What makes a good vet? How to choose the best one for your pet.

Question

Hello, I'm a college student pursuing a vet degree and I have a project where I have to ask five questions. I'm sorry to bother you but if you could please answer them for me I would greatly appreciate it. What made you decide to be a vet? What would you recommend for someone like me who is pursuing this career? What do you find the most rewarding of your career? What did you find the most difficult in your journey? What makes a good veterinarian? I would appreciate it, thank you so much. Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | unspayed | 55 lbs

Sarah Box, BVSc · Accepted Answer

What an interesting project! Very worthwhile too, to give you some insight into being a veterinarian. 1) I always wanted to be a vet, I can't really be more specific than that unfortunately! I did try a number of other 'career' options but none of them were anywhere as satisfying as I knew veterinary medicine would be. 2) Be very careful about the choices you make regarding school and loans, and work afterwards. The debt load for new grads is extremely high and sadly the veterinary profession has a very high suicide rate because of the mental strain and pressure we are under. Being very self aware and being sure to look after yourself during school and then when you start work is very important. 3) I love helping animals and owners deal with diseases, I enjoy sending home an animal that is now happy and on the mend, when they came in they felt very sick. Owner education is SOOO important. You have to realize that whilst we treat animals, we spend much more time 'treating' owners and providing education and information to help them better manage their pet's life and medical issues. 4) I have had some difficult times. Being accepted into vet school is, as you know, a trying process and very competitive. I have also worked in some clinics that were NOT a good fit, and I was forced to continue in those lines of employment because of lack of other options in my location. When you find a good fit clinic stick with it! There will always be some rough patches but I promise that 'ideal clinic' is definitely out there! A good veterinarian is compassionate, understanding, interacts and explains things well to owners. You MUST be able to admit if you don't know something-that's what books are for! Ask questions ALWAYS, engage colleagues for assistance and advice, work collaboratively. Hope all this helps!

What makes a good vet? How to choose the best one for your pet.

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