I Wear Many Hats...

I am one busy veterinary student, but I like it that way. I juggle my classwork and volunteer activities, I'm involved in many veterinary related activities. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I think about where I am right now in advancing my career. I've had some amazing opportunities to volunteer with some invaluable community programs. I have a job as an equine ICU technician at the VMTH and I love working there. Although I only work a couple shifts a month during school, it is totally worth it. It's almost foal season and it will be a busy year.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of volunteering...for anyone. You learn a lot about yourself and your values. You get to help people and their pets (in my case).   


Volunteer Positions:
Mercer Veterinary Clinic for the Homeless Head Co-Coordinator
C4CC Feral Cat Clinic Co-Coordinator
VET SOS volunteer Vet Technician 
Vet Aid Club - Veterinary Student Resource

Club Positions:
Veterinary Student Outreach Club Co-Coordinator
Students For One Health Treasurer 
Equine Medicine Club Secretary


Job:
Equine ICU technician Job
 

The Benefit of Professional Conferences

I just got back from Orlando, Florida where I participated in one of the world's largest Veterinary conferences...the NAVC - North American Veterinary Conference. Although I was only able to participate in 3 days of the 5 day conference, it was really worth my time. I was able to attend about 15 different lectures on topics in small animal, equine, food and even exotic animal medicine! Many of the lecture topics were intriguing, complicated topics that are currently up for debate among the profession. Others were a great review for some of my veterinary courses (like Equine Nutrition and Digestion and The ABC's of Acid Base). Some lectures were totally over my head, but very useful information for future classes and clinics. For example, I attended a talk entitled, "Standing Sedation for the Equine Practitioner" which gave me a great introduction to the common drugs used by equine vets and why we use them for particular procedures.


Attending such a large conference with a diverse representation of people from the veterinary profession was eye opening! I was able to gain an insider's glance into the profession I will be joining (hopefully) in just 2.5 years! I was able to network with my future colleges. Most of all I enjoyed feeling so eager to learn. The reason I even applied to veterinary school in the first place (2nd to my love of animals). It really made me think that veterinary school isn't so bad, I am building my foundation on becoming a knowledgeable and talented veterinarian. 

If you are an undergraduate student at or near any veterinary school, I strongly encourage you to participate in any veterinary conferences or Symposiums.

Where to find information on local symposiums at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ce/index.cfm

http://www.alamopintado.com/veterinarians/conference/