Observations from some of our Veterinary Scholars:

Jayme Bosley, First Year in VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM)

I am currently a first year student at the VMRCVM. After successfully completing my first semester, I am happy to say that although it has required a tremendous amount of work and dedication, I am so happy to be here, and I am having the time of my life. First semester consisted mainly of fundamental science courses such as physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and immunology; all courses that help to build the foundation of your knowledge upon which every other class will draw upon. It is quite staggering the amount of information we have already learned in only one semester. It’s hard to fathom how much we will leave here knowing. Although it is intimidating, it is great to be learning and working towards something that you want to do for the rest of your life.

With so much time dedicated to classes, laboratories, and studying, it’s hard to find time to dedicate to extracurricular activities or organizations. However, I am a member of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Animal Welfare Club. I was also appointed the co-coordinator for the Feral Cat Program within the Animal Welfare Club. Once up and running, this program will help to control pet populations and the spread of disease by trapping, vaccinating, and spaying/neutering feral cats in and around Blacksburg. Until this program takes off, however, we are currently limited to assisting the Angels of Assisi of Roanoke, VA in achieving these same goals.

In addition to these organizations, the VMRCVM offers an incredibly wide variety of clubs and other programs in which to get involved. There are organizations geared toward public practice veterinarians, exotic animals, food animals, equine, companion animals, etc. Also, students can participate in rounds at the teaching hospital during which they can view and discuss actual cases involving live animals (Interacting with live animals is otherwise a rarity during first year).

Before coming here, I had to make the difficult decision of deciding which school to attend; and now I can honestly say I am completely satisfied with my decision to come here. Blacksburg is a wonderful town, with plenty to do (in what little spare time you have). If you are fond of the outdoors, it is particularly nice because there are plenty of opportunities/locations very nearby for camping, hiking, rafting, etc. There is virtually something for everyone here, and the faculty, staff, and students are wonderful.

Jessica Clark, Third Year in North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Now in my third year at North Carolina State University, I am preparing to enter 4th year blocks in a few months. With all of the scheduling externships, research experiences and blocks within the hospital the end is finally in sight. I spent my last summer as an intern with Elanco Animal Health. They placed me in charge of a research project using their product Pulmotil on a sow farm in eastern North Carolina. When I was not on the sow farm overseeing the research project, I spent time with the veterinarians at Livestock Veterinary Services in Kinston, NC. Their practice predominantly consults for the swine industry, and works with cattle producers in the area.

Back in school last Fall I took the position of President of the Student Chapter of American Association of Swine Veterinarians. This is a long title for a club designated for students interested in swine medicine. Our biggest event of the year is in the spring when we travel to the AASV annual meeting, which is being held in San Diego, CA in March. The meeting gives me an opportunity to network with swine veterinarians from the Midwest and internationally. I have spent time with many of the swine veterinarians within eastern North Carolina on their company farms and at meetings. The interaction is priceless since the swine veterinarian profession is small and connected; especially as a soon to be new graduate in search of a job.

For any undergraduate interested in North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, these are changing times at the veterinary school. Over winter break construction started on a multimillion dollar small animal hospital. Although I will be long gone before the new hospital opens, from what floor plans I have seen it will be a very nice facility. NC State CVM will still the have the Teaching Animal Unit which is a student ran farm located next to the school. I encourage anyone to apply to NC State, and make arrangements to visit the College of Veterinary Medicine if you have the opportunity.

Matthew Faulkner, First Year in University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine is a wonderful place to study the art and science of veterinary medicine. While studying occupies the majority of my time, (emphasis on majority) I still have found time to get involved in the many clubs and activities the college has to offer.

As a SCAVMA senator I represent my class in the student government organization of the college. I have joined many clubs that support the students including the AABP, Canine Club, Small Ruminants Club, and the AAHA.

The college has also given me an opportunity to gain some experience with live animals (something that is rare to find as a first year). I have joined the small animal treatment crew that works in the hospital, and also have become a large animal surgery technician in the barn.

I would recommend Athens and the UGA-CVM to anyone who wants to one day become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. If anyone has any questions they can feel free to shoot me an e-mail (mfaulk@uga.edu).

Katherine (Katie) Fisher, First Year in University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

I am enjoying my studies at the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine immensely! Although the classes are very demanding, they are also interesting and applicable. I am putting in more study time than I ever thought I could, and I’m also learning lots of pertinent information for my future profession.

Despite all the time I have devoted to studying, I have also made time for lots of extracurricular activities. I am serving as junior delegate for SCAVMA (which means I am the representative for UGA CVM on the national level). I also serve as a freshman representative for the Canine Club, play intramural volleyball, flag football, and basketball; I have joined the veterinary fraternity Alpha Psi, have been hired to work in the Intensive Care Unit in the veterinary hospital, and am on the Colic Team. So despite our busy schedule, there is time to become involved in numerous activities.

There are so many opportunities here at UGA. Almost weekly we have wet-labs, guest lecturers, or club activities. I’m really enjoying my time here and highly recommend it to those considering coming in the fall. In addition, you can’t beat this weather!

My advice for future veterinary students coming to UGA is near endless, so feel free to have them contact me through e-mail and I’ll answer any questions they may have (kfisher@uga.edu).

Andrea Springer, Thurd Year in University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

I am currently in the small animal track of veterinary school, and am throwing around the idea of an internship/residency in small animal surgery. I have held many positions in my veterinary fraternity (Alph Psi) and SCAVMA Senate, and am involved in the Canine Club, Feline Club, Behavior Club, Emergency Club, and basically every small animal club known to man. Which brings me to one of my important points – stay active in things besides just schoolwork! Honestly, you will be studying for a large majority of your time, but UGACVM also has a vast array of clubs/events for every single kind of person. Joining and participating in things helps with networking, brings you closer to your colleagues, and most of all, helps you keep your sanity.

Another word of advice I would have for incoming students is to get some clinical experience before your freshman year of vet med. When you’ve already seen some of the cases spoken about in class in your previous clinic, it’s easier to remember main points, physiological parameters, etc about that disease, behavior problem, etc. Also, clinics are a huge aspect of your schooling – working in a clinic will help you with future clients and help you realize if you’d like to do something, or are capable, of working in a companion animal setting.

The last word of advice: Don’t stress! You really don’t need to study anything before your freshman classes start, you’ll get everything you need to know eventually enough. Also, the people at UGA, both professors and students, are amazing. Professors generally give enlightening and witty lectures, the student body is incredibly close, and Academic Affairs will genuinely try to help you with anything that they can.

Congratulations and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheryl Nguyen (McCauley), Third Year in University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

My experience at vet school has been a great one. It has been full of many learning experiences that have grown both my knowledge and my confidence. I have learned numerous facts, technical skills, and much about myself. The coursework has been challenging at times but through these challenges, immense growth has occurred. I am involved in many school organizations including Christian veterinary fellowship, canine club, feline club, and the behavior club. Of these organizations, I am most involved in Christian veterinary fellowship. It is a great community of Christian vet students that work together to make the study and practice of veterinary medicine a Christ-centered pursuit.

As a message to future veterinary students, I would advise to not give up. When we first express interest in veterinary medicine we’re told much about how difficult a task simply getting in to vet school is, let alone surviving vet school and beginning practice. I would say that it is indeed a daunting task and that there are days where you wonder why you’re here and if it’s really worth it but there are many more days that you have no uncertainty that this is exactly where you love to be. I look forward to graduation when I can put my knowledge and skills to the test and start a career that will doubtless be a rewarding one.

Jenna Workman, First Year in Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

I have completed my first semester of veterinary school and it feels great! I have found that many of the classes I had at West Virginia University were very useful and prepared me for veterinary school. Veterinary school is what everyone says it will be, challenging, fun, and a great experience. I had to work very hard last semester but it paid off at the end. I got all A’s and one B in my first semester of veterinary school. As this semester has begun, it is proving to be more of a challenge. I have met many wonderful people and they will continue to be my colleagues and friends throughout my life. I am involved in the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pathology Club, the Veterinary Business Medical Association, and FAPG which is the Food Animal Club. My words of advice to those who are planning on attending veterinary school: 1) time management and 2) read everything that you can so that you can be better prepared for what’s ahead.

Jeremy Shumaker, First Year in Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Thus far, I have enjoyed my first year a lot. Granted, I end up sitting in a lecture hall most or all of the day, but somehow the time seems to go faster than it did in undergraduate. This year, the main focus is all things microscopic with a little hands-on in the anatomy classes. Apart from class material, I’ve learned a few other important things since starting in the fall. The first is how to be outgoing and really meet some new people, given that until this year, I still had the same friends I did in kindergarten or middle school at the latest. I also learned the true meaning of studying. I really had no idea what that word even meant until this year. I am involved with few organizations at the school: Christian Veterinary Fellowship, the student chapter of the AVMA, and the Emergency Medicine club. I also work in the equine ICU on campus, which has been a great experience and has given me exposure to large animal medicine, which is an area I am not yet very familiar with. I have opted out of finding a job for at least this year of veterinary school and so, like every veterinary student, I am on a very tight budget. The Davis-Michael scholarship was an enormous help this year, and I am very grateful to have had the extra support.

Kara Gornik, Second Year in University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

I am currently in the middle of my second year at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Although the majority of my time is taken up by studying, I still try to remain active in the community as well as within the vet school itself. At UGA, I am in the student chapter of the AVMA, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the canine club, the student chapter of the veterinary emergency and critical care society, the behavior club, the shelter club, and the exotics club. With these clubs, I am able to participate in wet labs to help prepare for clinics and practice, network and meet people through the various meetings, and stay active in the community by participating in various club events. For example, last year I went to North Carolina with the shelter club to Full Moon Farms, a wolf sanctuary, to help clean and clear new pens for their new arrivals. I also frequently go to the local animal shelter and help take pictures of the dogs in need of the “forever homes.” Through the student chapter of the AVMA, I have participated in several adopt-a-highway road clean ups and have helped with our annual auction, which raises money for the vet school. Furthermore, last year I was able to volunteer at the Atlanta Steeplechase, a horse race whose proceeds went to the vet school as well as other area charities.

After being in vet school for over a year, we were also able to put some of our studies to use by going to various conferences to hear speakers talk about cases and clinical experiences. Last year I attended the SCAVMA symposium at North Carolina State University and also flew to Seattle, Washington for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine conference. At both of these places, I was able to network with other students and veterinarians, which will hopefully be beneficial when I go to apply for internships and residencies.

As for advice to give to incoming veterinary students, I would say to be prepared to make adjustments. Similar to the step from high school to college, vet school is a huge jump. The course load is heavy (most days you are in class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the classes are rough. There are no more “easy core classes” to add to your schedule. Vet school requires that you stay on top of the workload. Although no one likes to admit it, for many undergraduate tests, one to two days or nights of studying was enough to secure an “A” in a class. It takes a little more in vet school to maintain that grade. However, grades are no longer everything. Your first day of vet school, they will tell you that the competition is over, and for most, C=DVM. Be sure, then, to make time for yourself, get involved in your school and your community and have some fun every once in a while. Really, once you reach veterinary school, the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight. The finish line is finally near.

Leigh Nida, Second Year in Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

I am a second year veterinary student at The Ohio State University. Upon graduation, I plan to return to West Virginia, and practice large animal medicine. At Ohio State I am a member of several organizations, such as, the Student Chapter of AVMA, Equine Club, Shelter Medicine Club, and the Veterinary Business Management Association. I am also a member of the professional veterinary fraternity Omega Tau Sigma, and I am currently serving as the recruitment chair. In the summer I return to West Virginia, and work at a mixed animal practice in Charleston. For future veterinary students, I would recommend to gain as much hands-on experience as possible, and to keep their minds open to the many opportunities being a veterinarian can provide.

Lora Squires, First Year at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

I am currently a freshman veterinary student at the University of Georgia, and I absolutely love it here. While the classes are extremely challenging, the subject matter is almost always interesting, and this helps to make studying seem less like a chore.

During the fall semester, some of the required classes that made up our almost twenty hour course load included small animal anatomy, histology, bacteriology, and biochemistry, just to name a few. In the spring semester, we have already started into large animal anatomy, immunology, virology, and endocrinology, along with several other classes. Out of all of these mentioned classes, I would have to say that my favorite has been anatomy. While a good portion of my time has been spent in the anatomy lab and I almost always smell of formaldehyde, to me, anatomy has been by far the most interesting and the most enjoyable.

While the majority of my time is spent studying, I have still found some time left over to be involved in extracurriculars and clubs. Currently, I am a member of the Canine club, Feline club, AABP, and also the Exotics club. Through these clubs, I have been able to participate in wet labs and hands-on activities, which include both Canine and Feline Spay Days and an emergency procedures wet lab. I am also a member of the Foal Team. In this organization, I sign up for on-call shifts, and if a large animal neonate comes into the hospital, I will get called in to sit with it and give it treatments. Finally, I am a member of OTS veterinary fraternity.

To any student looking to attend veterinary school at UGA, I would encourage them to attend the annual Open House, which takes place this year on April 4. While this event is mainly geared toward younger children, it can also be a great opportunity for future students to tour the veterinary school and teaching hospital, and also talk to current students. Once accepted into veterinary school, I would highly encourage all students to get involved with clubs and activities, and also to make time to go out and have fun. While studying and doing well is a major part of being in vet school, it’s necessary to make time for fun so you don’t go crazy.

Sarah Nelson, First Year at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

As a first year student at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, my studies have gone well with the completion of my first semester. My classes have consisted of the core classes including anatomy, histology, biochemistry, bacteriology, physiology, nutrition, and cell biology. Most days are 8 hours long and consist of lectures and labs. Future veterinary students at the University of Georgia should prepare for their first year by taking all the preparatory courses they can fit into their schedule. In vet school, you will be very busy. It helps to already have the skills for handling stress and time management, so you do not need to learn those skills while you are studying more important topics. It also really helps to have had some of the curriculum in your undergraduate studies. The more veterinary type classes you have the easier it will be for you in your first year.

The UGA CVM has been a great place to attend school and create amazing friendships. While spending all day every day with your classmates, you get to know them, and they become your second family. I have formed friendships here that will last a lifetime. UGA has a relatively small class size that allows you to feel close and connected to your classmates. My educational experience has been excellent. The instructors care that you learn the material and are ever helpful. The college is always upgrading the facilities and keeping up on the latest technology. UGA is an excellent institution.

During the first year, there are a wide range of organizations and job opportunities to become active in right away. The organizations that I have been involved in include American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Animal Hospital Association, Canine Club, American Association of Feline Practitioners, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, American Veterinary Medicine Association, and Veterinary Medicine Business Association. Each organization sponsors speakers during lunch and dinner meetings that are informative and interesting. Some organizations host wet labs to allow students to practice clinically applicable procedures. There is an organization for everyone, and you can become as involved as you feel comfortable.

Shannon Totten, Second Year in Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine

As a proud member of the Tuskegee University family, I have learned a lot about veterinary medicine and myself in the past two years. During my first semester of veterinary school I was told, “If you can pass gross anatomy, you can pass anything.” I spent many hours, long afternoons and sometimes nights dissecting and trying to learn the arteries, veins, muscles, and everyone’s favorite – the nerves on my specimen. Who knew there could be so many? I passed gross anatomy. I achieved a B both semesters. While I felt I had learned enough information for an A, I was still proud to have worked so hard and learned so many things.

I decided to join the canine club my first year. It was a wonderful way to get involved in something career-oriented without having to sit in front of the books. I learned that you really do have to have some time that is not devoted to studying. Our club was able to give back to our school by donating monogrammed blankets to our greyhound blood donors.

This year I am president of the Canine club. Canine club is not the only activity that I am involved. I am a member of AAHA, SCAVMA, SAVMA, AABP and I am also the historian for my class.

I am not sure what to say about the second year curriculum. Every school does things a little differently. Last semester I had 8 classes including Pharmacology, Pathology, Endocrinology, Parasitology, Virology, Immunology and Epidemiology. In addition to the course load, our school has also implemented a block schedule for exams. Each block you are tested on each of your classes in a 1.5 to 2 week period. While this system keeps you studying something every night, (as you should anyway) adequate time for focusing on a subject and retention are sometimes compromised for the time constraint.

With that said, though, I feel very fortunate to be where I am. You will not find a classroom anywhere in the United States as diverse as any at T.U.S.V.M. Most, if not all teachers know each of the students by name. I have had some truly knowledgeable and passionate teachers at Tuskegee. I really feel that most will do all in their power to help your understanding of the material. While I had Anatomy, for example, Dr. Eljack would be at school every morning by 6:30 a.m. in case any students had questions or concerns.

The best advice I can give to incoming freshman to any veterinary school is to mentally prepare yourself for lifelong challenges. You can no longer study, memorize and regurgitate. You must be able to think logically and apply concepts. You will make sacrifices and you will lose sleep. But you are not alone. I have fifty-nine other students that sit in the same classroom with me everyday with the same hopes, fears and dream. I am sure they all can say hard work truly does pay off.