Career of Veterinarians

Kaylyn Lewis

English III Honors Pd. 5

Mr. Alburger

February 23, 2017

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Kaylyn Lewis

Mr Alburger

23 February, 2017

English III Honors

Career of Veterinarians

The career of veterinarians involves protecting the health and well-being of both animals

and people. Veterinarians diagnose and control animal diseases, treat sick and injured animals,

and advise owners on the proper care of their pets and livestock. Veterinarians treat animals both

mentally and physically. They work diligently to sustain animal and human life in many

different ways. Veterinarians control, diagnose, and treat diseases from animals that may also

affect humans. In addition, veterinarians educate animal owners on how to properly care for their

animals and livestock (What). After extensive training, veterinarians work to keep animals

healthy, requiring a great deal of skill and knowledge of animals, many years of schooling and an

extremely busy work schedule.

The history of veterinary medicine dates back to 3000 BC (History Medicine).

Urglugaledinna, the first documented man expressing an interest in helping animals, lived in

Mesopotamia, now known as Iraq, Iran, and Turkey (History Medicine). Claude Bourgelat

founded a veterinary school in 1761 in Lyon, France which became the next big thing for

veterinary school (History Medicine). During this time, the Army used horses in battle, making

them the number one client at the veterinary school (History Medicine). Later, the practice

spread to other types of livestock including cattle. Afterwards came treating dogs, pets and

finally exotic wildlife.

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The Spanish Empire established a veterinary college in Mexico City, and Canada

founded the first veterinary college in North America in Guelph, Ontario in 1862 (History

Medicine). The first veterinary college founded in the United States, Cornell, a private

University taught veterinary classes dating back to early 1865 and founded a separate veterinary

campus in 1894 (History Medicine). As seen, veterinary medicine has quite a lengthy history,

perhaps surprising to many people.

In the past, the primary role of veterinarians was to produce safe food in order to protect

humans. In addition, they also played a very important role in disease control and treatment

(History Profession). In the year of 1891, a man named Dr. Leonard Pearson started testing

the tuberculosis of cattle to stop the disease from spreading to humans and to other livestock

(History Profession). Veterinarians played a very important role starting an organization

called the Bureau of Animal Industry. The Bureau of Animal Industry helped protect the

livestock and food supply in America. They controlled the spread of many major diseases

including rabies, brucellosis, tuberculosis, hog cholera, and many more (History Profession).

These diseases caused many problems for humans because of the rapid rate in which they spread

during that time.

As time progressed, people started keeping these animals as pets. Presently, veterinarians

produce medical care for all animals, not just livestock. Veterinarians base their research on

animal medicine to insure pets live longer and more comfortable lives (History Profession).

Much like a typical doctor, veterinarians work in offices and assist patients with health problems

on a daily basis. They examine animals, diagnose them, and treat them. They can treat any kind

of animal, domestic or wild. Again, much like the typical doctor, veterinarians can participate in
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additional training courses to specifically work in a specific field with animals. Veterinary

specialists roles vary greatly just as in humans. Domestic veterinarians focus primarily on the

basic household pets including dogs, cats, and small rodents. Other examples of specific

veterinary specialists roles includes anesthesiologists, behavior specialists, dentistry specialists,

and dermatologists. Anesthesia is used for managing the pain of the animals during any type of

medical procedure, while a behavior specialist studies the different types of behaviors in healthy

and sick animals. A dentistry specialist cleans and takes care of animals teeth and mouth, while a

dermatologist manages skin diseases and skin conditions of animals. Internal medicine

specializes in cardiology, neurology, and oncology in animals. Additionally, other important

veterinary specialists include nutrition, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology, rehabilitation,

surgery, and zoology specialists (What). The advances in the plethora of specialties have

greatly benefited animals lives in a positive way.

Veterinary medical schools offer a high-quality education that prepares people who place

a premium on animal ethics and welfare (Royal). To become a veterinarian, one must acquire

certain requirements which vary from country to country. Generally, it takes four to eight years

of schooling after high school to receive a veterinary degree. The degree received also varies

from each country, some require a bachelor's degree while others require a doctorate degree. In

the United States, one can only become a veterinarian by passing a national and state board exam

(What). Each states school differs from the amount of positions available and the number of

in-state applicants (What). Because of this, the applicants also vary in competitiveness. The

ratio of student applications accepted varies between schools mostly because of the schools

residency requirement (What). In the United States, veterinary school lasts at least four years
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including one that must have dedication to internship to gain experience in the real world

(What). In the United States, one can enter veterinary school by completing the pre-veterinary

requirement in approximately two years depending upon the person, although the majority of

veterinarians obtain a bachelor's degree before obtaining placement in the professional program

(What). A Bachelor's degree in animal science, usually completed in four years, typically

include lab and classroom education (What). The courses that prepare students for veterinary

school typically include microbiology, animal nutrition, animal management, anatomy,

physiology, and equine care, however most veterinarians obtain a degree in biology (What).

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs always require at least four years to complete though

usually divided into two, two-year segments where the first segment consists of the more typical

classroom instruction and the second segment includes the more hands-on experience segment

(What). This coursework usually includes animal behavior, clinical pathology, large and small

animal medicine, anesthesia and surgery procedure principles, animal nutrition, veterinary

pharmacology and more (What). After one receives a DVM, doctor of veterinary medicine, he

or she must become licensed. Every state in the United States requires veterinarians to pass an

exam called the North American Veterinary Licensing exam which consists of a 360 question

test lasting almost eight hours. (Veterinarian). This test showcases the knowledge of animal

species and of veterinary activities (Veterinarian). Only a few states also require additional

testing to include clinical skills exams and knowledge of veterinary law (Veterinarian). One

must complete all requirements to become a veterinarian.

Even though individuals attempting veterinary medicine have many options for

schooling, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, established in 1894, holds the
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number one spot for veterinary schools in the United States (Cornell). Cornells mission

statement leans towards the advancement of the health and well-being of animals and people

through research, education, and public service (Cornell). One of three in the northeastern part

of the United States, Cornell flourishes. (Cornell). The Cornell University College of

Veterinary Medicine has graduated 5,073 people since its establishment (Cornell). Typical

recruiting title areas and job titles that professionals consider for Cornell students include

licensed veterinary technicians, medical technologists, administrative managers and assistants,

and animal attendants to name a few (Cornell). The Cornell University College of Veterinary

Medicine exhibits global leadership in veterinary medical education, animal medicine,

biomedical research, and public health. They offer premier training in DVM, PhD, Master's, and

combined degree programs, as well as a broad range of supplemental and continuing education

offerings (Cornell). Tuition rates for Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

located in Ithaca New York costs approximate $34,209, while out of state tuition jumps to

approximately $50,953. These estimated amounts do not include additional fees such as dining,

housing, books, supplies, and other personal expenses (Cornell). Twenty-six percent of

students at Cornell University live in the state of New York, fifty-three percent live out of the

state of New York but still live in the United States, and twenty-one percent live internationally.

Females comprise fifty-two percent of the undergraduates at Cornell, whereas males total

approximately forty-one percent (Cornell). The students at Cornell this year earned a total of

7,077 degrees (Cornell). Cornell, an extremely prestigious school in the area of veterinary

medicine, offers exceptional education in a desirable location.

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The University of California-Davis, located in Davis, California, ranks as the best

veterinary school in the United States as well as the largest. (UCDavis). The mission of the

University of California-Davis promotes the advancement of the health of animals, people, and

the environment (UCDavis). Since 1948 The University of California-Davis serves the public

through teaching statewide and researching programs to benefit animal, public, and

environmental health in and out of California (UCDavis). Many things make the University of

California-Davis distinct from other medical universities. The International Laboratory of

Molecular Biology for Tropical Disease developed a genetically engineered vaccine at its site

(UCDavis). Another notable distinction examines the World University rankings which

marked the school as number one in the world in 2015 (UCDavis). The faculty of the

University of California-Davis have educated a vast number of undergraduates; 5,917 Doctor of

Veterinary Residents, and 1,013 Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine degree candidates

(UCDavis). The total cost of admission to the University of California-Davis for residents of

California costs approximately $58,524, while the cost for students residing outside of

California amounts to a significantly higher rate of approximately $70,769. These costs include

health insurance, transportation, books and supplies, housing, food, and personal budget

(UCDavis). The University of California-Davis prides itself on a student-faculty ratio of

nineteen to one. Thirty-eight percent of undergraduate students conduct research in their careers.

The University also includes 104 undergraduate majors and 99 graduate programs (UCDavis).

North Carolina State University, currently ranked number three in the country for best

veterinary schools, sits in Raleigh, North Carolina. The University of North Carolina State,

works on over 27,000 cases annually, treating approximately 182,000 animals (NC). It consists
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of a combination of low student-faculty ratio and a university-wide commitment to learning

(NC). Approximately 400 students study in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Professional

Program at North Carolina State (NC). The clinical faculty includes highly-certified specialists

in 35 different disciplines and have received awards both nationally and internationally (NC).

The University of North Carolina State has granted more than 2,015 DVM degrees since the first

graduating class in 1985 (NC). The mission of North Carolina State University Veterinary

Medical School advances the veterinary profession and promotes animal health through

expanding discoveries and medical innovations, as well as provides animals and their owners

with extraordinary, compassionate medical care by preparing the next generation of veterinarians

and veterinary research scientists to advance the veterinary field (NC). The total cost for North

Carolina State University varies greatly from North Carolina residents to non-North Carolina

residents. For in-state residents, the total cost requires $38,313 and for out-of-state residents the

total cost requires $63,550 (NC). The North Carolina State University of Veterinary Medicine

requires a high degree of education and a passion and need for perseverance.

Only half of the battle consists of becoming a veterinarian. Those who want to pursue a

career as a veterinarian need to know all of the attachments that come with the career. People

believe veterinarians spend their days playing with cute, sweet, cuddly animals and talking to

kind, caring pet owners. Unfortunately, veterinarians do not actually spend all day with precious,

loving animals and warm pleasant pet owners. Oftentimes, veterinarians encounter abusive,

disagreeable owners, aggressive or unfriendly animals, and face making difficult life and death

decisions about animals on a daily basis.

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Many people believe the misconception that veterinarians simply love animals; still the

career encompasses a number of diverse demands. To perform the job well, veterinarians need to

possess people skills in addition to a sophisticated set of surgery skills. The career of a

veterinarian requires a steady hand, an ease of using ones hands to perform surgical procedures

and highly competent physical and mental skills (What). Veterinarians must also possess

excellent communication skills. They require the knowledge of effectively being able to get

their point across by recommending treatment plans and compassionately explaining when

treatment should not be administered. Veterinarians run a business and must be able to clearly

share their wants, needs and expectations with their staff (Bellemain). I don't think I expected

to do as much negotiating with clients, in terms of coming up with courses of action to fit

different hopes and situations. I didn't foresee spending so much time making phone calls and

coming up with estimates (Prior). Most people do not realize the myriad of necessary skills

before going into the veterinary field. In addition, a veterinarian must have compassion for all

types of animals. Many people treat their animals as a part of their family and expect them to

receive treatment much like the treatment provided to humans. One needs to know how to deal

with emotional owners and show empathy for their situation. A veterinarian must make

decisions including euthanasia or treatment. Euthanasia, something that no loving animal owner

wants, sometimes becomes the humane form of treatment when an animal experiences chronic

pain for which no treatment exists (What). The client and veterinarian may have different

ethical views and values. What may appear a good option to the veterinarian, may be far

different from the wants and needs of the emotional client (Billeschou). While the most obvious

focus of the veterinarians career explores animal health, many other skills to include
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management abilities, a kind, helpful personality, and effective communication skills highlight

the position.

The daily life of a veterinarian usually gets very hectic with assisting numerous patients

each day, each experiencing many different problems. Long, tiring, yet undeniably satisfying

days highlight the existence of a passion for the work. Veterinarians always have something to

research as new tests and treatments continue to evolve. The veterinary field, known to change

due to pet insurance, the number of emerging veterinarians, and different types of impactful

treatments have become more commonplace (Prior). Liability of a veterinarian has become a

bigger part of the picture, and with continued specialization, general practitioners manage fewer

of the very ill patients (Prior). The changing field experiences an increase in specialty clinics

within the office and emergency services (Prior). Because of this, the need for after-hour

responsibilities has shortened but clients still have high expectations for competent, quality care

of the animals (Prior). Some issues that veterinarians did not fully comprehend before going into

the practice includes the day to day time spent on items such as cost estimates, dealing with

financial concerns, as well as dealing with not only animals, but people as well (Prior). This job

consists of spending a great deal of time and effort educating pet owners and listening to people

about treatment plans (Prior). Overall, the career of a veterinarian includes more than meets the

eye.

In a typical veterinary office, roughly 20 employees practice in the building. Typical

small practices include two to three doctors, several assistants with varying levels of educational

degrees, lab technicians, a receptionist and an office manager (Prior). A day in the life of a

veterinarian usually begins at 8:00 a.m. At this time, the veterinarian begins the day by
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reviewing patient charts and checking blood work. Files are pulled and prepared for seeing

patients within the hour (Prior). Throughout the day a veterinarian sees anywhere from five to

fifteen patients all with varying types of ailments ranging from a young pup with an ear infection

to an to an elderly dog receiving treatment tests for heart failure (Prior). One particularly

difficult day I had to euthanize a kitten who had a disease for which we could not treat. Later, I

treated a middle-aged dog with multiple new skin masses, one of which was malignant. I

needed to formulate my thoughts before talking to the family about how to best address and treat

the problem (Prior). Veterinarians must be able to keep their emotions in check and be strong

for their patients and families. In most cases, animals do not go to the vet for fun; still not all of

the work involves surgery and putting precious animals to sleep. A veterinary visit still includes

the routine physical checkup and checking blood work (Prior). Being a veterinarian requires a

great deal of patience and vast knowledge in many different areas.

Overall with extensive training, a wealth of skill and knowledge, veterinarians strive to

keep animals healthy. Veterinarians contribute valuable benefits to humans. They control,

diagnose, and treat diseases from animals that could also affect humans. Veterinarians know how

to effectively communicate with people as well as know how to educate owners on certain

treatments for the patients. Although veterinary school requires perseverance and a great deal of

work, time and money, most veterinarians agree that the long process to become a veterinarian

far outweighs the hardships.

A veterinarian affects lives in positive ways. The animals that veterinarians treat provide

huge benefits to human life including improving ones self esteem. Pets have a profound

influence on healthiness as well. Having a pet helps reduce negativity and loneliness. They also
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make people feel supported and comforted, especially when a person has little or no family. A

pet gives a person someone to come home to. If a pet craves attention from the owners and the

owners care about their pet, they will most likely get up and play with the pets or take the pets

out for a walk. This makes people more active which further contributes to ones healthy

lifestyle. Pets can also stabilize blood pressure resulting in reduced stress in their owner as well.

Overall, the process of becoming a veterinarian contributes significant benefits to animals,

humans, and the community as well.

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Works Cited

Bellemain, Vronique. "Professional Communication Skills For Vets; An Essential Tool For

All!." Veterinary Ireland Journal 3.8 (2013): 441-444. Academic Search Complete.

Web. 13 Dec. 2016.

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Billeschou Christensen, Stine, et al. "Veterinarians' Role In Clients' Decision-Making Regarding

Seriously Ill Companion Animal Patients." Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 58.(2016):

1-14. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Dec.

2016.<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid

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"Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine." Web. <https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/>.

"The History of Veterinary Medicine." Roger Ross,Web.

<http://animalpetdoctor.homestead.com/history1.html>.

"History of the Veterinary Profession." RCVS Knowledge. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.

<https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/heritage-and-history/history-of-the-veterinary-profession/

>.

NC State Veterinary Medicine. Web. < https://cvm.ncsu.edu/>.

Prior, Ann. Personal interview. 2 February 2017 (Prior, Ann)

Royal, Kenneth D., et al. "Measuring Factors That Influence Decisions To Become A

Veterinarian." Research & Development In Medical Education 4.1 (2015): 23-29.

Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

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5861&db=a9h&AN= 108877733&site=ehost-live&scope=site>

"UCDavis." Web. <http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/index.cfm>.

Veterinarian Education Requirements and Career Info." Study.com. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.

<http://study.com/veterinarian_education.html>.l

"What Does a Veterinarian Do?" Sokanu. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.

<https://www.sokanu.com/careers/veterinarian/%E2%80%99>.