Dr. med. vet., Specialist (FTA) in Anesthesiology, Intensive Care & Pain Management, CVPP, CCRP, CVA
EBVS European Specialist in Small Animal SurgeryCurrent Position
Stephanie von Ritgen has worked as a veterinary anaesthetist for both large and small animals at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive Care at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna since 2010. In 2015, she also took on the role of Senior Veterinarian at the Small and Large Animal Pain Clinic at Vetmeduni Vienna.
Education and Experience
Stephanie von Ritgen obtained her veterinary licence in 2005 at Justus-Liebig University Gießen. The following year, she earned her doctorate (Dr. med. vet.) at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern in Switzerland. From 2007 to 2008, she completed internships in veterinary anaesthesia and equine medicine, the latter at the Vetmeduni Vienna. From 2008 to 2010, she worked in a private equine clinic and a mixed small animal and large animal practice in Germany. She then returned to the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna to join the Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive Care. In 2014, Stephanie von Ritgen successfully passed the examination to become a specialist in anaesthesiology, intensive care and pain therapy. She is also a certified pain therapist for animals (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner, CVPP), a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner (CCRP) and a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA).
Georg graduated from the Veterinary University of Vienna in 2006, where he also completed a rotating small animal internship and a three-year ECVS approved residency program in small animal surgery. 2015 Georg moved to UK and worked as a specialist small animal surgeon in international renowned referral centers (Animal Health Trust, Dick White Referrals). In 2018 Georg returned back to Austria where he is CEO and head surgeon of a busy referral centre. Beside his clinical work, Georg has published articles in peer reviewed journals and has lectured and been invited as a speaker at numerous conferences and CPD courses at national and international level.Teaching Experience
In her teaching role at Vetmeduni Vienna, Dr von Ritgen mentors and supervises veterinary students, interns, and residents in anaesthesiology, perioperative intensive care, and pain management. She designs and delivers practical workshops, case-based learning modules and clinical teaching materials, and frequently lectures at continuing education events in Austria and internationally.
Research
Stephanie von Ritgen’s research primarily focuses on integrative analgesic methods and the use of electrical devices to assess pain in animals. She regularly publishes her findings in journals that promote conventional and complementary approaches in veterinary anaesthesia and pain medicine.
Other
Professional Philosophy
‘What fascinates me about anaesthesia and pain medicine is that there is always more to learn. Even after decades of experience, curiosity remains. I find it immensely rewarding to share my knowledge as a speaker and contribute new insights to the field.’