Xiamen, 20 May 2025 – The European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS) marked its 20th anniversary in China on May 20, 2025, during the 17th East West Small Animals Clinical Veterinary Surgeons Conference (WESAVC) held at the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center. This significant milestone highlighted the profound impact of ESAVS postgraduate education on the development of small animal veterinary medicine in China.
The celebratory event included a heartfelt award ceremony recognizing individuals for their tireless support of ESAVS's non-profit mission. Xu Jie, the ESAVS local organizer in China, was honored for her tireless work in support of the animal-related, compassionate philosophy of ESAVS in modern veterinary education. Dr. Koch, the founding member and President of ESAVS, received an award for bringing postgraduate veterinary education to China, and Dr. Lai, the President of East West Small Animals Clinical Veterinary Conference, was recognized for his longstanding contributions to ESAVS.
In his speech, Dr. Koch shared the history of ESAVS activities in China, and how he appreciated different lives coming together for the development of veterinary studies in China. “This is how various strands of my life came together. And then I met Xu Jie and another dream became reality, namely to bring ESAVS to China,” says Dr. Koch as he closed his heartfelt speech by emphasizing the importance of friendship in achieving his dream.
The commemoration, held in conjunction with a VIP round table dinner, was shared with over 600 guests. A video showcased ESAVS activities in China and featured testimonials and gratitude from 38 participants of ESAVS courses, many of whom have become key opinion leaders within the veterinary industry.
The 20-year celebration took place on the pre-event day of the WESAVC, China's largest small animal congress. The three-day event also featured a range of presentations, a business matchmaking conference, and exhibitions. Around 21.708 veterinarians participated in the congress.
ESAVS, the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies, is a private non-profit postgraduate Veterinary school located in Luxembourg. It provides face-to-face case-oriented education and hands-on training in clinical sciences leading to master degrees and certificates, as well as CE programs and courses.
Honor participant, Dr. Tiffany Law, representing Chinese participants to award Dr. Koch a flower bouquet of appreciation.
ESAVS Asia award of recognition for Xu Jie, China local coordinator, for the genuine commitment to the ESAVS ethics of promoting advanced veterinary knowledge and skills in the interest for veterinarians and pets entrusted to them in China.
Founding members of ESAVS; Dr. Hans Koch (Germany), Dr. Pierre Cadot (France), and Prof. Dr. Marc Vandevelde (Switzerland)