Dr. Chris Bern
21 Years Experience
Cartersville, GA
Male, 49
I have been a practicing veterinarian since 1997, but have been in and around the profession since 1984. I am a general practitioner and see most pet species, from dogs and cats to parrots and snakes. In my job I do everything from routine vaccinations to complex surgeries and difficult medical cases. Becoming a vet takes hard work and dedication but can be very rewarding.
I can't say what the financial prospects are like in your country, as I only know details in the US. Here you can make a decent living, but you are unlikely to become wealthy or drive luxury vehicles. It mostly comes down to debt-to-income ratio. In the US the average debt load at graduation ranges around $150k-$200k, and the average starting salary is $70k-80k. New vets spend a large portion of their salary simply paying back loans, leaving little for savings or lifestyle. You'd have to talk to a Dutch vet to find out the data in your area.
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Typically dogs. Even if they're aggressive they're easier to handle than cats. I also feel more comfortable with their anatomy and physiology compared to the exotics that I see and treat.
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A better understanding of animal anatomy and physiology. Greater ability to effectively manage people. Conflict resolution. Greater empathy for people and for pets.
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It would take more time and space than we have hear to teach you about becoming a veterinarian. Though I'm not actively writing on my blog, I've talked about this topic a lot over the years, so do a search on AVetsGuideToLife.blogspot.com. You don't know what you want to do in the field when you go to school. Many vet students change their interests and direction several times over the four year training. During the time in school you WILL be required to perform surgeries! It is not an option to elect not to do so, as it is required training as part of the program. If you go into general practice you will also be expected to perform at least routine surgeries such as spays and neuters. However, if you're willing to do training (internship and residency) for 5-6 years after vet school you could become a specialist in an area where you would never have to do surgery again, such as dermatology, behavior, or internal medicine.
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Wow, that's hard to say. I work 40-45 hours per week, some weeks up to 50 hours. I see around 20-25 patients per day, as we are a very busy practice. The majority of my day is minor illnesses or injuries, well pet visits, and routine surgical procedures. However, at any point I can get a sudden serious illness or emergency surgery that could completely disrupt my day. If you are working in a full-service general practice there is only so much predictability to the day. You learn to expect the unexpected.
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Extremely! I graduated cum laude in undergraduate, then obtained a Master's degree, and vet school was far harder than either. Imagine how hard you think human medical school may be. Now, realize that you have to know that level of detail about MULTIPLE species! You can't go to school part time and between classes and studying you can't work full time. Most of your social life is out the window. For four years you are doing almost nothing but going to school in the day and studying in the evening. The amount of information you have to learn is incredible. Honestly, getting into and through vet school is harder than the equivalent for human doctors. Not to disparage my human colleagues....they are great, knowledgeable professionals who had to work hard for their education. But there are significant differences between animal species, even dogs and cats, and we have to know all of them.
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Let me answer this with bullet points.... Direction--Biology major in undergraduate with a BS degree, then a MS in Ethology (not required for vet school, but I had a minor digression in my path), then a DVM Help--My main help was the vet I grew up working for, Dr. John Strasser. He was an incredible mentor and I still use things he taught me. Obviously my parents helped support me. And there were many professors in school who gave me great advice and direction. Actions--Working for a vet before school, finding a good job, spending time consciously working on medical/surgical skills, taking management classes.When--When I was 9! And then it really started when I was 14 and worked for a vet. How--Careful interviewing and picking of my first job.Why--I enjoy medicine, science, and animals.
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