Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement
Veterinary science is a field that will continually grow and develop. It is the only degree that will allow me to improve the welfare of animals through surgery and medicine, whilst also working closely with people. The added challenge of having no means of communication with a patient makes my chosen career even more fascinating.
For over four years, I have been undertaking work placements at various establishments, all of which have amplified my enthusiasm and understanding of veterinary science.
On my eight month placement at a small animal practice, I saw many routine spays and castrations. I noticed that early neutering was becoming more common. I found that it causes osteosarcoma to become more prevalent and reduces the effectiveness of preventing other cancers, in comparison to conventional age neutering. Here, I realised my interest in veterinary research, which I will enjoy becoming more involved with in the future.
It is imperative to have a degree of emotional detachment, as it is important to remain professional whilst euthanasing a pet or giving discouraging prognoses. This was instilled in me whilst working at a dairy farm for five months. I always knew that the males were to be slaughtered at fourteen weeks. Situations like this can be stressful, but I can handle stress well, which will be an essential skill. In my current job I regularly manage long hours and night shifts, helping me realise how my chosen career may affect other areas of my life.
During my two year placement at another practice, I observed less routine procedures including enucleation, learning that it is most common in brachycephalic breeds; this became the inspiration for my EPQ. The insight I gained was useful for when I completed a placement with St. Bernard stud dogs, giving me the chance to apply knowledge I had gathered about genetic conditions that the breed is predisposed to, such as entropion.
Moreover, I spent a day watching equine surgery and four weeks at stables, developing my confidence and handling skills with large animals and it has increased my knowledge of conditions that are common in practice, such as lameness. I have also completed a week working with chickens and a week at an animal shelter housing cats, dogs and pigs. Both have helped me gain knowledge of an array of domestic species. This highlighted how varied veterinary science is and has taught me that I must be prepared for the unexpected; this will be useful as the course and my career progresses.
I love to participate in performing arts, they have greatly enhanced my teamwork skills. This is vital for a veterinary professional, as communicating well ensures accurate client records. This is especially important in on-going cases, as maintaining consent on treatments and fees, is paramount to continue client satisfaction. I often play tennis, it helps me deal with stress and has taught me to remain calm under pressure, a trait that will be useful in the future. I enjoy working with people, and was named employee of the month for receiving more praise letters than any of the 80+ crew. This was after only five weeks of employment.
For my gap year, I continue to run the SEN maths club I founded at school and have completed placements with horses and sheep. This year, I will take on the role of a teacher for a team-building holiday for children with special educational needs, requiring me to be decisive in unfamiliar situations. This will be vital for coping in emergencies. I am currently liaising with the Wigan Borough Commander of GM Fire and Rescue, to organise a fundraiser, as I am now an RMHC coordinator at Stonecross McDonalds. This is usually a manager's responsibility and requires great organisational skills.
Ultimately I am determined to succeed in veterinary science and I am devoted to advancing the welfare of animals, through the prevention or treatment of disease. It is a lifelong ambition that will never wane, hence why I am applying once again.
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Universities Applied to:
RVC (VetMed) - Offer (Unconditional firm) Bristol (VetMed) - Withdrawn post-interview Surrey (VetMed) - Withdrawn prior to interview Glasgow (VetMed) - Rejection
Grades Achieved:
Biology A2 - A Chemistry A2 - A Mathematics A2 - A EPQ - A Physics AS - C
Comments
Third time applicant. I got rejected by Glasgow because I didn't have the grades! I forgot to actually check if they'd changed since my first application, don't make the same mistake as me! =P
RVC and Liverpool don't really put much weight, if any, on the personal statement. The others do however, Bristol are very picky with the PS, hence why I didn't get an interview first time. They do however, give very detailed feedback on rejection so I wish I had have applied first time. This is the criteria that Bristol score you on:
Every application for the D100 course is assessed and scored according to a pre determined set of criteria which include: • Academic achievement (achieved and predicted grades) • Is the candidate realistic and informed about a career in veterinary medicine? • Has the candidate got work experience in veterinary practice? • Has the candidate got related work experience, e.g. farm, stable, kennel, rescue, research, abattoir? • Has the candidate contributed to school/college/community activities and do they have interests outside of veterinary science? • Does the candidate have evidence of personal achievement (non academic)? • The reference supplied will be used for additional information if required.
Good luck and don't give up! It'll all be worth it! =D
