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Veterinary Science Personal Statement
For years I have been determined to study veterinary medicine as it combines my interests of science, animals and practical medicine. At university level I am especially interested in studying animal husbandry, physiology and pathology. Veterinary medicine would also prove to be a challenge which would be of great personal enjoyment.
To further my knowledge of the work involved in a typical veterinary practice I initially spent a week in a local clinic where I was shown and participated in various activities. Among the routine spays and castrations, I also gained experience of handling horses through simple check-ups and I observed other common operations including lump extractions, stitching and learned how to supervise an animal under anaesthetic. As the clinic was located in a rural area during April I was involved in frequent lambing and calving. The highlight was the participation in a cow caesarean in which I aided the vet by carrying out simple tasks such as restraining the cow and holding the uterus to be stitched. I found this experience particularly interesting as it demonstrated the physical effort and concentration required by a vet who deals with large animals. Other patients included; a poisoned dog, a dog with calcified nodules its ileum and a Doberman puppy with a spinal deformity. Throughout the duration at the clinic I learned that the work required was challenging, tough and also there is a strong emphasis in hygiene, good social skills and team work. During the summer I was invited to return to the clinic for another week where I took part in more medical based activities including treatment of a diabetic dog by administering insulin into the vein and making up dosages of antibiotics and painkillers for treatment. Alongside the vet I interpreted X-rays and went on several calls, one of which included a calf check up which was diagnosed with peritonitis and had to be put down. This call in particular demonstrated how prepared a vet needs to be for a simple visit, should a diagnostic operation be needed. I have spent several weeks at a local farm and have been involved in milking of cows and general farmyard work. I have organised several more weeks on a larger dairy farm and also at a small animal veterinary clinic. I have knowledge of working with terrapins and snakes and understand the conditions needed to maintain a healthy environment for these creatures. Part-time work at a local butcher's for 13 months has given me an insight into the business aspect of a farmer's job and how important it is financially for livestock to remain healthy until consumption. This job has also taught me the need for stringent laws set by DEFRA in order to protect public health.
I have been involved in rugby for 6 years at school and for the last 13 months I have also participated in regular ju-jitsu training twice a week. Jujitsu is a huge interest of mine as I have always been captivated by hand to hand fighting as they teach honour and self-discipline. I have been involved in jujitsu for over a year and have been awarded my 3rd belt (orange.) There is a requirement in jujitsu to learn many moves and also the human anatomy very thoroughly. This hobby complements my interest in military history. I volunteered to be part of a stage management team at the 2006 Spring Concert. With so few people and copious amounts of work, we learned to organise our time well and even more importantly, we worked as a team, putting much effort into each of our individual tasks. Working on the stage management crew allowed me to personally test my team skills and organise other people outside of the stage team. I took up the position again this year as I had enjoyed it greatly. I was accepted for the Spirit of Enniskillen workshop as one of 10 out of 33 pupils to go on a residential with other schools in ********.
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