Current 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).

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.’