ShellySpielberg's Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement
Observing the stark difference in animal treatment and health between the Philippines and Germany lead me to consider the underlying ethics and various aspects of veterinary medicine. This unsatisfied curiosity has driven me to pursue my interests in several academic pursuits, to gain a deeper understanding of the variety of fields that veterinary medicine encompasses.
Due to my strong interest in science and desire for challenge, I opted to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at IB Higher Level, giving me the depth needed to pursue a science-based area of study. These subjects allow me to combine knowledge and concepts from all three to deepen my understanding. Using every opportunity to link a long-term assignment to an aspect of veterinary medicine has allowed me to do a wide variety of reading on diverse topics. I have read numerous books and articles, from animal psychology to different methods of animal contraception. For my extended essay, I investigated whether animal euthanasia in animal shelters is the best method to reduce overpopulation. This gave me ample opportunities to learn more about veterinary medicine and heighten my fascination with the profession.
I have gained work experience in various fields to deepen my insight into what this profession entails and what to expect in the long run. Volunteering in an animal shelter in Germany over the course of a year gave me a feeling of routine, which is important when checking that the needs of an animal are being met. I also worked for 5 weeks in a small animal clinic in the Philippines where I encountered several cases of canine parvovirus. Assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of successful cases exposed me to the rewarding aspects of veterinary medicine. The cases which could not be cured despite all efforts taught me the importance of disease prevention and early diagnosis in order to avoid serious outbreaks. I assisted in multiple surgeries, ranging from castrations to caesarean sections to the removal of a pyometra, all of which showed me how to work under extreme pressure, both due to time and ethical choices. Although most surgeries were successful, one failed caesarean surgery opened my eyes to the human side of veterinary medicine. It is especially difficult when neither mother nor puppy survive surgery, and watching the veterinarian explain to the owner why neither animal could be saved showed me the importance of being able to communicate and sympathise with people.
Apart from experience with domestic animals, I had a 5 week internship in an interactive zoo where I closely studied and cared for Philippine indigenous species, such as a Philippine Palm Civet, Luzon Tarictic Hornbill, and Palawan Bearcat. The privilege to work closely with exotic wildlife and learn about their well-being led me to an aspect of veterinary medicine I had not previously considered - the importance of the simulation and enrichment of a captive animal's natural behaviour. I am currently working with the zoo's curator on a paper on how mammalian welfare and enrichment can be improved in zoos, giving me further insight into what a wildlife veterinarian would have to consider and the different facets of the profession.
Aside from academic and work endeavours, I also participate in extracurricular activities, which help me develop good time management. Being a Cross Country team captain strengthened my leadership skills, which is essential when working with several people and making difficult decisions. Involvement in theatre trained me to express ideas and present myself confidently. I developed initiative and interpersonal skills through commitment to our school's service project, the Kalahari Education Experience. As a violist in the Association for Music in International Schools, I learned the value of intensive preparation, organisation, and collaboration, vital skills for any veterinarian both in studies and the field.
Universities Applied to:
- Cambridge (Veterinary Medicine) - Offer (IB: 41, 7 (Chem HL), 7,6) Firm
- Edinburgh (Veterinary Medicine) - Offer (IB: 38, 7 (Chem HL), 6,6) Declined
- Surrey (Veterinary Medicine) - Offer (IB: 36, 6,6,6) Declined
- Nottingham (Veterinary Medicine) - Offer (IB: 34, 6,6,5) Insurance
Grades Achieved:
- Biology HL (IB) - Grade: 7
- Chemistry HL (IB) - Grade: 7
- Physics HL (IB) - Grade: 5
- Math SL (IB) - Grade:7
- German Lit SL (IB) - Grade: 7
- English Lit and Performance SL (IB) - Grade: 7
Work Experience
~ 5 weeks small animal clinic (10 hour work day, 6 days a week) in the Philippines ~ 5 weeks indoor interactive zoo (8 hour work day, 5 days a week) in the Philippines ~ Volunteering in an animal shelter in Germany on weekends for about a year (approx. 1-2 hours a week)
