The field of veterinary medicine is multi-disciplinary, challenging and continuously evolving. I feel that this environment suits me well, as I have a long-standing interest in learning about and contributing to advancements in veterinary medicine, such as exploring the variety of roles that vets play in society. These include research and development of new medicines and technologies, as well as contributing to the improvement of public health through education programmes.
The eight weeks that I spent at four small animal veterinary clinics allowed me to appreciate the communication skills required by vets when dealing with a challenging range of clients. My role as student ambassador has equipped me with these interpersonal skills, as I communicate with students of different ages, as well as their parents. Observing the complicated procedure of hip replacement surgery on an elderly dog provided me with an insight into the importance of teamwork between vets and vet nurses, who are invaluable during such cases. Alongside my degree, I have completed the Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care. The practical nature of this course has taught me a great deal about the husbandry of horses on a commercial yard. Among the most important skills that I gained, is the importance of correct nutrition in preventing common but often fatal illnesses, such as colic. This knowledge has improved my awareness and appreciation of client education, especially once I had learnt of the growing number of obese pets.
I am currently gaining experience working with a dairy herd, testing suspected cows for mastitis as well as learning about their husbandry, committing one day a week until Christmas. To my advantage, I have also completed a mastitis-training course, which has given me an insight into the importance of preventing this common problem, well known for its wider economic impact on dairy businesses. In addition to this, during my week of lambing I learnt to appreciate how hectic and pressured the life of a vet is, as I assisted a sheep having difficulty lambing. Aiding in the birth of two badly positioned twin lambs, I kept a clear head and remained calm as I thought of a logical way to free the lambs. Rather than acting as a deterrent, my experience has only served to prove my ability to work under pressure and has made me even more determined to become a vet. During my two weeks at a commercial kennels and cattery, I discovered that I enjoyed being busy, reaffirming my suitability to this profession. The strict procedures that I had to follow when cleaning kennels, made me appreciate the true significance of hygiene when working with animals in a commercial environment. This is of particular importance in a veterinary practice, where animals with potentially infectious diseases come in every day. Vets have a duty of care towards all patients and a strict hygiene protocol reduces the risk of spreading diseases to other animals.
Focussing on my studies and being treasurer for the vet society has improved my organisational and time management skills, due to the balance that I must strike between the deadlines for both. These skills are invaluable to a busy vet. My role as a student warden has improved my sense of responsibility, as it is similar to the duty of care that vets have towards the animals that they treat. Knowing how stressful the life of a vet can be, I enjoy being an active member of my local community as a release from studying. I regularly translate the Friday sermon for my local mosque, as well as swimming and reading in my spare time. I have also recently completed a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis for a local charity.
In conclusion, the wide range of experiences I have encountered have allowed me to experience a flavour of life as a vet. Despite it being a high pressure and stressful vocation, I am dedicated to the profession and relish the opportunity to contribute to the ever-changing field of veterinary medicine.
Universities Applied to:
- Surrey (Veterinary Medicine and Science) - Offer (2:1 in my Bioveterinary Science degree) Firm
- RVC (Veterinary Medicine) - interview - Rejection
- Liverpool (Veterinary Science) - Rejection
Grades Achieved:
- Arabic (A2) - A*
- Psychology (A2) - B
- Biology (A2) - C
- Chemistry (A2) - D
- Philosophy and Ethics (AS) - A
Work Experience:
- kennels and cattery – 4 weeks
- vet surgery no. 1 – 2 weeks
- cat rescue – 2 weeks
- vet surgery 2 – 1 week
- city farm – 2 weeks
- Vet lab no. 1 – 1 day
- Body condition scoring and rectal palpation of cattle – 1 day
- Mastitis training course – 1 day
- Animal handling session – 1 day
- Lambing training course – 1 day
- Horse’s head dissection – 1 day
- Animal care duties at my university's animal collection – 1 week
- Lambing – 2 weeks
- vet surgery no. 3 – 2 weeks
- vet surgery no. 4 – 2 weeks
- Marine mammal medic course – 1 day
- vet lab no. 2 – 1 week
- diploma in work based horse care– 3 weeks in total (spread out over a period of 3 months)
- dairy farm – 2 weeks
Total no. of Weeks: 25
Comments
I initially applied for vet medicine during my A levels but I didn't have any offers and not enough work experience, so I decided to do a Bioveterinary Science degree which I have graduated from (class of 2015), having achieved a 2:1, as per the conditions of my offer.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck with your application!
