Dr Palle Brink
DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECVS
Dr. Palle Brink is a distinguished equine surgeon and a globally recognized expert in advanced equine medicine.
With over three decades of experience, Dr. Brink has dedicated his career to advancing surgical techniques and improving outcomes for equine patients.
Currently serving as the surgical chief at Jägersro Equine Hospital in Malmö, Sweden, he specializes in orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery, and facial, urogenital, and respiratory surgical procedures.
Dr. Palle Brink earned his DVM degree from the Royal Veterinary University in Copenhagen in 1992.
He completed an equine medicine and surgery internship at Auburn University, Alabama, USA, and further developed his skills during an equine surgery residency at Bjerke Equine Hospital in Oslo, Norway.
A testament to his commitment to advancing equine health, he achieved Diplomate status with the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) in 1999 and completed a PhD in equine orthopedics at the Norwegian Veterinary University in 2017.
Dr. Brink’s clinical expertise includes complex sinus surgeries, the surgical correction of congenital and acquired conditions like wry nose, and innovative treatments for oromaxillary and facial fistulae.
His influential research has been published in leading veterinary journals, including studies on OCD lesions in the tarsocrural joint and surgical correction of wry nose, which have shaped modern practices in equine surgery.
A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Palle Brink has held senior academic and clinical positions, including serving as a senior lecturer at the Royal Veterinary University in Copenhagen.
He is frequently invited to present at international conferences, sharing his insights on advanced surgical techniques and equine disease management.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Palle Brink enjoys engaging in wrestling and handball and is multilingual, which has allowed him to build strong professional connections across Europe and beyond.
His holistic approach to veterinary care combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to equine welfare.
Dr. Palle Brink’s career exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance, creativity, and relentless dedication to equine health.
With his exceptional skill set in equine surgery and dentistry, he has not only pioneered techniques but also redefined how veterinarians approach challenges in their practice.
Recently, Dr. Brink shared profound insights into his field, memorable cases, and the philosophy that drives him to continuously innovate and inspire.
Key Lessons from Dr. Palle Brink For Equine Veterinarians
When asked what every equine veterinarian should know about dentistry, Dr. Brink distilled decades of experience into three pivotal lessons:
Face the Fear and Dive In
Dr. Palle Brink encouraged young veterinarians not to be intimidated by equine dentistry. “It’s not as difficult as many think,” he said. “Understanding anatomy and gaining hands-on experience is all it takes to get started. Dive straight in and build your confidence.”
Leverage the Knowledge Around You
Nature’s anatomical designs, surgical principles from other veterinary disciplines, and even human medicine offer valuable insights. Dr. Brink noted, “The face has an excellent blood supply that aids in healing. And by borrowing ideas from abdominal surgeries or human oncology, we can develop innovative solutions for dental and facial procedures.”
Combine Creativity with Published Knowledge
Dr. Brink challenged veterinarians to think beyond textbooks. “Don’t just follow what’s written; question it. Combine published techniques with your own creativity to find solutions,” he advised. This mindset, he said, is the key to advancing veterinary medicine.
A Memorable Case: Turning Frustration Into Innovation
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Palle Brink shared two intertwined cases that shaped his journey.
The first involved a young foal with a shattered PM4 due to a kick. The damage left a gaping hole that was impossible to close conventionally.
Despite his boss’s prediction that the foal would suffer from chronic sinus issues, Dr. Brink refused to give up. During surgery, he experimented with using a muscle flap to close the hole – a bold, spur-of-the-moment decision inspired by his curiosity.
To everyone’s surprise, the foal healed completely.
This breakthrough led Dr. Brink to delve into human cancer surgery techniques, where muscle flaps are routinely used. However, his second case – a stunning black stallion named Depeche – did not end as well.
Depeche suffered from a persistent M1 fistula that resisted all conventional treatments, ultimately leading to euthanasia.
The stallion’s death left Dr. Palle Brink both frustrated and determined. “Sometimes frustration and anger drive progress,” he said.
Fueled by this experience, he spent six months developing and publishing a new technique to prevent similar cases in the future. “It was a wake-up call,” he reflected. “We can’t accept the status quo. We must strive for better solutions.”
A Coffee-Fueled Adventurer
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Brink’s passions include adventure and a good cup of coffee – preferably a lot of it. “I’m addicted to coffee,” he admitted with a laugh.
When it comes to vacations, he opts for adventure. “Put me on a raft in the Canadian wilderness for a couple of weeks – that’s my idea of heaven,” he shared.
Why Dr. Brink Loves What He Does
For Dr. Brink, veterinary medicine is more than a career; it’s a lifelong passion. His drive to solve complex surgical challenges and improve patient outcomes stems from a deep sense of responsibility to his equine patients.
“Sometimes it takes frustration to spark innovation,” he said. “Those moments of struggle lead to the breakthroughs that advance our profession.”
Dr. Palle Brink’s journey from a determined young surgeon to a globally respected equine specialist is a testament to the power of resilience, curiosity, and ingenuity.
Through his groundbreaking techniques, extensive research, and commitment to education, he has left an indelible mark on equine dentistry and surgery.
Dr. Palle Brink’s story is a powerful reminder that every challenge holds the potential for growth and innovation, inspiring veterinarians to push boundaries and strive for excellence in their practice.