Disclaimer

The content of this blog reflects my personal experiences and opinions during my veterinary school education. It does not reflect the experiences or opinions of my classmates, colleagues, or the UC Davis School of Veterinary medicine. If you wish to contact me via email: hamaleo11@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Do we REALLY need MORE veterinary schools?


There has been a great debate on the NEED for veterinarians to join the profession. Many people say we need more vets, but this is not true. What we do need is more vets in rural communities - however most vets can't afford to practice in these rural communities. We also have a share of animal welfare organizations working with vets to provide care to the communities in need by offering sterilization and vaccination clinics. 

As a veterinary student graduating in 2014 I find it daunting to know that it will be difficult to find a job. I am in a very fortunate situation to have a limited amount school loans and the ability to use my resources and acquaintances to find a job, but many of my classmates are starting from scratch and on top of that they will have over $200,000 in debt. 

To think that when the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine opened in 2003, it was the first veterinary school to open in the United States in 20 years. Now it is quite possible that FOUR new veterinary schools may be opened in the next four years, with one opening it's doors in 2014.  

The AVMA really needs to do more research as to the shortages in veterinary medicine and take a strong stance in support of current veterinarians. 

People considering applying to veterinary school in the future should also do their research and be careful and smart when pursing their future educational goals. 

Links: 
New Vet School Plans Press On Amid an Industry in Flux

More Bad News for New Vets - Dr. Bern

Tight Job Market Squeezes Large Animal Vets - VIN

 


 

My First Cat Spay

11-27-12

Tomorrow, I will spay my first cat - she is gorgeous and up for adoption at the Solono County Shelter - Her name is Darlene. I am a little nervous about being surgeon for the first time in our surgery team. I've castrated horses and cats, but a spay is different

I feel confident in my ligatures and suturing abilities, I just hope I pace my self adequately for the surgery ahead...

11-28-12

And I did it! My surgical time was 1 and 1/2 hours from my incision to my last skin suture. I think the part that took the most time was closing my incision! We do four closure layers - mostly to practice tissue handling and suturing since in real life, they don't really do that many!  



Thank You to Darlene - the lovely cat (I hope you find a forever home!) and to my Surgery team - Jes and Hai - you are amazing! And to our wonderful professors and technicians that help us in the Gourley Teaching lab.