Dr. Yi Cui

DVM Diplomate ECVIM-CA
Board-certified specialist in in small animal internal medicine (ECVIM-CA)



Dr. Yi Cui is a veterinarian specializing in small animal internal medicine. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Ghent University in Belgium in 2012. Prior to that, she obtained a master's degree in Biology with a focus on Animal Physiology from the University of Leuven in Belgium in 2007.

After completing her veterinary education, Dr. Cui pursued further training through:

  • A small animal rotating internship at Ghent University from 2012 to 2013
  • A residency in Internal Medicine at Justus Liebig University Giessen in Germany from 2014 to 2017

In 2019, Dr. Cui achieved board certification as a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Companion Animals (ECVIM-CA).

Dr Yi professional experience includes:

  • Clinical supervisor roles in Internal Medicine at universities in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands
  • Internal Medicine Specialist at VSH Hong Kong
  • Currently working as a freelance Internal Medicine consultant

Yi is passionate about teaching and loves sharing her expertise with colleagues and students. She creates a supportive environment where every question is welcome and complex concepts are made clear. Her enthusiasm for internal medicine shines in every case discussion, inspiring others to delve deeper. Whether leading a workshop or offering guidance online, Yi’s approachable style helps veterinarians grow their skills and confidence.

Get to Know Your Mentor

We spoke with Dr Yi to offer you an insider’s look at her journey in small animal internal medicine. Discover what fuels her passion, how she tackles complex cases, and why she’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and uplifting primary-care veterinarians.

What aspects of internal medicine do you find most unique and fulfilling?


Having the opportunity to solve complex puzzles using all your knowledge of physiology - being like Dr House from time to time isn't a bad deal!

Why is mentoring such an important part of your work, and how has it shaped your career?


Whenever you teach, you also learn. Explaining a disease helps you understand it more deeply. Striving to be a good teacher makes me a better clinician.

Can you share a pivotal experience that made you feel truly confident as an criticalist?


As an internal medicine specialist, it's hard to recall an instance when I felt truly confident. Our self-doubt drives us to dig deeper, look further, and collaborate with others to find the answers. While I can't point to a single pivotal experience, every time I help a patient with a poor prognosis recover from the brink of death, it’s the most rewarding feeling.

In no more than three words each, share: your favorite thing about emergency, your least favorite thing, and the biggest misconception in emergency.


Favourite: Dealing with complex diseases and having hands-on experience with procedures like scoping.
Least: Numerous critically ill animals with poor prognosis.
Misconception: That all we talk about is poo! :)

Tell us two truths and one lie about your veterinary career.


I have mostly worked in academic environments because I enjoy teaching and research in addition to clinical work.
It is both rewarding and challenging at the same time.
The road to becoming a specialist is a straightforward journey.

What’s the one piece of equipment in emergency you couldn’t live without?


My stethoscope!

How do you define work-life balance, and what does it mean for you personally?


Having the physical and mental energy to enjoy life outside the clinic and the ability to disconnect from the chaos to find your own peace and quiet.

What’s the most memorable case you’ve ever worked on?


A young cat got stuck between an open window and was rushed to the clinic with severe hyperkalemia. I was part of his treatment team as an intern, and despite our best efforts, we lost him. It was one of the lowest points in my career - losing this beautiful cat and having to deliver the devastating news to his kind and understanding fur-parents. I learned a great deal from this case, and it pushed me to research new treatments, go the extra mile, and always seek more. He played an important role in my journey to becoming a specialist.

What’s been your proudest clinical or academic achievement so far?


Receiving the email from the college confirming that I passed the exam and became a specialist gave meaning to all the years of hardship, knowing it was all worth it.

Keen to master small animal internal medicine with Dr Yi Cui ECVIM-CA?
In this in-depth course, you’ll learn practical diagnostic strategies and gain confidence managing diverse internal medicine cases. Spaces are limited, so join the waiting list today - you’ll be first to hear when enrolment opens and receive priority access to secure your place.