Brazilian vet Doctor Mariana Maldini Penna De Valadares Vasconcenos is happy to now call the Bega Valley home, one thing that has made it an exciting time is that she has found herself in a part of the world with an abundance of her favourite patient - the cow.

“One of my favourite animals is the cow, I really want one as a pet because they are so smart,” the Tathra resident said, her passion for her work unmistakable through her big smile.

Dr Maldini currently spends two days a week working hands on as a volunteer with the Bega and Cobargo Vet Hospital in support of veterinarian Dr Peter Alexander, and she has been impressed with how local vets approach their work.

“They have resources here that you would never even see at university in Brazil,” the 33-year-old said.

“For me it’s like luxury using the equipment here, and the animals deserve this kind of treatment.

“I treat all animals with a lot of respect and I see here that in Australia dogs become a part of your family, whereas farm animals are more of a business, and the business relies heavily on vets.”

After receiving her vet science degree from PUC Minas Betim, north of Rio de Janeiro, Dr Maldini is working towards being able to practice in the Bega Valley after moving to Australia only three months after graduating to start a family with her Australian husband Peter and their young son Jack.

“Brazil is not as safe as here and my husband didn’t have the same opportunities there as he has in his home country,” she said.

Dr Maldini said the biggest difference is in the breeds of cattle in the Bega Valley compared to those in her native Brazil.

“I have to study about the methods of production here because in Brazil we have mostly Indian cattle called Guzerat and here the cattle are mostly European breeds,” she said.

“It’s also a mixed business dealing with farm animals like alpacas and pets as well as native animals, it’s really good.

“The cows here are worth a lot of money and they can give you up to four children in a single year.

“You have to really do your best like a doctor would, and it is hard for me to see animals in pain so I do keep a distance or I would always be sad when I get home,” she said.

Growing up surrounded by vets, it was a career choice that came easily to Dr Maldini.

“I always wanted to be a vet because I love animals and my aunt is also a vet,” she said.

“When my mum was busy we would always be around the vet hospital, and my twin sister also became a vet in Brazil.

“My aunt, myself, my sister and my cousin are all vets,” Dr Maldini said of the new family tradition.

With such an important industry that relies on vets such as Dr Maldini to take care of their animals and make sure their businesses are viable, Dr Maldini’s skills are a valuable addition to the region.

However, to qualify to practice in Australia she will have to undertake an occupational English test (OET) and a written and practical veterinary test, a process that may cost in excess of $10,000.

Dr Maldini said she is enjoying sharing knowledge with her new colleagues and the unique methods used by her teachers to reinforce the importance of empathy when dealing with the welfare of animals.

“If you had one day to live and you had to choose between taking your mother, your spouse or your best friend on a ride on a two seater motorbike to enjoy your last hours together who would you choose?” she asked.

This was an actual question from one of Dr Maldini’s final exams in Brazil, her teacher was attempting to discover something deeper about his students, to see how they not only approach being a vet but how they also approach life in general.

“I said I would put my mum and best friend on the bike and I would die with my husband,” Dr Maldini said, with a thoughtful answer to a confronting question.

With such a rounded education on two continents Dr Maldini will surely be an asset to the region and its expanding dairy industry.