Dr Kechrid is WSAVA Member Representative for Tunisia
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Who or what inspired you to become a veterinarian?
I became a veterinarian because we always loved and cared for companion animals in my family and wanted to ensure their health and welfare. My older brother is a veterinary surgeon and showed me the way.
You have worked in many fields of veterinary medicine. Which have you most enjoyed and why?
I have worked in many fields of veterinary medicine and have very much enjoyed the difference experiences they have given me. I especially enjoyed working in the field of veterinary education as Associate Professor of Food Hygiene and Food Production. I was proud to help educate many young veterinarians and other stakeholders in food safety. I also enjoyed my long experience in equine and companion animal clinical medicine, as well as being able to introduce innovative animal welfare projects to parts of Africa.
You have also worked for many global organizations on a variety of projects? Which of these are you most proud of and why?
In the early 1990s I was a World Health Organisation (WHO) expert on educating municipalities, veterinarians and environment technicians and engineers in the Middle East in food inspection and the quality control of animal products.
I later worked with the World Bank where I facilitated and organized the first global conference on Avian Influenza. It took place in 2006 in Bamako, Mali, with 2,000 participants. I also organized the first global conference on veterinary legislation and good governance in Djerba, Tunisia. It took place in 2010.
Working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN and the OIE (now called WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health) was very interesting and I learned a great deal from their projects and strategies. I was also certified by the OIE for Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) missions, which enabled me to evaluate the quality of veterinary services in a range of countries.
You are currently WSAVA Member Representative for Tunisia. How well is companion animal practice developing in Tunisia and in Northern Africa more generally? What challenges does it face?
As WSAVA Member Representative for Tunisia for many years, I feel that great work has been done and we can see a very clear improvement in companion animal practice in Tunisia and in North Africa more generally. We can also see an increase in the number of new vet clinics opening.
There are still many challenges for veterinarians in the region and, in particular, a need for more veterinary education. The WSAVA’s One Care workshops have been very beneficial and there is a need for more input from the WSAVA to support the sustainability of African veterinary associations.
What advice would you give a young companion animal veterinarian starting out on their career in Tunisia or Northern Africa today?
I try to encourage colleagues starting out in their careers to join our association so that they can take advantage of the opportunities that the WSAVA offers, including workshops, webinars and the World Congresses. This means they will develop more quickly and become great veterinarians sooner!
Congratulations on being awarded this year’s WSAVA Award for Global Meritorious Service! How do you feel?!
I feel very humbled to receive this Award and proud to continue my great and amazing adventure in the veterinary profession.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us!
I have also had a career in sport as an international swimmer, water polo player and as a water polo and swimming referee for Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA). Among my achievements, I took part in five Olympic Games (Los Angeles 1974, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004). I also received the high distinction of receiving the FINA Silver Pin in 2000 in Sydney for my contribution to the development of FINA disciplines (water polo and swimming), as well as other FINA World Championship awards.
I am proud to be the Vice President of the Union Mondiale des Professions Libérales (www.umpl.org) and representing the veterinary profession globally.