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Alexa
Student
Troy, Ohio
1
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What advice would you give, looking back?
What advice would you give to a young adult starting college, about lessons learned and what you wish you would have known? If entering into the veterinary field what is something you have learned on the job that you wish you would have gained more experience with during college?
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1 answer
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1828
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San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Alexa,
I'm going to address this from a personal level, as a dog-lover and pet parent. When my dog was recently diagnosed with cancer, I was shocked to learn we had only two oncologists for the entire city of San Antonio. I called Texas A&M Veterinary College, where I learned that there is a global shortage of Veterinarians, which they expected to resolve in about 5 years.
I had a nice chat with the school, at which time I also learned that the suicide rate among Veterinarians is very high. This is sad, and a scary thought. We need more vets, and I don't want to discourage you. But, some things they don't tell you about. If you work at a clinic, people come in who can't afford to treat their animals. Veterinary care has gotten expensive, and the insurance premiums are getting to where they are unaffordable except to those who don't truly need it (my insurance doubled this year, and the cancer isn't even covered due to a pre-existing skin condition). So, veterinarians can't adopt every sick critter in need of a home. They end up having to put down animals that could be saved. And the owners sometimes blame the vet, as if it is somehow their fault. It's not all cute and cuddly.
To that end, I'd say start early on working on emotional coping skills. Journaling, exercise, sports, joining a drama troupe, whatever - just find your "outlet." It's going to be important later on.
As far as college, just keep your eye on the prize. Stay focused. Keep up with your readings, take good notes, and enjoy yourself a little!
Thank you for wanting to be a vet. I wish you the best!
I'm going to address this from a personal level, as a dog-lover and pet parent. When my dog was recently diagnosed with cancer, I was shocked to learn we had only two oncologists for the entire city of San Antonio. I called Texas A&M Veterinary College, where I learned that there is a global shortage of Veterinarians, which they expected to resolve in about 5 years.
I had a nice chat with the school, at which time I also learned that the suicide rate among Veterinarians is very high. This is sad, and a scary thought. We need more vets, and I don't want to discourage you. But, some things they don't tell you about. If you work at a clinic, people come in who can't afford to treat their animals. Veterinary care has gotten expensive, and the insurance premiums are getting to where they are unaffordable except to those who don't truly need it (my insurance doubled this year, and the cancer isn't even covered due to a pre-existing skin condition). So, veterinarians can't adopt every sick critter in need of a home. They end up having to put down animals that could be saved. And the owners sometimes blame the vet, as if it is somehow their fault. It's not all cute and cuddly.
To that end, I'd say start early on working on emotional coping skills. Journaling, exercise, sports, joining a drama troupe, whatever - just find your "outlet." It's going to be important later on.
As far as college, just keep your eye on the prize. Stay focused. Keep up with your readings, take good notes, and enjoy yourself a little!
Thank you for wanting to be a vet. I wish you the best!