Giovanni Scarpata

Name: Giovanni Scarpata

Medical Title/Credentials: Veterinarian

School/Program: Department of Medicine Veterinary - University of Bari, Italy

Favorite Hobby: Beatmaking, Sport fishing, DIY and everything that can stimulate my creativity

Why did you choose this profession? Actually, I've never chosen this profession, it's a strange thing to say but that's the way it is. It is something that has accompanied me from my earliest childhood memories, as if it were spontaneous or already written. In my family no one has ever forced me into this choice or tried to direct me to other professions, they respected my attitude and let everything go as it should go. It is clear that over the years I have always asked myself questions about my future but this is part of the game!

Biggest Inspiration: I've never had a real mentor to follow. I like to acquire information from as many people as possible, always looking for opposing visions to have different stimuli.

I like to empathize with my mind in their experiences, as if I were experiencing those things in the first person, this helps me a lot to memorize them.

Current Passion Project: I am currently in the first year (of 3) of Specialization Course in Infectious diseases, Prophylaxis and Veterinary Police (in University of Bari) to broaden my knowledge on this branch of veterinary medicine and subsequently give my support to combat infectious phenomena in my country. I am also trying to carry out other personal projects such as opening B & Bs to welcome tourists in my beautiful city ( Scicli, Sicily island - Italy ) and to expand our family alpaca farm, the first in all of Southern Italy, which we bring forward with love since 2003. Visit us on @sicilpaca_allevamento

Fun Fact: Tabasco sauce on everything!

Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field?

Veterinary medicine is a profession that in my opinion is greatly belittled compared to human medicine. The good and bad about this profession is that it is immense, you can create your own job and at the same time, if you are not careful, you can get lost in a glass of water. Try never to break down and choose your small size, you can't do everything, you know and respect your limits for your well-being and that of your patients. Instead, try to bridge your limits by creating a team that deals with different branches, so as to make everything easier and less frustrating. We have the most beautiful profession in the world but we don't realize it! :)

Any other piece of advice, motivational quote, or message you would like to share?

I base my life on two principles, one of which is an aphorism of Baden Powell, founder of the scouts. "Leave a place a little better than how you found it". Apply it in any context of your life, from your messy bedroom to the places you will frequent in the world, always leave an improvement, even if sometimes it will be at your financial, physical or mental expense. We need to grow and to do so it is right that those before us leave something fertile to build on.

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