get people to see these animals not as threats, but as neighbours worth protecting.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Preferably with a waterproof phone, a portable oxygen tank, and snacks."

Q3. How did you approach working with species like muggers and turtles, which aren't extensively covered in the BVSc curriculum, and what additional resources or learning methods did you use to effectively manage their health and rehabilitation?

"Short answer? I didn’t wait for the syllabus to catch up — I ran ahead.

Long answer? Look, I’ve always believed the BVSc curriculum gives you a good foundation — but when it comes to species like muggers and turtles, you’ve got to go full Sherlock. They're not just “exotic” on paper; they’re mysterious, underrepresented, and frankly, weirdly wonderful. So I did what any curious vet-student-who-secretly-wants-to-be-Newt-Scamander would do — I stepped out.

Post-college hours became my real classroom. From helping with rescues in waterlogged fields to learning how to gently flip a turtle without getting side-eyed by it, I soaked up everything I could. I started volunteering at urban wildlife centres, tagging along with senior vets, and yes — doing the occasional caffeine-fueled night shift at clinics that treated everything from parrots to pythons.

But here’s the twist: to really get these species, I had to stop thinking like just a vet and start thinking like a naturalist. That’s when I started working with biologists, tagging along on surveys, reading up on field ecology, and understanding how these animals live when no one’s watching. It was less about stethoscopes and more about silent observation, patience, and a very beat-up notebook full of pugmarks and turtle nesting maps.

Also, I’m kind of a nerd. So yeah — I binge-read reptile medicine books and spent far too many nights reading case studies on obscure chelonian ailments that even Google gives up on.

If there’s one thing I always say to friends, colleagues, juniors and literally everyone it's this: “Just go out and explore.” Your greatest learning often happens outside the four walls of the classroom—in the field, in clinics, and in conversations with experts from diverse backgrounds."

Q4. Could you explain the role of blood parameter analysis in managing the health of captive breeding chelonian species and how it influenced their overall care?

"Okay, so bloodwork in chelonians? It’s basically like getting cheat codes to their internal game status — but with fewer instructions and a way weirder interface than mammals.

Reptile medicine is still evolving, chelonian veins are not easy to find, and the blood itself? It clots like it’s in a race. But once you figure out how to play the game, blood parameters become your best ally — especially in captive breeding setups where subtle signs can mean big trouble.

When done right, a simple blood sample can tell you if the turtle’s kidneys are waving red flags, if their liver’s sulking, or if their calcium-phosphorus balance is out of whack (hello, MBD). 

Now here’s the twist: reptiles are built different. Like, literally.

EDTA? Nope. That’ll just cause RBC lysis. Heparin vials are the real MVPs here.

You also have to be super careful while collecting blood because their lymph system likes to crash the party, and once that sample’s contaminated — game over.

Oh, and fun fact: even the weather messes with their blood values. So a turtle sunbathing in March vs. hiding under substrate in July? Different baselines. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, season, and even husbandry practices can influence blood values, making it important to interpret results corresponding to other clinical symptoms, especially in captive settings.

Also, since reptilian RBCs have nuclei, automated CBCs just go bzzzt. So you’re going old-school — manual counts, blood smears, microscopes, and maybe a little prayer. 

Tools like a Sahli's hemoglobinometer can be used to assess hemoglobin levels and anemia, while blood smears help calculate TLC and DLC enabling detection of systemic infections from just a single drop of blood—provided one is trained in identifying reptilian leukocytes.

But the payoff? Huge. You can detect infections, monitor hydration, and plan treatment.

It’s not just about that one turtle. Regular blood analysis helps build a health database for the entire species — especially important when you're working with endangered or understudied ones. Think of it as laying down a health map for future vets, conservationists, and researchers.

So yeah — it's tricky, nerdy, often messy… but absolutely worth it."

Q5. Can you share your journey to becoming a Veterinary Consultant at Vantara, one of the most renowned animal healthcare and rescue centers? What key milestones shaped your career, and what advice would you give to veterinary students aspiring to reach a similar position in the field?

"If you told me a few years ago that I’d end up as a Veterinary Consultant at Vantara—one of the largest and most advanced animal rescue centers—I would’ve laughed, finished my chai, and gone back to my turtle blood smear. Because this opportunity? It came out of nowhere.

I wasn’t chasing a title or a “dream job.” I was just saying yes—to every rescue call, every internship, every late-night shift that came my way. I was doing what I loved. And somewhere along the way, someone noticed. One conversation led to another, and before I knew it, I was here… meeting some of the best minds in the field, and being a part of something bigger than I had ever imagined.

And let me tell you—this has been one of the biggest learning curves of my life. Every day I walk into work and meet vets, biologists, caregivers, and more—all under one roof. Conversations here don’t just teach you—they transform you. That’s what keeps me going. That’s what makes the long hours worth it.

Because yes—here’s the unfiltered truth: wildlife work isn’t aesthetic Instagram reels and sunshine releases. It’s sweat, unexpected emergencies, 14-hour shifts, night rescues in flooded terrain, and trying to diagnose a snake that hasn’t eaten in three weeks. But if you’re really passionate about animals—not just loving them, but fighting for them, staying curious, showing up—then any opportunity you dream of will eventually find its way to you. Passion will open the door. But dedication and consistency will keep you inside the room. So stay patient. Keep learning. Keep exploring. And don’t be afraid to take the scenic route—some of the best stories start with - I didn’t see it coming.”

Q6. During your internship at the Wildlife Hospital in Bangalore, you were involved in various activities like the enrichment of enclosures and post-mortem of wild animals. Can you share some of the key learnings from assisting with shell fracture repairs in chelonians and your experience in handling snakes? How did these experiences shape your understanding of wildlife care and rehabilitation?

"Interning at the Wildlife Hospital in Bangalore was a turning point in my journey—it was actually my first solo, out-of-state internship, something I had dreamed of since my third year of vet school. I finally got the chance during my “official internship” period, when I may or may not have gone AWOL to make it happen. Honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

This hospital gave me my first off-clinic exposure to wildlife, especially avians and reptiles, the two groups I’ve always been most drawn to. We used to receive a large number of fledgling and juvenile birds daily, and I quickly learned how incredibly delicate, time-intensive, and rewarding neonatal bird care can be. Just saving one baby bird takes meticulous effort—imagine doing that for 20 at once. It taught me patience, precision, and the true meaning of dedication in wildlife care.

One of the most formative parts of this experience was assisting with shell fracture repairs in chelonians. I learned how different shell injuries require different stabilization techniques—some involving fiberglass, resin, orthopedic wire, or even customized bridges. But beyond the techniques, it gave me insight into the healing timeline, pain management, and how stress-free housing can make a real difference in their recovery. It was also here that I first understood the long-term commitment needed in chelonian rehab —sometimes months of observation and minor adjustments before a turtle is fit to be released. On the reptile side, this place gave me my foundation in reptile medicine. I got hands-on experience in snake restraint, blood collection, anesthesia protocols, and I quickly realized how complex yet fascinating reptile medicine can be. Every patient was a puzzle, and learning to handle them correctly made me deeply respect their biology and behavior.

What made this internship even more memorable was how interactive and engaging the learning environment was. We weren’t given boring textbook assignments—we had real cases, deep-dive research tasks, and scenario-based discussions that made you want to read more and understand better. And because the hospital welcomed interns from all walks of life—from psychologists to marketing managers—it became a space full of diverse perspectives on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, which only enriched the learning further.

One of the most important takeaways from my time there was realizing that a wildlife vet's job doesn’t end after prescribing medicine or completing a procedure. That’s where it starts. I learned how crucial it is to understand species-specific feeding plans, design meaningful enrichment, and set up environments that minimize stress and mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. Rehabilitation is not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about creating conditions where the animal can thrive again, even in captivity before release.

In all, this internship shaped my entire perspective on wildlife medicine. It taught me that compassion needs to be backed by knowledge, effort, and constant curiosity—and that’s something I carry with me in every case I handle today."

Q7. Given that your entire career has focused on wildlife care, an area not extensively covered in the curriculum, what inspired you to pursue this specialized field?

"When people ask me why I chose veterinary as a profession, my story usually catches them off guard. It didn’t start with a dramatic rescue or an emotional childhood moment. It started with... Pokémon. Yep, you heard that right. While most kids watched it for the battles and the fantasy, I was hooked on something else… The idea of humans and animals (okay, Pokémons) coexisting. That bond fascinated me. And the adventure? That sealed the deal.

I started wondering, how can I stay around animals and help them when required? Veterinary was the answer. From then till now, one thing has stayed constant: my love for exploration and the dream to travel far and wide, helping animals wherever I go. Kind of like being on a real-life Pokémon journey.

Because hey, you gotta treat them all, right?"

Q8. Your ability to communicate effectively and remain calm in challenging situations is a valuable skill in veterinary practice. What advice would you give to budding vets in order to develop these skills?

"Effective communication and staying calm under pressure are definitely skills that come with time, exposure, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. One piece of advice I always give to budding vets is—stop comparing yourself to others with the mindset of that person is so good at it, why am I not? Instead, shift your perspective to, If they’ve reached that level, that just means it’s possible—and I have so much more scope to grow. That mindset not only reduces self-doubt but opens the door for continuous learning.

Secondly, involve yourself in activities beyond the classroom. Participate actively in college events, vaccination drives, or fests—not just on the day of the event, but during the planning phase too. Many of us tend to skip these opportunities thinking it’s a day off, or we show up only for the final fun part. But when you're involved from the start—figuring out what needs to be done, how to approach people, coordinate with different teams—you end up polishing your communication and problem-solving skills without even realizing it. IVSA and their events have been a great help to me in developing these skills. As you need to keep talking to vet students from across the globe for event planning, its so much fun and so much to learn. And the best part? You’re mostly interacting with peers or seniors, which creates a safe space to learn and make mistakes without fear.

Lastly, and this one is something I strongly believe in—never hold back your doubts. No matter how silly or basic they may seem, ask them. I’m known among my mentors for constantly asking questions—sometimes to the point where they jokingly shoo me away because I just don’t stop! But those questions—those stupid doubts—helped me build a solid foundation. They boost your confidence, strengthen your understanding, and yes, help you communicate better. Keep asking Why?—just maybe with a little politeness so people don’t run away from you! In short, stay curious, stay involved, and be kind to your own learning process. Communication and calmness are just side effects of consistent, hands-on growth."

Q9. You've been highly active during your college years, being part of multiple local NGOs such as IDA, MAA, and Mission Smile. How have you managed balancing college work with your volunteering efforts? Can you share insights into your work-life balance, especially when many students are caught up in the adrenaline rush of exploring new opportunities and trying everything possible?

"Okay, first off—and this is a public service announcement to all my fellow students—when the university says 75% attendance is compulsory, they’re not being strict. They’re lowkey telling you that you can legally bunk 25% of college.  Add to that weekends, public holidays, and surprise bandh days (thank you democracy), and if you do the math right—it’s actually a decent amount of free time. It's like the universe is offering you a free trial to explore life beyond lectures!

Now I get it—not everyone wants to be out and about all the time. And that’s totally okay. But honestly, it’s about deciding what you want your academic journey to look like. For me, the enlightenment struck back in high school (yes, like a Disney coming-of-age moment) when I realized: studying super hard to score 1.5 extra GPA points wasn’t going to summon a private mentor with angel wings and a golden seat the next year. So I aimed for that aesthetically pleasing 7+ GPA—smart enough to pass well, chill enough to live life. That approach gave me time to hang in corridors (some of the best ideas come during chai breaks), play football, and intern at clinics where I learnt that vet med is 80% people skills and 20% knowing when not to get bitten.

Now, coming to volunteering—I didn’t do it because I had to, I did it because I loved doing it. The NGOs you named are just a few—I honestly kept hopping around like a Marvel multiverse variant, trying different causes, different teams. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to follow someone else’s path. Don’t volunteer at five places just because someone else is doing it. Find what sparks your interest, and give that your all. And here’s a special note for our generation (yes, I’m looking at all of us addicted to fast content): Don’t treat real-life experiences like Instagram reels. If you’re interning at a clinic, don’t skip it just because there wasn’t a cool case that day. Show up every single day—even if it’s just for one hour. Show the doctors you’re serious. Even if you don’t touch an animal or post a story with a syringe every day, just be there. That’s how they start trusting you. Life isn’t a reel; it’s a Netflix series with at least 8 seasons. You gotta binge-watch with patience. So yeah, balance comes not from doing everything, but from doing what matters enough and doing it with love. Plus a little calendar math and a lot of chai.

At the end of the day, whether it’s volunteering, playing sports, or just showing up consistently—do it because you love it, not because it looks good on paper. That’s what keeps the burnout away. You don’t need to be everywhere all the time. Just be fully present wherever you choose to be. And remember, don’t scroll through life like it’s a reel—live it like a series. Some days will be slow, some episodes might feel boring, but stick with it. Because somewhere along the line, without even realizing it, you’ll have built something truly meaningful."

Q10. Lastly, what piece of advice would you give to your juniors and other budding vets that you wish you had received during your early days?

"If I could go back and talk to my fresher-year self, I’d probably pull a Jiraiya-style dramatic entrance and yell—Start writing articles already! One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is that you don’t have to wait till you graduate to contribute to the scientific community. Even as students, you can write review articles, case summaries, or help PhD researchers with their manuscripts. You don’t need to be an encyclopedia—just be curious, eager, and consistent. Trust me, that one article you write today might end up being the lifeline someone in another corner of the world stumbles upon. And the best part? You not only learn a ton but also get to add Author of a peer-reviewed paper to your name—how cool is that? Instant character upgrade unlocked, like going from Genin to Chuunin.

Also—internships aren’t just what you find on vet school notice boards. There are so many amazing places in India itself—especially in wildlife—and many are happy to take students, often for free. Don’t just search vet med internships. Try wildlife sanctuaries, rescue centres, even apply as an animal keeper. I swear, cleaning enclosures and feeding animals teaches you more about behaviour and management than 10 hours of lectures. And while you’re there—start shadowing the vets. Casually. Silently. Like Kakashi watching Naruto mess up for the 100th time—always observing, always learning. And finally—and this is the real-life boss level advice—don’t wait around for someone else to say yes before you do what you love. Want to try that new restaurant? Go. Want to watch a documentary no one else is into? Grab the popcorn and go solo. Life isn’t a group project; it’s a single-player open-world adventure. Sure, parties and squads are great, but your growth shouldn’t be on pause just because the group chat isn’t responding. So go take that solo quest. Explore new paths. Write. Intern. Learn. Repeat. You're the protagonist of this anime, after all."

 

A blog by International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA), India Magazine team in collaboration with International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Wild and Exotic Animal Network (WEAN)

An interview by Anjali Dixit and Vrinda Borkar 

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