| Interview with Dr. E | | | | Ever since I was 5, I wanted to help animals. I really |
| How long does it take to become a Veterinarian? | | | | wanted to learn how to help wildlife and those animals |
| After high school figure about 8 years. If you want to | | | | without owners. It's a calling that I knew my whole life. |
| specialize figure another 4 years. It's basically the | | | | What's the best part of the Job? |
| same length as a human doctor. | | | | Working with shelter animals, and the homeless |
| Is there an exam that you have to take before you | | | | animals. It feels good to be with these animals that |
| can practice? | | | | don't really have anyone to love them. It's great to help |
| There is a national board in the US, and many states | | | | them get better and see them get adopted. |
| have a state exam in addition to the national exam. | | | | What is the hardest part of the Job? |
| What is a typical day at the office? | | | | Some euthanasia. Seeing the owners with tears, it's |
| A typical day, though I see unique cases every day, | | | | just sad to experience. However, euthanasia is usually |
| starts with checking on any hospitalized animals. Then I | | | | for good reasons, except when it's for behavioral |
| start seeing appointments, performing exams, taking | | | | issues. With the right owner and proper training, these |
| blood or other samples and diagnosing medical | | | | animals don't need euthanasia. I try to educate the |
| conditions. Basically I have a new patient to see every | | | | owners as much as possible before this is performed. |
| 15 minutes, so it can get hectic. And don't forget the | | | | What classes should I take in high school to prepare |
| emergency patients that I have to fit in as they arrive. | | | | myself? |
| Towards the end of the day, I make many calls either | | | | Advanced math, science.... chemistry, biology, college |
| to give updates to owners regarding their hospitalized | | | | prep courses... all advanced, calculus. Variety is good |
| pets, or checking up on animals that went home. At | | | | too. Also join clubs, such as FFA. |
| our clinic we have certain surgery days, where each | | | | What type of grades do you need to get into vet |
| of us takes turns performing the surgeries or | | | | school? |
| anesthetized procedures that day. Surgery mainly | | | | A's 3.8-4.0 overall. It is incredibly competitive. |
| consists of: spays, neuters, abscess and wound repair, | | | | How much did school cost? |
| mass removals, and fracture repairs. It varies every | | | | It really ranges where you go, but for me it was |
| day and there is always something new! My days can | | | | roughly $150,000 |
| run from 8 to 12 hours a day. We do have vet techs | | | | What other kind of preparation do you recommend? |
| that help us tons! They will usually do the initial checking | | | | Volunteer! Also, work part time jobs that might help |
| of the pet, weight, vitals, and prep me on the condition. | | | | you on the path and look good to potential universities. |
| What made you want to become a vet? | | | | |