What is Vet School Like? Part 2

So I didn't mean to scare a lot of people with Part 1 of my "What is Vet School Like" post, but I want you to know that it's just different from undergraduate courses. Don't be afraid of what a vet school schedule is like, just be prepared to handle it. Well, quite honestly, I wasn't that "prepared to handle it" my first quarter, I was trying to figure out what study methods worked for me.

There are a lot of things I wish I would have done to prepare myself for Vet School and kind of had to figure out myself. I will highlight some of the things that will prepare you to be a successful vet student.

Know what study methods work for you and stick to them! If you don't know what type of learner you are, there are lots of online quizzes that will determine if you are more an auditory learner, visual learner, kinestetic learner, etc.

Also, choosing who to study with. Realize that as a veterinarian, you will be part of a profession, working with others in your profession is essential. Don't forget this, even in vet school! Your classmates are your greatest resources and guess what, you're all going through the same thing! You can get caught up in competition in your undergraduate education. Some people are very serious about getting into veterinary school. I understand your concerns, but once you are in vet school you are destined to become a veterinarian. You should no longer try to be so competitive with your classmates, you are now like a big family. You will spend every day together! Help each other out. Don't hesitate to work with others. If you make a really good study guide for an upcoming exam or find a really cool study link, share it with your classmates! They will only thank you for it and hopefully return the favor when you are in need.

Don't hesitate to get involved in some clubs, they can provide you really interesting lectures, field trips, and other events. You can also frequently get free lunch! I'm a member of the Veterinary Business Management Association which is a great club with really awesome events (this one is worth joining for the four years ~$30). I'm a member of SCAVMA, which is a really cool club on campus. They give money to campus clubs, student travel funds, and so much more. I'm also a member of the Wildlife Medicine Club even though I'm not really interested in practicing within the realm of wildlife, I find it very interesting to learn more about wild animals and how we can help them. They also have really cool speakers and field trips. I am a proud member of the Equine Medicine Club on campus and we have "rounds" every other week or so which includes dinner! It's great, cause we have one of the residents come in and go over some case examples with us. This is much funner than an actual lecture and I've learned a lot already. So these are just a couple of clubs I'm involved in. I'm also a writer for the Waggie (our vet school newspaper) and I co-write a professor interview section with one of my classmates. It gives me a great opportunity to get closer to my professors and get to know them on a more personal level. They also seem to enjoy being interviewed. There is such a thing as getting too involved, so I caution you to ease into club activities slowly until you know how much time and resources you can commit to them, but don't hesitate to try them out.

As a vet student, you are able to volunteer your time helping animals in so many different ways.
Fix Our Ferals
MERCER
Helping rescued llamas
Spay Day
Foal Team
Colic Team
and so much more!

Another thing I would encourage is that you keep yourself organized. Sometimes I literally have to block out time on my ical to work out or to go out with friends. You can easily get sucked into your studies, but make sure you do take SOME time to visit family/friends and just to let yourself relax. This will keep your friends around and help your sanity.

Before vet school starts, take some time to relax! Vet school is challenging and doesn't leave you a lot of spare time, so take the time to really relax while you can!

And by the way, we do have FUN in vet school! We have parties every other Friday or so, called (TG's) where we get a BBQ going, costco food, soda, and beer! Yes, we are one of the only parts of campus that have permission to have two kegs on campus! TG's are a great break from our classes and an easy way to mingle with friends/students/professors. Dogs are running around, it's great! We have additional parties too, like our halloween party, the turkey roast, the smoker, just tons of fun! Also, some of our professors go out of their way to impress us with a haunted anatomy lab, a barber shop quartet, and even funny music videos. Our professors try to have fun with us! It's not all bad, I am really enjoying it! You just can't take yourself too seriously or be too hard on yourself.

What is Vet School Like? Part 1

I recently received a question from a pre-vet student asking, "What is Veterinary school really like? I have heard it is really hard, but I'm wondering if it is really that much different from undergraduate courses."

To answer your question, it is a lot different than my undergraduate courses.

Below, I have taken a screen shot of my ical for next week. These week is a typical week in vet school, although some weeks we have less classes or labs, but typically this is what our schedule is like. Although school is primarily what consumes my life, I also take advantage of extra curriculars like Colic Team, Veterinary Business Managment Assoc. (VBMA) meetings, and several lunch talks that are offered throughout the quarter. Some weeks there are less extra things to do, but typically I try to participate in club activities as well as spay/neuter clinics on the weekends. You may wonder, why not just focus on school and studying for my classes? Well a lot of my classmates choose to just study and not attend or participate in many extra curriculars, but I believe that doing these types of activities in addition to school is essential for my future as a member of the Veterinary profession. No one is going to care if I got an A or a B, I mean when I graduate from UC Davis SVM, I will be a veterinarian. Of course I want good grades and I do study several hours a day, even on weekends. I just feel that getting actual hands on experience in the field is a good supplement to the veterinary curriculum. 

KEY:
VMD 421: Neurology
VMD 402B: Cardio Physiology
VMD 432: GI Anatomy
VMD 408: Animal Nutrition
VMD 430: Radiology
VMD 481: Case Discussions
VMD 401B: Anatomy of the head

We have additional classes throughout the quarter, such as Respiratory Physiology, some classes don't last all quarter. See below for this quarter's schedule.

I will be following this post with more about what vet school is like when I have more time, I'm off to study for Monday's Neurology exam!

Another Great Question from a Pre-vet!

"Since my application process I have continued to work at my animal related on campus job, but I have also been taking it easy as far as internships and hands on veterinary medicine goes. I fear that this will hurt me when it comes to the first question they asked you during your interview: "what have you been doing since you applied."  I have focused on getting straight A's but other than that I have been trying to enjoy myself in preparation of a rigorous four years of veterinary school.  What do you think?  Should I try to get back into my old internships? Should I be concerned?"

No need to be concerned! It sounds like you've been doing great and are on the right track. My guess is that you had a lot of veterinary/animal experience before you applied? If this is true, then taking some time off from vet experience to focus on your GPA might be just what they are looking for. Continuing to work at your on-campus job (which is animal related) is great too! It shows commitment to working in the animal profession and commitment to a job in general. I think they will also notice that you've been able to both work and attend classes which shows them that you are hardworking. If you have gotten good grades since you applied, I would defiantly mention it when they ask you that first question during your interview, "what have you been doing since you applied?" That question shouldn't worry you to much, they usually use it as an opener for the interview to help you relax and they want to hear about you and how you have continued to be interested in veterinary medicine even after completing the application. If you do have a chance to volunteer (like at the MERCER clinic) for example, this might be a good way to add experience before your interview, but won't be a huge time commitment. If you don't get a chance to do this, that's fine too, I think grades are defiantly important and so is your job and affording school. If you have done any extra-curricular activities like attending club meetings or just being a member of a club in general, you can mention that. I know we have the vet aides club on campus, so if you are a member of that you could tell them that you have continued to be an active member of the vet-aides club by attending meetings and participating in other activities. Again, if you got good grades during this time, defiantly mention that when they ask you that first question. And by the way, I think taking some time to relax before starting a rigorous vet school program is defiantly a good idea! I wish I had done a little bit more of that before I started Vet School! You might be able to add that in somehow, like "I've taken a little time to myself to relax in preparation for starting a rigorous veterinary program." This will show them that you do know how to relax (which is an important trait in any veterinary student cause we're always so stressed out from classes/exams). Just be prepared that they might then ask you "what do you do to relax?" So come up with something to answer that. I hope this helps answer your question!

Questions From a Pre-Vet

1) How many schools should I apply to? Some people told me three to five?

No matter where you go to vet school, you will earn your DVM, and will become a licensed veterinarian. I think it is important to apply to a vet school that you would be happy and proud of attending. Research prospective schools and go visit prospective veterinary schools and see if they are right for you. Do you like what their school has to offer, do you like the location, do they have a reputable program, have you meet their schools prerequisites. These are all valid questions you should ask when considering what vet schools to apply to. Also consider applying to a vet school in a state you are a legal resident of. I know for example, they don't have a lot of spots reserved for out of state applicants, so applying for a school in a state you have residency in might likely increase your chances of being accepted. It also doesn't cost as much cause you aren't paying out of state tuition. Now how many schools should you apply for? This is a very valid question. As an undergrad at UC Davis, I was once advised, "If I didn't apply to more than one vet school (UC Davis) then I obviously didn't want to be a veterinarian that badly." I actually took this advice to heart and actually it made me cry cause I knew in my heart that UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine was the school for me. I was a junior at UCD at the time and I honestly think it's the worst advice I ever got. I do kind of agree in that applying to multiple schools may increase your chances of getting in to vet school, but if your heart is set on one school, why waste your time/money applying to other schools? I think I also took it to heart because I really did want to be a veterinarian even though I didn't really want to go to another vet school besides Davis (for various reasons, like having family less than an hour from UCD and besides the fact that I absolutely loved their program and teaching hospital, not to mention their faculty). It's important that you don't seem too desperate when applying to veterinary schools, I mean vet schools want students that want to go to their school. They want to know that you have done your homework researching their program and that they can offer you what you want. With all that said, I think it would be wise to apply to the schools you feel fit your needs/finances best. I would encourage you to apply to not more than 3, but I have heard of people applying for more than 5. So really, it is a personal choice, but this is my personal opinion.
http://vetschoolinfo.blogspot.com/2009/07/choosing-right-vet-schools-to-apply-to.html

2) What is an effective way to study for the GRE? Should I take classes?

AHHH....the GRE! Trust me, you will never forget those letters! I took the GRE three times. The first time, I didn't really study very hard, I read a couple of GRE prep books and thought I was prepared...WRONG...needless to say I didn't do very well. The second time I took the GRE I studied really hard, again reading GRE prep books and GRE vocab flash cards. I did better the second time, but not by much. I felt really discouraged cause I thought this test would prevent me from pursuing my dreams, so I enrolled in a Kaplan GRE course. I somehow landed a coupon to take the GRE course for half price (I would look into this, sometimes they give these coupons to clubs on campus or are set up in front of the bookstore with coupons). I felt the Kaplan class really got me to wrap my head around better strategies for taking the exam. In short, I felt it was worth the money for the course, which I think was ~$600 (half off the normal cost of $1,200). Also if you have time, I would take this prep course in person and not online. I think it will benefit you more cause you will have someone to hold you accountable for attending your GRE prep classes and completing your GRE prep homework...Yes...homework! I really liked my teacher who was a grad student at Davis in the Math department and she was also very helpful with the vet school admissions process. She read my personal statement and gave me her input on how to revise it. Also if you have specific questions about GRE problems, it's easier to ask a person rather than a computer. Aside from taking the GRE prep course (btw, there are other ones besides Kaplan, I just went there cause I had the coupon) I encourage you to get a GRE prep book now, I would get it used off Amazon (cause they are cheap and usually a lot available). Start learning one GRE word per day, sign up for Dictionary.com word of the day. Trust me, learning these words is not easy, many of them are old English and the average person does NOT use them in our daily vocabulary. As far as an effective way to study, that is really what works best for you. There are a lot of free practice materials online as well, just google GRE preparation and I am sure you will get many hits. It's not something you can study for overnight. The third time I took it (after the Kaplan class) I really improved my writing and Analytical scores, but still didn't improve much on the Verbal portion. That section was just really hard for me and I told the admissions committee, I know my Verbal score was low, I didn't grow up with parents who went to college and these words were challenging for me. I also mentioned that I had drastically improved my Analytical and Writing portions of the exam and I really believed my Verbal score was an accurate reflection of my actual capabilities. (I am a first generation college student). With all that said, please don't be scared of the GRE, think of it as like studying for a class, if you make the effort and spend the time, I am sure you will do very well. Also research the schools you apply to, but I don't think it hurts your application if you have to take it multiple times, at least at Davis, although you do report all your previous scores, they only look at the highest from each section. 

3) What would you say is a competitive GPA?

If you look at the average applicant
http://sharonostermann.blog.com/2011/01/12/averag/ , the mean GPA is a 3.5 for students accepted to UC Davis. My GPA was lower than the average, a 3.3, and I have know people who've gotten in with even lower GPA's, but it is important that you are successful academically in your undergraduate classes, particularly in your science courses. If you have a lower GPA, don't let that keep you from pursuing your dream of becoming a veterinarian. Maybe try repeating courses to get a better grade (if you got less than a C or if you took it a long time ago). Work on other aspects of your application such as animal/vet experience, getting good letters of recommendation, writing a great personal statement, etc. 

4) Most of my volunteer work is around small animals, which is what I want to focus on, but should I try to find experience in other areas

That's great you have a lot of experience with small animals since that is primarily what you are interested in, but I will warn you that the veterinary admissions committee is looking for a well rounded applicant. See my post about my personal experiences I had before applying to veterinary school: http://livingmydreamkn.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-experiences.html
I would personally encourage you to get experience in other areas such as large animal, exotics, or even research. In vet school, we learn about all animals in our classes and it is important to have a basic understanding of large and small species.

Planting The Seed: Getting Kids Interested in VETMED

I had the chance to talk to a group of about fifty 7th graders about becoming a veterinarian. I received an email from the campus Veterinary Student Outreach program asking for a volunteer to go to Smythe Academy Middle School in Sacramento. After I received a second email pleading for someone to go and talk to these kids, I gave in. I couldn't let these kids go without a presentation on what role veterinarians have and how they can go to college someday and maybe become one! Even though I missed a little bit of class, I think it was greatly worth communicating the word "college" with these kids. These were not just any ordinary 7th graders, these kids are part of the AVID program at their school designed for kids interested in pursuing a college education. It is only my hope that I may have inspired some kids out there to pursue not only college but possibly a career in science or veterinary medicine. It feels good to be spreading the word about such a wonderful profession. It is sometimes difficult to not include my current feelings of stress and pressure in veterinary school, besides the fact I even managed to get myself here in vet school in the first place! 

The kids were great and asked lots of interesting questions. They wanted to know if vets got to work with Tigers, How much they made, if vet school was hard and they had a lot of ethical questions, like what do you think about euthanasia, and spaying/neutering animals. I left them with a plug for spaying/neutering their animals, but I left the euthanasia discussion for later since my whole purpose was educating them on what it takes to become a veterinarian. They were all so interested in what the profession had to offer and how to get there. 

How to Rock Your Vet School Interview-Part 1

It's hard to believe that only a year ago, I was frantically checking my email waiting to hear if I had received an interview from UC Davis. I think I got the email mid-February and I remember being really nervous! I had made the first cut and landed an interview! I look forward to helping out at the Interview Workshop this year and hosting a possible future vet student when they come for their interview. I thought I would include a list of questions they asked me during my interview, I know it seems like a lot, but the interview goes by so fast! 

What have you been doing since you submitted your application? (They will usually always start off with this one.)
How do you feel about the use of animals in research?
What have you learned from your animals in society class?
What is the organization on campus that regulates research animals and how do you manage pain in lab animals. (They asked me this because I had experience doing animal research on campus.)
What are typical vaccines for horses?
Why do we vaccinate horses and humans for tetanus, but not cats? (I didn't know this one, but they told me that it's because cats have a localized reaction and typically don't experience the neurological effects like horses/humans)
They asked me about my low GRE scores and what I had done to do better on the exam, why I felt my score was low, etc. (they congratulated me for being a first generation college student).
Would I be able to handle the busy schedule of a veterinary student?
Since most of my experience and emphasis was equine would I have a problem learning primarily about dogs/cats in the first 2 years of veterinary school?
What did I think about the overpopulation of horses problem and what would I do about it?
Can you make more clear if you are interested in clinical equine medicine or research? (I answered both)
What steps would you take after graduation to obtain a faculty position at a veterinary school? (I think they wanted to make sure I knew how crazy I was for wanting to pursue a faculty position and wanted to make sure I knew what it would take...years of more school!)
Where you see your self in 5-10 years from after graduation from vet school?

These are the majority of the questions I was asked, they seemed very friendly and enjoyed my interest in research and teaching. One of my interviewers made a joke after I told them what I had been doing since I submitted my application, "have a lot of spare time, don't you." He was funny and asked quite a few technical questions. Another interviewer focused on my interests and feelings towards working with animals as a vet. The outside veterinarian (I can't remember his name), but he focused on ethics and GRE scores. It was very nerve racking up until I went into the interview room. I felt like it went really well. I got there early and was in the waiting room and got to personally meet Dr. LeFebvre and his dog "Flow." He came to talk to someone there and while he was waiting asked me about my experiences at Davis and why I was interviewing, etc. He helped me warm up a bit.

I would highly recommend you do several practice interviews beforehand, these questions give you a lot to think about and you need a clear opinion on many ethical issues. I had to research more about equine welfare and the overpopulation of horses problem in the US. I even bought a veterinary ethics text. I don't really think that is necessary, there is a lot of info on animal welfare online. I learned a lot by doing this and was able to form an educated opinion about the issues. I also recommend that you read over your application a few times! I hope you saved it! You should really know your animal/vet related experiences inside and out and be able to give examples of what you did. When you go for your interview they have your application right in front of them! 

I think it would be a good idea to know your strengths and your weaknesses. Identify problems or holes they may find in your application and come up with a good explanation for them. For example, I knew my GRE scores were low in the verbal and writing part, but I did excellent on the math part. My explanation for that was that I had taken the GRE 3 times and not really improved much on the verbal part, I did bring my writing score up a bit. I also mentioned that my parents did not go to college and I didn't have the opportunity to learn a lot of GRE type words when I was growing up. Anyways, knowing yourself inside and out is essential.

Designing our Class T-shirt

My sister is such a great artist, when given the task to design a shirt for the SVM class of 2014, this is what she comes up with. It is so cute! I love my sister so much and I hope she knows how talented she is. I also have to give credit to her boyfriend Josh who helped! Thanks Mel and Josh for such a wonderful T-Shirt Design! I hope it wins the design contest!
Love Sisterly

VBMA Lunch Talk: Building Revenue For Your New Practice

I am a member of the UC Davis Veterinary Business Management Association and today we had the pleasure of listening to a talk given by Howard Friedman, MBA on "How Graduating Veterinary Students Can Help Build Revenues for their New Practice." I attended the lunch even though I am still more than 3.5 years away from even possibly joining a practice because I was interested and there was free lunch! (One of the many benefits of veterinary school=lots of free lunches).

I became very absorbed in the talk which introduced something I don't often get to think about, "what happens after veterinary school?" As a new vet, you have to develop an entirely new client base. If you are joining an existing practice, you have to find a way to contribute to this practice while also establishing your own clients and building long-lasting relationships.

The majority of the meeting focused on marketing strategies in securing new clients and marketing yourself as a new veterinarian. Mr. Friedman mentioned how most veterinary practices get new clients via WOM (word of mouth). If word goes around that your practice is the best, animal owners will spread the word to their fellow animal owners. This makes sense and it's been in use since communication began!

Other proactive marketing strategies that were mentioned were websites and blogs. Having a GOOD website with practice information, pictures and contact information can really help your business. Direct marketing (mail and print media) were also mentioned. Providing coupons of sorts can encourage owners to come to your clinic in the first place, then they can see what a great clinic you have to offer. I think one of the biggest forms of marketing is community exposure and media relations. Getting involved in your community is a powerful marketing strategy and promotes animal health and wellness in your area.

One of my biggest ideas on improving revenues for a veterinary business is offering free client education sessions. As a pet owner, you probably don't really want to see your veterinarian very often, but it is important to take your animal to the vet at least once a year for good preventative care and your pet's health. I also believe any good pet owner would be interested in increasing their pet's wellness.

I think it is important for new veterinary graduates to discuss their ideas for increasing the practice's revenue. Besides you are fresh out of vet school and you may feel like you still have a lot to learn, but the practice you join has a lot to learn from you too!

The Impostor Syndrome

Yesterday before my lab practical portion of my GI anatomy exam, after I had completed the lecture portion, I was talking with some of my classmates. The conversation began with preparing for the lab practical, but then shifted towards feelings about exams and how we felt about ourselves at vet students. All of us seemed to have this feeling that we just weren't good enough or wondered if we even belonged here in vet school. We all thought we were for the most parts successful undergrads, but being in a professional school is totally different. I think there is pressure that comes from the fact that you are supposed to be a professional, have the knowledge of a professional, basically we feel as though we should be getting A's on every exam for the amount of time we put into studying and stressing about them. 

As Pre-Vets, you are very competitive, essentially competing with 1,200 other people for 133 or so spots at each one of the 22 or so vet schools in the US. And let me tell you, the interview process is nerve racking if you are lucky enough to get one. I applied two times to UC Davis and didn't get an interview the first time. I didn't give up that easy, I applied the following year, landed an interview and got a spot in the class of 2014. So I really encourage those of you who have applied multiple times not to give up too easy. Meet with the admissions committee and ask them where your application was lacking and know that you have a whole year to improve it. They want you to be persistent, I think that is why a lot of people might not get in their first application.

Even after being accepted to veterinary school at UC Davis, I still have this "impostor syndrome."And I'm not the only one plagued with it. Many of my friends feel the same way about themselves. The impostor syndrome is when one feels like they don't belong, as if they were a fraud. These feelings are common for new professional students, but not easy to hide from oneself.

I think the important part to remember when dealing with these impostor feelings is that everyone has to start somewhere and the fear of beginning a new and demanding professional career is daunting. You feel awkward which puts you in a place to not be comfortable with yourself and question things you actually do know. Allowing this self-doubt to take over can create a vicious cycle of apprehension, anxiety, depression, and paralysis of your life. It's almost impossible to fight off the impostor syndrome since it is so powerful in the beginning, but it helps talking to others that feel the same way. I realized the way to overcome this syndrome is to not fight it, but try to understand it and that it is an appropriate reaction to feel. After talking to my classmates, I was shocked that many of them felt the same way I did. Then I remembered that we are all colleges and we are all in this class to help each other out. A lot of us may look like we're fine on the outside, but we hide under our feelings of "impostor syndrome" hoping that no one will notice that we somehow accidentally made it into the class of 2014. I remember during orientation, I thought that they were going to make an announcement and say, "actually you didn't make it into vet school"....and send me on my way. I think the impostor syndrome is something I and a lot of my colleges will have to deal with for life. From here on out, I don't think it gets any easier! I read these helpful hints on a really neat website: http://www.myevt.com/columns/11/impostor-phenomenon

1. What you’re feeling on the inside is not necessarily visible on the outside. Taking a deep breath and holding your head high as you walk in the exam room can make you appear more confident.

2. Concentrate on your client and your patient, not on your feelings of awkwardness or unease. By focusing on those who have come for your expertise and care, you can often distract yourself from the worst of your apprehensions.

3. Acknowledge your new status. The Impostor Phenomenon can intensify if you attempt to hide your unease. Letting your client know that you are still learning your way around can put you both at ease.

4. Accept compliments. When we feel insecure, it’s difficult to acknowledge that others may see something positive in our actions. Rather than deflecting positive remarks, simply smile and say thank you. Then repeat the compliment to yourself several times!

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Acknowledging the expertise of others and asking for needed assistance encourages mutual respect.

6. Watch your negative self-talk. Imagine what it would be like to have a colleague following you, criticizing you and pointing out every small error. Your self-critical voice can have the same destructive effect, so ease up on the self- assessment.

Take A Look At These Impostors Below!!!!

Attention Pre-Veterinary Students and Blog Readers

Hi Everyone,

First off, thanks for reading my blog! I really enjoy it when what I write is useful and interesting to others. Second, I created this blog in part to keep a record of my life in veterinary school as well as inform my family and friends about my life so they can keep updated on what I'm doing and why I don't get to visit too often! I also created this blog to answer questions about what it is like getting into vet school and becoming a veterinarian. I want to open this blog up for any questions people may have about life in vet school, although I am quite busy, I am sure I will find time to answer you! So please feel welcome to email me with questions or leave comments on my blog.

Thanks for reading!

Kristina N.

hamaleo11@gmail.com

Meditation for Vet Students

 I've recently incorporated mediation into my life. I attended an information session by the famous Dr. Clark (quite more than the average professor/veterinarian), Dr. Clark shared his personal knowledge and practice of meditation with us. Although Dr. Clark is not an expert, I believe he gave me a great introduction to what meditation is all about and how to get started. I debated even going to the meeting due to time constraints (mainly lots of studying that needed to be done) but luckily I passed a friend in the hall on her way to the meeting.

Meditation helps defuse stress while strengthening brain function and vitality. Many of you may have a preconceived thought about what you think meditation is.  But let me tell you, meditation is exactly what you want it to be. "Meditation is essentially training our attention so that we can be more aware." -Salzberg

What is the science behind it? "Advances in brain monitoring and imaging, such as functional MRI, have made it possible to watch the brain in action during meditation...the practice of meditation seems to prime brain cells to fire together in patterns that strengthen key brain structures-those for example, important in tasks such as decision-making, memory, and emotional flexibility."-Salzberg

How does this relate to veterinary students or anyone for that matter? As a veterinary student myself, I have experienced first hand the stress a professional school puts on my life. Veterinary medicine is a difficult profession, although very rewarding, it puts you under a large amount of pressure. I feel as though meditation helps me relax and feel better about dealing with my stress in a more healthy way. There is no chanting, incense, or religion involved. I simply listen to soft, gentle, nature music (such as ocean waves radio on Pandora) and let my mind go blank. Of course, my mind strays, but I gently bring my attention back to the focus of meditation. I focus on my breathing pattern and am aware of my breath flowing through my body. I do my best to fit my meditation practices into my busy schedule. Since I started meditating, my goal has been to meditate at least 3-4 times a week for about 15-20minutes at a time. I find it comfortable to sit cross-legged on a bolster in a dark room and I close my eyes. So far I'm really enjoying it and I like the guided meditations in Sharon Salzberg's new book "Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation". I encourage anyone to try meditation, but keep in mind, it is not easy. Not that it is hard, but it is essentially training your mind. Kind of like an exercise regimen, it takes work. Don't give up in the beginning simply because it's hard to keep your attention focused or find time for the practice, really give it a good shot and if you have trouble seek help. Here are some meditation basics courtesy of Dr. Clark.

Dr. Clark's Meditation Reminders

1) Set a time frame for the session and stick to it

2) Find a comfortable position and then be still

3) Keep returning your focus to your breathing

4) Count or repeat a phrase if that is helpful

5) When your mind strays, don't reprimand-instead redirect

6) Notice, as an observer, the thoughts and feelings that arise

7) Let go and accept everything that arises

8) Now is not the time to "fix" things-instead "just be"

9) Be patient with yourself and persistant with this practice

10) View this "mental vacation" as a gift to yourself

Resources: 

Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana

Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg

Leo

Serving as both teacher and friend, H A Maleo, or Leo, taught me many of life's lessons. I fell in love with horses at age six, and several years later I wanted my own horse. I had already begun to work off my riding lessons at the local barns, and then finally the chance to own my own horse came along.

Leo was a rambunctious four year old gelding with little training. He had a very unique personality that I grew to love. I convinced my parents to help pay for half his cost (what I couldn't afford), and I brought Leo along in his training by taking lessons. Months later, we had our debut at a local 4-H horse show. We took a blue ribbon in showmanship and placed in the western classes we entered. Leo and I loved the show ring! We then attended several schooling shows, primarily showing western pleasure.

Not only did Leo shine in the arena, he also excelled on the trails. We took up endurance riding and rode several 25/30 mile rides after he turned five years old. Leo was a trooper, raking in ribbons one weekend and top tens another! Some weekends, we took time off from showing and endurance rides, attending local gymkhanas for fun. One hot summer day at a show, my friend's horse came up lame. I felt badly seeing her horseless at the show, so I offered her the use of Leo. I watched her win two second place ribbons in her English classes. Her success with Leo inspired me to begin riding English again. I took lessons at a local hunter/jumper barn, and soon enough I was showing All-Around!

Almost a year later, though, Leo became quite lame. He was diagnosed with OCD, a joint disease caused by improper nutrition as a youngster. Unfortunately, Leo would have OCD for life and we realized our active training and showing schedule would be too much for him to handle. I rode Leo sometimes just for fun, but we both knew things wouldn't ever be the same. Leo grew bored not having a job, and seemed saddened by the lack of competition. He missed the spotlight, the line-ups, and most importantly his special "what a great job!" bran mashes when we got home from a show. I began showing other horses while Leo stayed at home- but he was never far from my heart. I planned on keeping him, because he was my loyal partner.

By chance, someone who needed him first came along. Family friends had just lost one of their horses, and they were heart broken. They needed a good horse. The couple rode in the mounted police force, participated in California State Fair, search and rescue operations, and parades. Since they wouldn't be doing any heavy riding, it would be the perfect solution for Leo! They gave him a wonderful new home. They loved Leo from the start, and Leo grew to love them.

Last year at the state fair, I saw Leo patrolling the crowds. He joyfully nickered a greeting when I called his name. Leo is truly a superior example of a versatile Arabian horse, and stands out among his peers in a magnificent breed! Thank you, Leo!

Now that I'm in vet school and I look back on this essay I wrote to nominate Leo for the Arabian Horse Association's Arabian Horse of the month, I just can't get over how sad it was to let Leo go. He is surely happy where he is, but I can't help but miss him. It is interesting to be in my radiology classes and hear the term "OCD". Osteocondrosis Dessicans. It has so much more weight to it since I have been through it with Leo. I hope to do research someday to figure out how to prevent this disease from happening. If you want to learn more about OCD, please visit this website: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/90404.htm

MERCER Veterinary Clinic For the Homeless

Every second Saturday at Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento, there is a veterinary clinic put on by the UC Davis veterinary students that offers care to pets belonging to the homeless. The clinic is funded by grants, donations and fundraisers. Its policy requires that its patients be spayed or neutered, and clients be confirmed as homeless by Loaves and Fishes. The MERCER clinic has been successful for the past 15 years and provided valuable services to the homeless of Sacramento. Many of you may wonder why homeless people have pets? How could they possibly own a cat? Well I think Dr. Gershwin says it best, "you have to realize for these people that have very little, that (an) animal is something solid and stable in their life, It provides companionship, love, and it's a very important part of their life. I've seen our clients go out and save another animal another homeless person has been mistreating." Sometimes these pets are their life. The majority of the pets are well cared for and come to the clinic monthly for routine heartworm and flea preventative. 

 Today I volunteered at the MERCER clinic alongside several of my classmates and upperclassmen. My Dad also came along to help out and see what MERCER was all about. He was very helpful and seemed to enjoy working the clinic. Today it was about 35-40 degrees F and it was freezing in the warehouse where MERCER is held. We didn't see as many patients as we usually see probably because of the cold, however there were at least 50 patients today. On an average day at MERCER, we can treat up to 180 pets. Today I got to give vaccines, draw blood for pre-surgery blood work and work with some really cool people. It was a great experience!

I have volunteered at MERCER for the previous two years. I started volunteering through the vet aides club as an undergraduate when I was taking my pre-veterinary courses at UC Davis. It was a great opportunity for me to work with animals alongside veterinary students and I was able to get a lot of hands-on experience with animals! As a vet aid member your job is to assist the veterinary student in any way possible which may include restraining animals, drawing up vaccines, flea medication, running to the lab, and recording information. 

Now that I'm a first year veterinary student, the roles have turned. Now I'm the Doctor! At MERCER, the veterinary students see and treat the patients. However we are not alone, we have several dedicated Veterinarians that volunteer every month to assist us. If we need their help, we just add our name to the list. It's a wonderful learning opportunity for us and it really helps people and pets that need it! 


I would like to dedicate this blog post to Anneke Vos, who worked three decades on behalf of the pets of Sacramento's homeless population and sadly died last Monday of undetermined causes at the age of 86. She will be greatly missed and was such a wonderful woman! http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/06/3302968/obituary-to-the-end-anneke-vos.html

More LINKs:

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/clubs/mercer/

http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/36805/Mercer_Vet_Clinic_Helps_Homeless_Pets

Back in the Swing of Things

Winter break just ended, after a week of externship and two weeks of relaxation, I was ready to go back (or so I like to think so even though a few more days of relaxation might have been nice...). I am starting my winter quarter of my freshman year at veterinary school. We are easing back into classes, but of course after short introductions to the courses (which were hilarious including a voice clip from Kermit the Frog and the music video of the YMCA song, and some freakish animal facts). I really think the professors were trying to out do one another for the most humerus introductions. We're starting off with Cardio Physiology, Neurology, Animal Nutrition, Anatomy of the GI tract, and of course Radiology. Later in the quarter we will add several other courses. I chose to take two electives this quarter, Clinic Rounds and Large Animal Radiology. They are once a week and an hour long. They are more interactive courses, allowing students take turns trying to solve various cases. I am excited for them and feel as though they will provide me with some relief from my academic core classes. 


Although it is only the third day back, I already feel behind, there is just so much to know, like learning several new languages. One day at a time...I tell myself.



After reading this article in DVM magazine, it really made me want to do some thinking about entering small animal or equine medicine. It is an article about how four different veterinary students were drawn to equine medicine. They all share a love of horses that started when they were very young and have a continuing passion to work with horses for their entire lives. 
http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=689136&pageID=1