Career In Veterinary Medicine
Dear aspiring veterinarian:
Almost on a daily basis a child will tell me they want to be a veterinarian when they grow up. It is heart warming to be working in a profession that kids aspire to; it puts me up there with hockey stars and astronauts as the cool thing to be when you grow up. My response of course is encouraging. I tell them to work hard in school, stay focused and they will be rewarded with a wonderful career in the future.
Being a veterinarian is hard work. I work long hours, never less than 10 hours per day, often up to 14 hours. On my time off I read journal articles and attend many continuing education seminars; it is important to stay current on new the technologies, science, medicines, diseases and trends. Although I graduated from University many years ago, I am still constantly learning and studying. Some days this job is very sad and emotionally draining; it can be heartbreaking and often makes me cry. And, I don’t make as much money as a hockey star or an astronaut.
Fortunately, the down sides to being a veterinarian are nothing compared to the rewards. Being a veterinarian is the best thing I have ever done. My job challenges me, it interests me, it makes me laugh, and it is full of wonderful people and amazing animals. My patients give me so much love, courage and inspiration. My job fulfils me. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life.
I could have chosen a different path and studied another career that might have been easier or where I would make more money, but never would my life have been so rich as it is now.
So for the young people who are considering a career in veterinary medicine, go for it. I promise you will not regret it.
To help answer some of the questions you may have about the veterinary profession and how to become a veterinarian, I have included this file ‘Taking a Look into the Veterinary Profession’ written by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.
Good luck with your future. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephanie Ewing BSc., DVM.
For further information, please read: Taking a Look into the Veterinary Profession
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FUNFACT:
The average life span of a mid sized dog is about 13 years. The oldest dog reported was 29 ½ years. The average life span of a cat is about 14 years. The oldest cat reported was 37 years.
