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Do you enjoy life as a Veterinarian?
#veterinarian #animals #veterinary #veterinary-medicine #animal-health
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Elizabeth F’s Answer
I would honestly say that I do enjoy life!
Some days make you question it, but some days bring many rewards.
The thing is, veterinary medicine is a HUGE field and there are so many different ways to go. I was sure (since age 4) that I wanted to be a "horse doctor." And I was for a while. Now I do dentistry for all species. I have also spent 11 years as a teacher of veterinary medicine. You could work in a relatively structured such as a clinic or shelter where you know (roughly) what your hours will be, or you might work as an ambulatory veterinarian, logging lots of miles in the car between calls, or you might work for the army, in public health or research.
Shadow/volunteer/get to know veterinarians in different aspects of the profession.
NEVER lose sight of what makes you happy, regardless the career path you choose.
Some days make you question it, but some days bring many rewards.
The thing is, veterinary medicine is a HUGE field and there are so many different ways to go. I was sure (since age 4) that I wanted to be a "horse doctor." And I was for a while. Now I do dentistry for all species. I have also spent 11 years as a teacher of veterinary medicine. You could work in a relatively structured such as a clinic or shelter where you know (roughly) what your hours will be, or you might work as an ambulatory veterinarian, logging lots of miles in the car between calls, or you might work for the army, in public health or research.
Elizabeth F recommends the following next steps:
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Christopher’s Answer
Veterinary medicine is a vast field and degrees in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Registered Veterinary Technician offers many avenues to explore from general clinical practice, research, pharmaceutical industry, academia, governmental practice, etc. We even have degrees in specialized areas that require additional training and education in numerous areas (exotic medicine, surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, etc).
All these areas allow you to apply sciences to the welfare of animals in various settings. Veterinarians even deal with public health of humans when it comes to zoonotic diseases.
I practice general clinical medicine and help a variety of dogs, cats and companion exotic pets. Although we deal with pet illnesses a large part of my job involves assisting the public with ensuring preventive care is emphasized. Even though you have a love for animals it is important that you also enjoy communication with clients (humans) in this area of veterinary medicine. The career is rewarding but we do have to deal with frustrating and sad situations sometimes - clients unable to afford cost of care, euthanasias, etc.
Volunteer at a veterinary hospital
Ask a veterinarian to mentor you
Research careers in veterinary medicine
Decide if you are interested in Veterinary School or Veterinary Technician/Nurse School
All these areas allow you to apply sciences to the welfare of animals in various settings. Veterinarians even deal with public health of humans when it comes to zoonotic diseases.
I practice general clinical medicine and help a variety of dogs, cats and companion exotic pets. Although we deal with pet illnesses a large part of my job involves assisting the public with ensuring preventive care is emphasized. Even though you have a love for animals it is important that you also enjoy communication with clients (humans) in this area of veterinary medicine. The career is rewarding but we do have to deal with frustrating and sad situations sometimes - clients unable to afford cost of care, euthanasias, etc.
Christopher recommends the following next steps: