Explore, Learn, Scale: The ARAV Mumbai Chapter Has Arrived!

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The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) Student Chapter at Mumbai Veterinary College marks a new milestone for students passionate about herpetology. Established under the guidance of ARAV, this chapter aims to bridge the gap between curiosity and clinical expertise in reptile and amphibian medicine.

Through interactive webinars, hands-on workshops, and collaborative learning, ARAV Mumbai provides a platform for aspiring veterinarians to explore diagnostics, husbandry, conservation, and medical care of reptiles and amphibians. Members will gain exclusive access to international resources, mentorship opportunities, and the Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery - all designed to enhance their academic and professional journey.

Whether you’re drawn to the intricate biology of snakes, the delicate physiology of amphibians, or simply wish to expand your clinical horizon, ARAV Mumbai invites you to be part of a growing network that celebrates the art and science of herpetology.

Who Can Apply?

The ARAV Student Chapter at Mumbai Veterinary College is open to:

  • All veterinary students interested in reptile and amphibian medicine, surgery, husbandry, or conservation.

  • Students from any academic year — no prior experience required.

  • Registration is free, and applicants will complete a brief form detailing their interests, goals, and ideas for events or guest speakers. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to engage are the only prerequisites.

Benefits of Joining ARAV Mumbai

Membership in the chapter opens the door to exclusive opportunities, including:

  • Access to ARAV resources, including the Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery (JHMS).

  • Entry into the ARAV global community and access to the Membership Directory, connecting with veterinarians, researchers, and students worldwide.

  • Access to the ARAV externship and speaker database, offering exposure to international learning.

  • Newsletter and Publication Access: All student chapter members will receive both the Herp Blerp (ARAV’s primary newsletter) and the dedicated Student Newsletter. 

  • Student Publication Opportunities: All student chapter members can contribute material for publication, giving them a chance to share ideas, research, or experiences with a global audience.

Terms and Conditions

To maintain transparency and fairness, ARAV Mumbai follows a structured, merit-based system.

Only Active Members will receive access to - 

  1. ARAV resources, including the Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery (JHMS).

  2. Membership Directory

  3. ARAV externship and speaker database

The eligibility of a member to be considered active within the ARAV Mumbai Student Chapter will be based on their consistent participation, engagement, and contribution. 

The following criteria will be used for evaluation:

  • Group Engagement: Regular interaction and meaningful participation in the ARAV Mumbai WhatsApp group — including contributing to discussions, sharing case studies, relevant articles, ideas, and asking questions.

  • Event Contribution: Taking initiative in suggesting or developing ideas, content, and event proposals that align with the chapter’s objectives.

  • Organisational Involvement: Active participation in the planning and execution of webinars, talks, or other chapter events.

  • Attendance: Consistent presence at chapter events, meetings, or webinars. This is flexible, of course. 

  • Leadership Initiative: Volunteering for or accepting roles such as Event Manager, Member Management Coordinator, or Public Relations Manager (as these positions are introduced in the near future).

Members who demonstrate consistent engagement in two or more of these areas over a defined evaluation period will be classified as active members and remain eligible for chapter benefits and responsibilities.

Membership Fees

At present, registration for the ARAV Mumbai Student Chapter is completely free, and all approved members are welcome to participate in chapter activities, discussions, webinars, online events and receive newsletters without any charges.

However, in cases where funding is required for specific activities - such as offline workshops, hands-on training sessions, or external events involving logistics or material costs - participants may be asked to contribute a nominal event-specific fee.

Such fees will only apply to those attending the respective event and will be clearly communicated in advance. General membership and access to chapter resources will remain free of charge.

Join the Movement - Fill out the form!

Whether your interests lie in diagnostics, exotic pet medicine, wildlife conservation, or pure fascination with the scaled and slippery, ARAV Mumbai welcomes you to be part of a new wave of veterinary learning.

Fill out the form here - Application for ARAV Chapter, MVC

Namrata Sahoo is an aspiring veterinarian with a deep passion for wildlife, exotic pets, and animal behavior. Through The Vet Diaries, she brings together her experiences, reflections, and scientific insights to make veterinary science accessible and relatable. Here, complex topics from animal health, behavior, and welfare are translated into accessible, engaging narratives. From reptile quirks to avian care and rodent myths, each article is crafted to bridge the gap between science and empathy — helping readers understand not just how to care for animals, but why they behave the way they do. Whether you're a vet student, pet parent, or just someone fascinated by the animal world, The Vet Diaries invites you to explore, question, and learn through curiosity and compassion.

Comments

  1. Anonymous27 October 2025 at 22:22

    Wow this is fascinating to know your compassion towards wildlife conservation and advancement in vertinary science . As this path is full of curiosity and I think this curiosity will built a fire of research and development in vertinary medecine as a research is developing and in same way we have a opportunity to implement the positive changes in nature , wildlife with plan of sustainable development and conservation of different species , I think vertinary research is the subset of many discipline such as embryology, osteology, anthropology and paleontology. At the end I will say that all the best for what you are doing and hope soon you will get a positive result of it..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Namrata Sahoo28 October 2025 at 10:37

      Thank you so much for your support! Yes, like all medical fields, Veterinary Science is a constantly developing discipline that requires more dedicated and passionate people who havent just joined it as a secondary option after human medicine.....continual research and learning are the foundation of a good doctor capable of handling lives - and in our case, unique lives across so many genera

      Delete

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