Vet takes good with bad
TWO words mean more to Dr Latjor Latjor than any others: opportunity and challenge.
The former Sudanese refugee-cum-Leongatha veterinarian worked tirelessly facing challenges and taking opportunities before coming to Australia in 1994.
And on his arrival things weren’t exactly smooth sailing, as Dr Latjor was forced to complete the Australian National Veterinary Exam, despite already earning accreditation for five-and-a-half years study in Egypt and practising in Sudan.
“I never dreamed of being a vet,” he said.
“As I sat my Year 12 exams I suddenly saw I had an opportunity to get into the veterinary degree, so it’s something I grabbed.
“I studied for five and a half years in Egypt before returning home.”
Dr Latjor practiced in Sudan for two years before coming to Australia and earning accreditation to work in his new home country.
He failed the test a few times but, ever the optimist, he tried again. Eventually he passed.
Dr Latjor saw an ad for veterinary work in Leongatha and decided to make the move.
“I’m very privileged to have got this job in Leongatha at Tarwin Veterinary Group,” he said.
But again, as opportunity presented itself for Dr Latjor, so did another challenge.
He was forced to leave his wife and seven children in Melbourne and move to Leongatha, returning on non-working weekends.
One of his daughters has been diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, a rare type that does not improve with medication.
“I should be moving here with my family in Leongatha,” he said.
“But the level of hospital in Leongatha will not meet her medical needs. That’s why they stay there. It’s difficult, but it’s a challenge to meet.”
His infectious smile and bubbly laugh give an understanding of just how he faces these constant pressures.
“This is my life, this is my nature,” Dr Latjor says of his optimism.
“I’ve always persevered to do things and make things happen. Otherwise I would have given up on the national veterinary exams, I wouldn’t have come to Leongatha and leave my wife in Melbourne, and I wouldn’t leave Sudan to study in Egypt.”
Comparing his country of origin with Australia isn’t difficult for Dr Latjor, who explains that, of course, it is opportunity that sets them apart.
“Australia is different. Opportunities present themselves and challenges present themselves. Meeting these challenges and opportunities is for you to do,” he said.
“Now I work here it’s great. I love to serve others. I love meeting people at their farms and working with them.”
“I love to do it as a profession. You can’t do everything, so you have to choose a certain area and develop.”
And having lived in the country means Dr Latjor has learnt some Aussie ways, most of all the national sport.
“When I got here the only sport was footy,” he said.
“I’ve become a crazy fan for footy. I barrack for St Kilda. They never win but I go for them.”
Dr Latjor bursts into a laugh as he is asked what it is that inspires his love of the sport.
“I like the way the play, but most of all I love the crazy fans,” he said.
Maybe St Kilda, just like Latjor, will face their challenges and take their opportunities to make the crazy fan happy this weekend.
Gentle touch: Tarwin Veterinary Group vet Dr Latjor Latjor with a small kitten. Latjor has a passion for working with animals and meeting new people.
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