For the Voigts family, a love for veterinary science seems to be written in their DNA. From childhood experiences with family pets to professional careers in animal healthcare, their journey has been one of passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted commitment to animal welfare.

Dr Ninke Voigts, a graduate of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Veterinary Science, has carved out a fulfilling career as a first-opinion GP vet. But her path to veterinary medicine was paved by the influence of her uncle, Dr Hugo Voigts, and her cousin, Dr Bianca Voigts. Dr Hugo Voigts, a respected veterinarian, treated the family’s pets throughout Ninke’s childhood, instilling in her an early appreciation for the profession. His daughter, Dr Bianca Voigts, took up the mantle and pursued veterinary science, later specialising with a master’s degree in Tropical Health. Their dedication to the field set a strong example for the next generation.

Inspired by her family’s veterinary background, Dr Ninke Voigts pursued her studies at UP’s Onderstepoort campus, where she built lasting friendships and gained invaluable experience. After completing her Compulsory Community Service (CCS) year at the Beaufort West State Vet Office in 2019, she sought to broaden her horizons and took an opportunity to work in New Zealand for a year. However, just three weeks after her arrival, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected challenge—she had to adapt to virtual consultations, roadside checks, and socially distanced animal handling. While the experience was a learning curve, it reinforced one truth for her: South Africa was where she belonged.

Upon her return, Dr Voigts spent some time locuming to find the right clinic and community to settle in. She eventually found her place at Vetcross Umvoti in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, where she has now been for over three years. She has embraced the variety of cases that come with being a GP vet, though she prefers to leave the snakes and birds to others. Working in a rural setting has also allowed her to make a tangible impact on local animal health. Through her mobile clinic, which operates 55 kilometres out from the practice, and her school talks, she plays a direct role in educating pet owners and improving animal care in the community.

Veterinary science remains a strong family tradition for the Voigts. Beyond Dr Hugo, Dr Bianca, and Dr Ninke, another cousin has pursued veterinary nursing, and yet another is currently studying veterinary science overseas. The family’s shared passion for the field continues to inspire and shape future generations of animal health professionals.

For Dr Hugo Voigts, veterinary science has been a lifelong journey filled with camaraderie, change, and advancement. Reflecting on his career, he fondly recalls attending his 40th-year reunion at the beginning of February, where he reunited with former classmates from Onderstepoort. "Everyone was older, of course, but essentially still exactly the same," he says.

The gathering was a testament to how much they had all accomplished. Among them were colleagues who had gone on to become the Dean of Onderstepoort, the discoverers and developers of Bravecto, the CEO of Netcare, and even President Nelson Mandela's personal surgeon. "Yes, three of them studied further to become doctors," he adds, marvelling at the diverse paths his peers had taken.

Over the years, much has remained the same in veterinary practice, but there have also been significant advancements. "So many new amazing drugs make many things so much easier and safer," Dr Hugo notes. The introduction of in-house laboratories, X-rays, ultrasound, and the vast repository of knowledge available on Google has revolutionised the field. "Previously, we had to rely on the microscope, our hands, eyes, and ears."

Despite the evolution of the profession, one thing remains unchanged—the immense fulfilment that comes from working with animals. "I also wish you a lot of fun and joy in your job. It is very beautiful and also so rewarding," he says, a sentiment that encapsulates the passion shared by generations of the Voigts family.

Dr Voigts acknowledges the invaluable network of veterinarians in South Africa, who work together to support and advise one another. As she looks to the future, she is committed to staying up to date with the latest developments in veterinary medicine, ensuring that she can continue to provide the best possible care to her patients. For as long as her career allows, she remains dedicated to making a difference—one patient, one owner, and one community at a time.