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Klewis Pride Paper
Klewis Pride Paper
Kaylyn Lewis
Mr. Alburger
Kaylyn Lewis
Mr Alburger
23 February, 2017
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
surgery, and zoology specialists (What). The advances in the plethora of specialties have
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
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
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
and animal attendants to name a few (Cornell). The Cornell University College of Veterinary
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
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
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
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
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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(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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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Royal, Kenneth D., et al. "Measuring Factors That Influence Decisions To Become A
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Veterinarian Education Requirements and Career Info." Study.com. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
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