Career Exploration: Being a Veterinarian

 

I recently began writing a new series for the Homeschool Life Magazine and I am happy to share the article with you today from the Fall 2021 publication.

Choosing a career path can be extremely intimidating to a young person. In this Career Exploration series, I interview many different fields of study to help students explore the possibilities as they pursue a career path.

Meet Jenna Hunter, DVM from Main Street Veterinary Clinic located at 500 S. Main in Lumberton, Texas 77657.

Why did you choose this career path? 

I suppose you could say it was a calling.  I cannot remember a time that I didn't want to be a veterinarian. 

What kind of education, training, or background does your job require? 

Undergraduate and doctoral degrees were needed.  Like medical or dental school- you have to achieve certain pre-requisites to apply to veterinary school.  The veterinary program is 4 years, longer if you desire to specialize ( ie cardiology, surgery, critical care, internal medicine..)

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in this field?  

Personal attribute- Empathy.  I believe that this field- like any career path- takes dedication, intelligence, a passion to help others. Interpersonal skills are a must- from working with the veterinary team to talking with the clients.  A good thirst for knowledge and learning is a must as this field changes almost daily. 

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

For me, as a business owner as well, my day starts off with paperwork. However, then the good stuff starts.  Depending on the day of the week, my morning is either filled with all surgeries or all appointments.  We have a 2 hour down time to take care of patients dropped off for examinations, phone calls, lunch, errands or whatever is needed- sometimes it is still seeing emergencies/ patients.  The afternoons are filled with appointments until about 430.  Before leaving for the day, we round with the team on hospitalized patients and make phone calls to owners.

What do you like most about your work? 

That it is different every day.  This keeps you fresh and energized.  I love interacting with the clients and getting to know them and their pets through the years

What do you like least about your work? 

It is hard.  We have to sometimes make hard decisions- not always because a pet is suffering, but sometimes because of financial reasons.  Those are the hardest. 

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in your field? 

I feel that you have to really have a passion for this field and for helping animals and their humans.  It can be very rewarding but it is hard, it is trying and stressful as well.  You have to have strong will and compassion-- lots of compassion.  Veterinary school is competitive.  You have to have the grades.  You need to have volunteer hours and/ or working hours in a veterinary clinic to apply. So, if you feel this is the career for you, find a veterinarian, shadow a bit- see what it is really like behind the scenes.  Not all veterinary practices are the same.  Ours is very busy.  Others are laid back and more relaxed.  Experience more than 1 location to get a good sense of what really happens- each practice is unique.

Happy Homeschooling!