career change from medicine to vet
I am having similar thoughts as this thread starter and was wondering what people’s thoughts are on my current situation and can you advise please?
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
Original post by Doctor.to.Vet
EMYork did you ever retrain to be a vet?
you haven't tagged them (you need to put an @ before their name to do that) so they wouldn't see this but they have only ever posted 4 times on the forum so I suspect that they are long gone
Original post by Doctor.to.Vet
I am having similar thoughts as this thread starter and was wondering what people’s thoughts are on my current situation and can you advise please?
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
Assuming you started medical school at 18, that's 15 years you would've spent on your medical journey: 5-6 years of medical school, 2 years of foundation training, and then years on speciality training (or if you're a GP only 3 years). At almost 33 years, you're probably almost consultant level, where your income will increase significantly. You can easily make 6 figures with that plus locum/private work. I imagine life as a consultant is probably a lot better than being a speciality doctor too. Plus you always can always emigrate too if you're fed up with the NHS, where countries will pay more £££. I just urge you think very long about switching, because you've spent so long with medicine, and it'd be a waste to throw it away to become a vet, where you'll likely almost be 50 before you start earning well, especially when you're likely almost a consultant.
Original post by Doctor.to.Vet
I am having similar thoughts as this thread starter and was wondering what people’s thoughts are on my current situation and can you advise please?
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
Hiya, Notts student here:
If it makes you feel better, the oldest person on my course will be several years older than you when they graduate! It's all been done before so don't worry too much about 'sticking out' or being the most mature student. As a vocational course leading to a career, we get many mature students and people changing careers so honestly don't let this put you off alone.
I've not met a doctor-turned-vet, but I have heard of it. I do know of some mature students who did human health-allied professions before entering vet school. Is there anything you'd like to know specifically?
If you have always wondered, then apply to a local vet clinic and see if you can see practice with them. I imagine you're super busy but it will definitely give you the insight you need to make a decision, not to mention that you will need to have seen practice before you apply to vet school.
One thing you need to be aware of: if the climate of the NHS is a main factor for this change in career, consider why that is. Veterinary surgeons have a (slightly) higher starting salary than doctors, but after just a couple years of experience they are earning significantly less. This figure never gets particularly high as a GP vet, even with many years of experience, taking into consideration the long hours we have to work. Veterinary surgeons suffer badly from mental health problems, and have the highest suicide rate of any other profession - due to stress, underappreciation, management, clients etc. If these are things you're hoping to avoid by becoming a vet then maybe reconsider as you may in fact find it worse.
With that disclaimer out of the way, for the right person veterinary medicine is an incredibly rewarding career and it would be fantastic to have someone like you enter our profession. Veterinary surgeons consider human/public health a lot more than you may think and it is very intertwined with animal health. Not to mention it could give you the breath of fresh air you need and could be a new challenge for you. Again, I definitely recommend doing some work experience in a practice to see if you like the work environment.
I hope this gives you some insight. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by Doctor.to.Vet
I am having similar thoughts as this thread starter and was wondering what people’s thoughts are on my current situation and can you advise please?
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
I qualified as a Doctor in 2013 and I have been working for NHS ever since. I always had in the back of my mind that I should have done Veterinary Medicine instead, and with the current climate of the NHS that urge to go back to Uni and become what a Vet is even more strong. Do people think I am mad to be doing this and giving up medical career? I am already nearly 33, and I’ve worked out I probably won’t be able to apply for vet school until 2026 start, when I’ve had some time to save some money to fund it. What age are the graduates at your vet school? I will likely be 41 at least by the time I qualify. Does Nottingham Vet School take many older graduates? Has anyone come across a doctor who then went on to be come a Vet
I don't think you'll get a reply from the original poster as it's been 13 years. I think no one can give you a definitive answer as there are so many variables. I haven't met a doctor changing to vet, but there are people who are over 30 doing the vet degree from various backgrounds. From a technical standpoint, obviously you've considered the funding fees which are very expensive as a second degree. It is ridiculously competitive to get in, especially for postgrad courses, but I assume you'll be working during so it won't be as big of an issue if you had to reapply etc. I'm not sure entirely what the rules are for your case in terms of qualifications, I'd make a table with all the different unis you'd apply to and their individual requirements as I know it can get a bit complex - some requiring you to do access courses or A Levels even if you've had a first degree etc, and if there are any grey areas do email the unis to clarify and have anything in writing. You will also need to do a number of weeks of animal-related work experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings, I'm not sure how easy that will be for you to fit in between work. And I'll assume you've considered any personal challenges (kids/location with house/financials etc) which aren't impossible to do the degree with but might just make the journey that bit harder.
I wouldn't say you're mad, but I would consider your reasons why. Obviously there is no NHS for vets but right now a lot of places are understaffed as there isn't enough vets, so working conditions in terms of staffing may be similar. Your job is still very human-facing and owners can cause the majority of your daily struggles. With owners having to pay you are often very limited in what you can do, may have to PTS animals which could've had a chance with more money, you're always known as 'money grabbing' and 'if you really loved animals you'd do it for free' etc when your salary is much less than a lot of human doctors, with the average being 40k when you are qualified as a full surgeon. Unless you specialise it is also a very broad career as you are treating every body system, lots of different species, usually doing both consults and procedures unlike a lot of the human medical field, but from what I've heard from medical students (I may be wrong) you do also go into more detail with all these body systems on the vet course since you are expected to know how to treat them as opposed to specialise later. You'll have to do 36 weeks doing EMS placements which are usually unpaid (although I've heard it may be lowered to 30 in the next few years), and for preclinical may not always be the nicest as you can easily be working for 16 hours in the middle of the night lambing ewes in the freezing cold rather than just shadowing in a hospital. A lot of your patients will probably be scared of you and the owners can be a little mad. There is a lot of issues with poor mental health amongst the vet career with all these stressors.
Not trying to put you off and I'm sure you already know a lot of these and I'm not saying working as a doctor for the NHS is much better/easier, but these are things to consider on the off chance you are looking at a vet career with rose tinted glasses - the grass isn't necessarily greener. But if this is what you have always wanted and feel you are prepared to cope with all of it and find it a rewarding career, go for it! You've got many years left and if this is what you think you want to go into, as they say if you get a job you love you'll never work a day in your life. I think this decision is very individual and personal depending on your circumstances, personality, motivation etc. If you've got any questions I'm a second year vet student at Liverpool
Original post by RambleAmple
I don't think you'll get a reply from the original poster as it's been 13 years. I think no one can give you a definitive answer as there are so many variables. I haven't met a doctor changing to vet, but there are people who are over 30 doing the vet degree from various backgrounds. From a technical standpoint, obviously you've considered the funding fees which are very expensive as a second degree. It is ridiculously competitive to get in, especially for postgrad courses, but I assume you'll be working during so it won't be as big of an issue if you had to reapply etc. I'm not sure entirely what the rules are for your case in terms of qualifications, I'd make a table with all the different unis you'd apply to and their individual requirements as I know it can get a bit complex - some requiring you to do access courses or A Levels even if you've had a first degree etc, and if there are any grey areas do email the unis to clarify and have anything in writing. You will also need to do a number of weeks of animal-related work experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings, I'm not sure how easy that will be for you to fit in between work. And I'll assume you've considered any personal challenges (kids/location with house/financials etc) which aren't impossible to do the degree with but might just make the journey that bit harder.
I wouldn't say you're mad, but I would consider your reasons why. Obviously there is no NHS for vets but right now a lot of places are understaffed as there isn't enough vets, so working conditions in terms of staffing may be similar. Your job is still very human-facing and owners can cause the majority of your daily struggles. With owners having to pay you are often very limited in what you can do, may have to PTS animals which could've had a chance with more money, you're always known as 'money grabbing' and 'if you really loved animals you'd do it for free' etc when your salary is much less than a lot of human doctors, with the average being 40k when you are qualified as a full surgeon. Unless you specialise it is also a very broad career as you are treating every body system, lots of different species, usually doing both consults and procedures unlike a lot of the human medical field, but from what I've heard from medical students (I may be wrong) you do also go into more detail with all these body systems on the vet course since you are expected to know how to treat them as opposed to specialise later. You'll have to do 36 weeks doing EMS placements which are usually unpaid (although I've heard it may be lowered to 30 in the next few years), and for preclinical may not always be the nicest as you can easily be working for 16 hours in the middle of the night lambing ewes in the freezing cold rather than just shadowing in a hospital. A lot of your patients will probably be scared of you and the owners can be a little mad. There is a lot of issues with poor mental health amongst the vet career with all these stressors.
Not trying to put you off and I'm sure you already know a lot of these and I'm not saying working as a doctor for the NHS is much better/easier, but these are things to consider on the off chance you are looking at a vet career with rose tinted glasses - the grass isn't necessarily greener. But if this is what you have always wanted and feel you are prepared to cope with all of it and find it a rewarding career, go for it! You've got many years left and if this is what you think you want to go into, as they say if you get a job you love you'll never work a day in your life. I think this decision is very individual and personal depending on your circumstances, personality, motivation etc. If you've got any questions I'm a second year vet student at Liverpool
I wouldn't say you're mad, but I would consider your reasons why. Obviously there is no NHS for vets but right now a lot of places are understaffed as there isn't enough vets, so working conditions in terms of staffing may be similar. Your job is still very human-facing and owners can cause the majority of your daily struggles. With owners having to pay you are often very limited in what you can do, may have to PTS animals which could've had a chance with more money, you're always known as 'money grabbing' and 'if you really loved animals you'd do it for free' etc when your salary is much less than a lot of human doctors, with the average being 40k when you are qualified as a full surgeon. Unless you specialise it is also a very broad career as you are treating every body system, lots of different species, usually doing both consults and procedures unlike a lot of the human medical field, but from what I've heard from medical students (I may be wrong) you do also go into more detail with all these body systems on the vet course since you are expected to know how to treat them as opposed to specialise later. You'll have to do 36 weeks doing EMS placements which are usually unpaid (although I've heard it may be lowered to 30 in the next few years), and for preclinical may not always be the nicest as you can easily be working for 16 hours in the middle of the night lambing ewes in the freezing cold rather than just shadowing in a hospital. A lot of your patients will probably be scared of you and the owners can be a little mad. There is a lot of issues with poor mental health amongst the vet career with all these stressors.
Not trying to put you off and I'm sure you already know a lot of these and I'm not saying working as a doctor for the NHS is much better/easier, but these are things to consider on the off chance you are looking at a vet career with rose tinted glasses - the grass isn't necessarily greener. But if this is what you have always wanted and feel you are prepared to cope with all of it and find it a rewarding career, go for it! You've got many years left and if this is what you think you want to go into, as they say if you get a job you love you'll never work a day in your life. I think this decision is very individual and personal depending on your circumstances, personality, motivation etc. If you've got any questions I'm a second year vet student at Liverpool
I’m also a former junior doctor who wondered why I didn’t choose vet med instead. I quit from my training as the only way to carry on is to relocate 7 hours away to the coast doing boat medicine. I knew I couldn’t cope so I left and now don’t know if I should fulfill a childhood dream or go off on a different path completely… I’m looking into accelerated grad entry at uni of Bristol which doesn’t require the animal work experience needed straight away. Any advice on application process through UCAS?
Original post by AnnnieG1217
I’m also a former junior doctor who wondered why I didn’t choose vet med instead. I quit from my training as the only way to carry on is to relocate 7 hours away to the coast doing boat medicine. I knew I couldn’t cope so I left and now don’t know if I should fulfill a childhood dream or go off on a different path completely… I’m looking into accelerated grad entry at uni of Bristol which doesn’t require the animal work experience needed straight away. Any advice on application process through UCAS?
Hiya.
The entry requirements for some vet courses no longer 'officially' require work experience, however it is still deemed basically essential by applicants anyway. Veterinary Medicine is as competitive as Medicine with 11+ applicants per place for some courses. Therefore, most other applicants will have far exceeded the entry requirements and it is in your best interest to also do so. Additionally, you will need to have background knowledge about the veterinary profession in order to succeed at the admissions process (questionnaires & interviews), and you get this through doing work experience in a vet practice.
If Medicine wasn't what you thought it would be, I would strongly encourage you to get some experience in the veterinary profession. New grad vets are lasting 6 years on average before leaving the career. We have the highest suicide rate of any profession, and terrible overall mental health rates and job satisfaction in general. Clients are often aggressive, and veterinary clinics are based off of a private healthcare model, meaning owners often cannot afford care for their pets. This can be really mentally draining as the vet, as you just want to help the animals but do not have the resources to do so. The clients will blame you for this. In addition, the pay is pretty bad for the work we do and the hours worked.
Many of us view it as a childhood dream, but there is an element of realism that needs to be gained. It is not just all vaccinating puppies and kittens (as my family and friends seem to think!).
This isn't meant to put you off. Being a vet can be great, but you really need to know what you're getting into, especially as someone who was already dissatisfied from a similar healthcare career role. What things did you not like about Medicine, that you think will be better in Veterinary Medicine?
I hope this gives you some useful perspective. I strongly advise getting some experience in a clinic first. If you enjoy it, come back to this forum and there's many of us who will be glad to advise you on your application.
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