Can You Be A Doctor And A Veterinarian
Last Updated on January 15, 2023 by Team College Learners
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This blog post contains information on how can you be a doctor and a veterinarian. You will finds encompassing information which includes; are vets more qualified than doctors, what do vets have to do, switching from veterinary medicine to human medicine, how hard is it to become a veterinarian, and how do veterinarians specialize.
Teamwork skills are essential to survive and thrive in the bigger world. Your child will leave school and enter the workforce, where he/ she will meet a large number of people belonging to different cultures, nationalities as well as age groups.
Yes, you can be both; however, you would need to get into med school after you finish vet school and complete their programme as well. Depending on where you live and want to practice, this would probably mean about 8 to 10+ years of university and for human medicine likely an internship or placements before you could practice. I know a great vet surgeon who switched to med school and was allowed to skip a few classes to short cut the programme. (She had been doing high level surgery and imaging for quite a few years at a university though.) As vets we study a lot of human research – we do medical science and often are the front runners. The two areas are complementary. The work we do together has been called One Health. Maybe your calling is as a researcher in medical science? You can do that with a vet degree plus maybe a Phd. Common combination.
A down side to consider is that if you have student loans for both professional degrees that could be a large amount of money. As a PhD student you’d more likely at least be making a tiny amount of money as a stipend.
For the person who thought you’d have more time as a vet – I can’t laugh hard enough! I’ve done many 70hr and some 100 hr weeks. I would not make a choice based on time, although it does seem MDs do make more than DVMs on average.
Veterinarian Meaning
a person trained in the medical treatment of animals :
He is the chief veterinarian for the zoo and deals with all kinds and sizes of animals.
How To Become A Veterinary Doctor
HOW TO BECOME A VETERINARIAN IN 8 STEPS
Use this as your guide to help you plan your path to becoming a veterinarian. The road ahead is a challenging one, but being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you reach the finish line and begin your rewarding veterinary career.
1. FOCUS ON COURSE PREREQUISITES DURING COLLEGE
Not every veterinary medical school insists students complete a four-year undergraduate education, but they typically do require specific courses and a minimum number of credits. It’s helpful to get some assistance from a counselor when trying to figure out which courses to prioritize.
“Together, the counselor and the student can research the required courses for admission to the veterinary schools for which the student is considering,” explains Dr. Danel Grimmett, Veterinarian at Sunset Veterinary Clinic.
“Students should also look into joining a pre-vet club or organization at their undergraduate university.”
It’s a good idea to be involved in extracurricular activities as well. “Students should also look into joining a pre-vet club or organization at their undergraduate university,” Dr. Grimmett says. “These types of clubs offer support and education regarding preparing for veterinary school.”
2. GAIN AS MUCH EXPERIENCE AS POSSIBLE
You’ll want to start acquiring hands-on experience working with animals as soon as possible. Most schools expect applicants to have several hundred hours of animal experience, and some specify the bulk of it should be under the supervision of a veterinarian. Internships and job shadowing are a few good options, and the more variety the better.
“People who are considering the veterinary profession should do all they can to get as many different types of experience prior to the application process,” advises Dr. Lori Pasternak, Veterinarian and co-founder of Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery & Dental Care.
“People who are considering the veterinary profession should do all they can to get as many different types of experience prior to the application process.”
Gathering a diverse range of experiences is obviously important for building your resume, but it’s also a good way to find out if you’re truly committed to veterinary medicine. “You must love animals, of course, but a love of science, service, teamwork, and compassionate care are equally required,” Dr. Pasternak says. “Only a few of your patients will be cute puppies and kittens — the majority will be pets who are sick, scared, or in pain and cannot describe how they are feeling.”
3. APPLY TO VETERINARY PROGRAMS
You’ll be in good shape once you complete your bachelor’s degree if you focused on performing well in your course prerequisites and gaining plenty of animal experience. Dr. Pasternak says you’ll even have a leg up on completing an additional vet school application requirement.
“Another benefit to getting hands-on experience is working with veterinarians who can write you a glowing recommendation for veterinary school,” she says.
“Another benefit to getting hands-on experience is working with veterinarians who can write you a glowing recommendation for veterinary school.”
Set aside plenty of time to work on writing your application essays, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and completing any additional materials required by individual programs. Though every program is different and may adjust how they evaluate candidates over time, Dr. Grimmett says most schools she was interested in weighed her application, GRE scores, GPA, and letters of recommendation equally.
Most students apply to veterinary programs using the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), which conveniently packages all of your materials. This allows you to easily distribute your application to multiple schools at the same time.
If you’re lucky enough to gain acceptance to more than one program, you’ll need to think carefully about which one best fits your needs. Dr. Pasternak notes that a lot of programs don’t focus enough on clinical and communication skills, so be sure to investigate by talking to students and graduates at various schools.
4. OBTAIN YOUR DVM
A typical doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) program curriculum spans four years. You’ll likely spend your first two years completing coursework in classes and labs. Programs usually start with basic science classes, then move toward focusing more on biological systems like neurology.
School curriculums vary, but it’s common to start gaining practical experience outside of labs and lecture halls during your third year. This was the case for Dr. Grimmett. “The third year was more clinically focused, still with significant classroom time,” she explains. You’ll spend your final year of veterinary medical school completing clinical rotations to gain practical, hands-on experience working with patients.
5. STUDY FOR AND PASS THE NAVLE
The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is the most important test you’ll take on the road to becoming a veterinarian, because you must earn a passing score in order to practice. You’ll want to devise a study strategy to ensure you’re prepared because cramming won’t cut it. “Use the four years to actually learn and understand,” Dr. Grimmett advises. “Don’t just study for the test.”
“Don’t just study for the test.”
You can sit the exam in the fall or spring of your senior year. Note that you need to be within 10 months of graduating, although some states specify within eight, to take the test. Though some students like to wait until the spring to allow more time for preparation, many prefer to take the NAVLE during the fall. This way they have the option to retake it in the spring if they aren’t satisfied with their results.
On the day of the exam, try to stay calm and focused. Students who have spent their time absorbing material and building their skills stand a good chance of performing well. “One must just prepare as best they can and go in believing in themselves,” Dr. Grimmett suggests.
6. COMPLETE ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You may need to complete additional steps depending on where you want to practice. Make sure to contact the correct provincial regulatory body in Canada or state regulatory board in the US to find out which specific requirements you need to meet.
You may be responsible for additional examinations, forms, and fees. US students who attended an international school may need to obtain certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG). But requirements vary, so it’s best to check with the appropriate regulatory body.
7. PURSUE FURTHER TRAINING IF DESIRED
Veterinary school graduates are able to begin practicing immediately after graduating and obtaining their license. Some prefer to pursue internships to gain more practical training. DVMs can also complete a residency that will enable them to receive board certification in a specialty field.
“The veterinary profession is quickly becoming more specialized,” Dr. Pasternak says. She adds that she has mixed feelings about it, particularly because many pet owners cannot afford services from board-certified veterinarians.
“The veterinary profession is quickly becoming more specialized.”
Veterinarians may actually find they gain more by starting to practice right away. “I believe there is more value to learning by simply jumping in and doing, as my associates and I did,” Dr. Pasternak says. “It takes guts and a certain amount of confidence, but it advances learning.”
8. BEGIN YOUR VETERINARY CAREER
Once you’ve completed all the above requirements and obtained any specialty training of interest, you’re ready to assume your role as a veterinarian. This doesn’t mean you should hold off on searching for jobs until you have your diploma. “Don’t wait until the last month of your senior year to begin your job search,” Dr. Grimmett warns.
You can start your search by utilizing job boards designed specifically for veterinary professionals. It’s also wise to inquire about positions within specific organizations, reach out to the veterinarians you know personally, or even seek help from a recruiter.
Your job-hunting tactics might vary depending on what type of veterinary career you’re pursuing, but you should also keep an open mind. “One of the great things about being a veterinarian is the ability to be able to practice in such a wide-ranging field,” Dr. Grimmett notes.
“One of the great things about being a veterinarian is the ability to be able to practice in such a wide-ranging field.”
Veterinary Doctor Course
COURSE OUTLINE
(PRE – VET) 100 LEVEL: first semester
Code Title CREDIT
GSS 111 Use of English 1
GSS 112 Nigerian History 2
GSS 116 Use of Library 1
CHM 113 General Chemistry 3
CHM 114 Practical Chemistry 1
BIO 111 Biology 4
PHY 111 General Physics 2
GSS 114 Elementary French I 1
MTH 111 Mathematics I 2
CMP 112 Introduction to Information Technology 2
UGC 111 Introduction to Farm Practice I 1
20
2nd Semester
CVM 121 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine 2
GSS 121 Use of English II 2
GSS 126 Social Sciences 2
CHM 121 General Chemistry II 3
CHM 124 Practical Chemistry II 1
BIO 121 General Biology II 4
PHY 121 General Physics II 2
GSS 124 Elementary French II 1
MTH 121 Mathematics II 2
UGC 121 Introduction to Farm Practice II 1
20
DVM I (200 LEVEL) 1st Semester
VAN 211 Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy 3
VAN 212 Avian Anatomy 2
VPP 212 Vet. Physiology I 4
VBC 213 Vet. Biochemistry I 3
GSS 217 Philosophy & Logic 2
GSS 111 Use of English 2
GSS 212 Peace and Conflict Resolution 2
VAP 211 Animal Production I 2
Elective
CAE 211 General Agriculture 2
22
2nd Semester
VAN 221 Ruminant Splanchnology 3
VAN 222 Micro Anatomy (Histology) 4
VPP 221 Vet. Physiology II 4
VBC 222 Vet. Biochemistry II 3
GNT 221 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Studies 2
GSS 121 Use of English 2
VAP 221 Animal Production II 3
Elective
MTH 227 Introduction to Computer 2
23
DVM II (300 LEVEL)
1st Semester
VAN 311 Embryology 3
VAN 312 Comparative Anatomy 3
VBC 312 Vet. Biochemistry III 3
VPP 313 Vet. Physiology III 4
VAP 311 Animal Production III 2
VAP 312 Animal Production IV 3
GNT 311 Business Development and Management 2
Elective
AEX 311 Introduction to Agric. Extension 2
22
2nd Semester
VPC 324 General Vet. Pharmacology 3
VPT 321 General Vet. Pathology 3
VMB 321 General Vet. Microbiology 3
VMB 322 Immunology 2
VPH 321 Biostatistics 2
VPE 321 Introductory Vet. Parasitology 3
VAP 321 Animal Production V 3
19
DVM III (400 LEVEL)
1st Semester
VPT 414 Systemic Pathology I 3
VPT 415 Systemic Pathology II 3
VMB 412 Pathogenic Bacteriology I 3
VMB 413 Pathogenic Bacteriology & Mycology II 2
VPE 411 Helminthology I 3
VPE 412 Helminthology II 2
VPC 411 Systemic Pharmacology 3
VSR 411 General Surgery 2
GNT 411 Practicum 2
23
2nd Semester
VPT 423 Special Pathology 2
VPT 424 Avian Pathology 2
VSR 421 Vet. Anaesthesiology 2
VMB 423 Systemic Virology 2
VPE 421 Veterinary Entomology 2
VPE 422 Veterinary Protozoology 3
VPC 423 Veterinary Toxicology 2
VPC 424 Veterinary Chemotherapy 2
VEM 421 General Medicine 3
20
DVM IV (500 LEVEL)
1ST Semester
VTH 511 Andrology & Artificial Insemination 2
VAN 512 Applied Anatomy 2
VPT 511 Veterinary Clinical Pathology,
Haematology and Biochemistry 3
VSR 513 Small Animal Surgery 3
VEM 512 Avian Medicine 2
VEM 516 Small/Animal Medicine 2
VPH 511 Epidemiology & Public Health Management 2
CVM 511 Clinics I 8
2nd Semester
VTH 522 Gynaecology, Udder Management & 4
Neonatal Diseases
VSR 523 Orthopaedics 3
VPH 522 Preventive Medicine & Jurisprudence 2
VEM 524 Aquatic, Laboratory and Wildlife Medicine 2
VEM 525 Porcine Medicine 2
VSR 525 Veterinary Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging 2
VSR 527 Surgical Exercises 1
CVM 521 Clinics II 8
24
DVM V (600 LEVEL)
1st Semester
CVM 611 Clinics III 12
CVM 612 Clinical Seminar 1
CVM 600 Project 2
VSR 612 Large Animal Surgery and Lameness 3
VPH 611 Zoonosis & Environmental Health 2
VEM 613 Ruminant Medicine 2
VTH 615 Obstetrics 2
24
2nd Semester
CVM 621 Clinics IV 14
CVM 622 Clinical Seminar 1
CVM 600 Project 2
CVM 623 Application of Computers in Vet. Practice 3
VPH 622 Meat, Milk, Fish Inspection & Hygiene 2
VEM 624 Equine Medicine 2
VSR 621 Surgical Exercises 1
25