Veterinary Science 17 Personal Statement
The hours are long and animals in distress bite, kick and scratch, but this has not diminished my long standing ambition to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. On the contrary, the 'hands on' aspect highlights the wondrous diversity of the animal world and emphasises the essential contribution that the profession makes to owners, industry and most importantly animal welfare.
Observing veterinary practice has given me an insight into the great breadth and variety of the veterinary industry. From clinical research, small and large animal practices and industrial abattoir experiences, the versatility of the career has been emphasised. Assisting in euthanasias over two years at Monow Bridge Veterinary Clinic highlighted ethically and emotionally challenging decisions veterinary surgeons make. Here, I learnt about the importance of communication with the owner to ensure they knew all options available. Witnessing animals being killed humanely in an abattoir helped me realise I can be emotionally detached, ensuring I am prepared for all aspects of veterinary medicine. Throughout this diversity one constant did emerge - the importance of administrative paperwork, which accompanies every procedure, most notably observed during the regulation of passport checks for identification in the abattoir.
Despite the demands of a career in veterinary medicine, 26 weeks of work experience has shown me many rewarding and exciting aspects. Life saving operations such as the removal of a tumour from a Great Dane introduced me to the importance of early clinical diagnosis and the benefits it can have on an animal's quality of life. Treating soft tissue problems through interleukin-1 receptor antagonist proteins and collecting blood test samples for metabolic disease at Abbey Equine Clinic has demonstrated recent developments in the veterinary profession. Working at Usk Large Animal Veterinary Clinic introduced me to treatments for uterus infections in cattle as well as the importance of TB testing. Bristol Zoo Veterinary Department was very different from the other veterinary practices. It was intriguing to conduct post mortems on monkey brains for research. It also introduced me to the different diseases that effect exotic species; a specific case being Aspergillus. A seahorse case with buoyancy problems resolvable by surgery was fascinating. It showed me the diverse anatomy and physiology of exotic species.
The significance and value of a vet in a rural community was highlighted by my week lambing, a week at a dairy and four weeks on a farm. My time at Wern Farm strengthened my restraining techniques when worming the animals as well as the general husbandry required to keep them healthy. My most exciting moment was during lambing as, although I witnessed the rejection of lambs by ewes, delivering a lamb was an exhilarating experience. Observing the process from the birth pen to the field highlighted the importance of hygiene on farms at this time of year. My experiences showed me the dilemma when balancing commercial and welfare aspects in farming.
Responsibilities as Head Girl and year 7 mentor have helped improve my leadership and communication skills, vital when dealing with emotional owners in difficult situations. Organising events in the Charity Committee and taking AS level Science in Society a year early, whilst juggling a job as a waitress, have developed my time management, team work and empathy skills. Scuba diving and winter skiing are relaxing distractions from academia and allow me to explore the natural world. I am an extremely dedicated and highly motivated student who has the desire and commitment to help animals and their owners in the veterinary profession. The essential involvement a vet has on the community and the significant impact they have on lives is the only incentive I need.
Universities Applied to:
- University Of Bristol Veterinary Medicine - Interview then rejection
- University Of Nottingham - Interview then waiting list
- University Of Liverpool - Rejection due to lack of relevant work experience
- University Of Edinburgh - Offer AAA - Firm
Grades Achieved:
- Biology A2 - Grade A
- Chemistry A2 - Grade A
- ICT A2 - Grade A
- Maths A2 - Grade A
