My Experience In The World Of Veterinary Medicine
Many people say that Veterinary Medicine is the more unpleasant side of working with animals. I think that seeing your patients recover, is one of the most rewarding experiences. I think I would be an ideal candidate for Veterinary Medicine: keen interest in science and thirst for knowledge has pushed me to pursue this subject. As well as being brought up around animals. Extensive work experience at a Veterinary practice has also confirmed this as I realised the importance of a correct diagnosis in order to treat a patient.
Craving information and answers has lead to making deductions myself based on the symptoms the patient presents with. It would be a privilege to be able to learn more about this and broaden my understanding of pathology, anatomy and medicine in order to make a difference. I was not just a bystander but was made actively involved by the vets and nurses, helping to deepen my understanding of day-to-day practice. A career within Veterinary Medicine can offer many opportunities whether it is in general practice, becoming more specialised, or working in zoology or animal sanctuaries; the feeling that you've made a positive impact is why I would like to study this course.
A good scientific mind is an essential quality of a vet, and the Access to Bristol scheme has developed my analytical thinking. I have attended lectures and practical sessions led by university academics. It allowed me to explore ethical issues within the veterinary profession and develop critical thinking skills to resolve them. I also had the privilege to talk to academics that had conducted their own studies and discuss their findings. The most important skill I took away from this was the ability to distinguish normal from abnormal behaviour, the key to diagnosis and treatment.
During my time in the Vet practice I have sat in on consultations and witnessed many operations. These ranged from standard procedures like spays and castrations to a chameleon lump removal and gecko tail amputation. I was a helping hand around the practice: monitoring post-op patients, helping the vet take a blood samples and assisting during consults. During this process I have gained an insight into anaesthesia and imaging analysis, relating what I have already learnt in A-level Biology and Chemistry to newly gained information. I have taken many valuable clinical skills away from this experience.
I am a keen science student, both Biology and Chemistry arming me with a different skill set. I have a particular fascination in anatomy and biological processes within and the body, and the chemistry behind it; the two often directly corresponding. I enjoy making links between the subject topics, always looking to expand my understanding beyond what I have learnt in class and frequently linking it to my experiences at the practice. Dedication to my academic studies and willingness to overcome challenges is another reason I would be a suitable candidate for Veterinary Medicine. I have also spent time in my local reptile shop.
One of the highlights was getting to swim with crocodiles and alligators. It was astonishing how animals with such a reputation were friendly enough to handle. It was real privilege to be able to do that. I was literally thrown in the deep end and by the end of the week I was single-handedly leading tours of the venomous snakes and crocodiles. I navigated my way through rooms of vipers and elapids delivering facts about the fang and venom type of the different families of snakes. This required me to adapt, learn quickly and retain information; skills I think would be an asset to me on this course due to the challenging and fast-paced nature of Veterinary Medicine.
Outside of school I am avid horse rider meaning I am familiar and comfortable with the animal but I have also taken on leadership roles within my stables. During my summer residential I was responsible for delegating tasks and made sure my team was motivated and cooperated well in order for everything around the stables to be done efficiently. My drive to constantly find out more and draw conclusions from what I have discovered is what drives me towards this course.
The world of Veterinary Medicine opens up a world of opportunities beyond just regular practice and would satiate my thirst for knowledge. It would give me great satisfaction knowing I have a vocational profession with the power to make a positive impact. Veterinary Medicine lets you oversee your patient’s entire journey from the moment of diagnosis to the following post-op checkups. It allows for special bond to be built between the vet and the patient and means owners place a level of trust in you, knowing you potentially have the life of their beloved pets in your hands. I can only imagine how rewarding it is seeing your patient recover to full health. I know this course requires academic excellence and I look forward to rising to that challenge.
