Mariana Fragoso

Wildlife Veterinary Surgeon | DVM, MSc, MRCVS, CertAqV, PgCert. Exotic ifevet

Portugal

About

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." David Attenborough

Experience

  • Sea Turtle Rescue Alliance (5 yrs 4 mos)
    • Programme Manager
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Veterinary Advisor and Communications Lead
      Mar 2021 - Apr 2025 · 4 yrs 2 mos

  • Program Veterinary Leader @ Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Program at Loop Abroad
    Jan 2026 - Jan 2026 · 1 mo

    Led a hands-on sea turtle research and conservation programme for undergraduate students from Eckerd College (Florida) in collaboration with LAST (Latin American Sea Turtles) Delivered lectures and practical training, supervised animal care and clinical activities, and provided veterinary support as needed. Managed student health, safety, and well-being, coordinated logistics with local partners, and mentored students to ensure a smooth and enriching programme experience alongside Loop Abroad staff.

  • Program Veterinary Leader at Loop Abroad
    Jun 2025 - Jul 2025 · 2 mos

    Oversaw veterinary programmes at Rescue Center Costa Rica, including a two-week wildlife medicine course for high school students and a one-month internship for UC Davis pre-vet students. Delivered lectures and practical training, supervised animal care and clinical activities, provided veterinary support when required, and managed student health, safety, and well-being. Coordinated logistics with local partners, mentored students, and ensured smooth programme operations alongside Loop Abroad staff.

  • Olive Ridley Project (2 yrs 5 mos)
    • Conservation Medical Research
      Jan 2025 - Apr 2025 · 4 mos

      • Developing and refining sea turtle rehabilitation protocols. • Analysing medical data to advance treatment methodologies. • Contributing to scientific research and publications on marine turtle health.

    • Veterinary Surgeon
      Dec 2022 - Jan 2025 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      • Managing daily operations of the sea turtle hospital, including clinical care, diagnostics, and treatment plans. • Advanced treatments including Platelet Rich Plasma, Total Parenteral Nutrition, photobiomodulation therapy, blood cross-matching and acupuncture. • Overseeing drug procurement, inventory management, and veterinary protocols. • Training and mentoring nurses, biologists, interns and volunteers in sea turtle husbandry and medical care. • Maintenance of Rescue Centre facilities, Life Support Systems and water quality. • Coordinating national turtle transport logistics and advising on governmental policy. • Conducting weekly guest presentations and public outreach initiatives.

  • Medivet (On-site)
    • Emergency Veterinary Surgeon
      Jul 2022 - Dec 2022 · 6 mos

      • Provided critical overnight emergency care for exotic and small animals. • Managed trauma cases, surgical emergencies, and intensive care patients.

    • Small Animal and Exotics Veterinary Surgeon
      Oct 2020 - Jul 2022 · 1 yr 10 mos

      • Led consultations, radiographs, ultrasound, wound dressing, and developing hospitalisation plans in high-paced environment. • Competent in routine surgery including spays, castrates, lumpectomies, dental hygiene and extractions, tail & toe amputation, etc. • Solely managed out-of-hours consultations and provided expert guidance to pet owners regarding sanitary measures, feeding, general care, medical conditions, and treatment options.