2 answers
Bryleigh
Student
Cabot, Arkansas
11
Questions
Asked
589 views
How did people that wanted to work in the medical field or more specifically in the medical field with animals know that is what you wanted to do?
What courses were your favorite and what entertained you? What did you like to do in your free time in high school? Is there anything else that helped you find out that that is what you wanted?
2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Bryleigh,
Good question! Wondering how people knew they were destined to work in animal medicine is quite common. Most students don't wake up knowing everything right once; instead, information usually comes together gradually by way of curiosity, little encounters, and paying attention to what feels relevant.
The first signs of a career in veterinary or animal health are often found in what appeals to them. Perhaps they were fascinated by anatomy, liked biology lectures, or enjoyed every lesson that related science to living organisms. Despite the difficulty of the courses, their curiosity persisted and, in fact, increased their desire to study more. Usually, that's the first quiet indicator.
Hobbies and experiences outside of the classroom are as important. Many aspiring animal health professionals have volunteered at shelters, shadowed veterinarians, joined FFA or 4-H, taken care of pets, or simply enjoyed viewing animal science films. Even when no one is giving you any assignments, free-time decisions often reflect what your brain continues to lean toward.
However, for most people, real exposure is the most significant turning moment. Something clicked the instant they entered a clinic, went to a farm, assisted in caring for an injured animal, or spoke with someone who was already working in the sector. It wasn't because it was simple, but rather because it felt meaningful. The decision is often sealed by the sensation that "this is hard, but it matters."
The good news is that you don't need to have everything sorted out just yet. Simply begin to identify the things that pique your interest, the questions that come to mind, and the situations that spark your curiosity rather than overwhelm you. Pay attention to those breadcrumbs. In the medical field, particularly in animal health, career clarity develops from discovery rather than perfection.
You're already asking the proper questions, which is a clear indication that you're headed in the right direction.
Best wishes!
Good question! Wondering how people knew they were destined to work in animal medicine is quite common. Most students don't wake up knowing everything right once; instead, information usually comes together gradually by way of curiosity, little encounters, and paying attention to what feels relevant.
The first signs of a career in veterinary or animal health are often found in what appeals to them. Perhaps they were fascinated by anatomy, liked biology lectures, or enjoyed every lesson that related science to living organisms. Despite the difficulty of the courses, their curiosity persisted and, in fact, increased their desire to study more. Usually, that's the first quiet indicator.
Hobbies and experiences outside of the classroom are as important. Many aspiring animal health professionals have volunteered at shelters, shadowed veterinarians, joined FFA or 4-H, taken care of pets, or simply enjoyed viewing animal science films. Even when no one is giving you any assignments, free-time decisions often reflect what your brain continues to lean toward.
However, for most people, real exposure is the most significant turning moment. Something clicked the instant they entered a clinic, went to a farm, assisted in caring for an injured animal, or spoke with someone who was already working in the sector. It wasn't because it was simple, but rather because it felt meaningful. The decision is often sealed by the sensation that "this is hard, but it matters."
The good news is that you don't need to have everything sorted out just yet. Simply begin to identify the things that pique your interest, the questions that come to mind, and the situations that spark your curiosity rather than overwhelm you. Pay attention to those breadcrumbs. In the medical field, particularly in animal health, career clarity develops from discovery rather than perfection.
You're already asking the proper questions, which is a clear indication that you're headed in the right direction.
Best wishes!
Rita Chuang
Physician
253
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I can only answer this question dealing with people. I think this is difficult because of your age. The best thing to do is to shadow a doctor but most will not let a high school or possibly even a college student shadow because you are talking about sensitive topics with patients. During medical school, you rotate through different specialties and that's how you decide what field to go into.
I tell most people interested in medicine to because a medical scribe. You write the notes for the doctors, you are in the room while they are seeing patients, you learn the terminology of medicine which will make medical school easier, and you get paid. Unfortunately with AI, I think these jobs will gradually decrease. Even if you can learn this and they pay less, I think it's a great way to learn about medicine. If after a few months, you decide you don't want to be a doctor, you have saved yourself a lot of time and money.
I tell most people interested in medicine to because a medical scribe. You write the notes for the doctors, you are in the room while they are seeing patients, you learn the terminology of medicine which will make medical school easier, and you get paid. Unfortunately with AI, I think these jobs will gradually decrease. Even if you can learn this and they pay less, I think it's a great way to learn about medicine. If after a few months, you decide you don't want to be a doctor, you have saved yourself a lot of time and money.
Delete Comment
Flag Comment