veterinarian essay ideas

How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

45+ Veterinary Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024

Veterinary medicine is a broad area of study, so there are many potential issues you can base your dissertation or thesis on. You may want to consider veterinary science comparable to human health care, such as laboratory animal medicine, animal welfare, and law so that you can come up with an impactful veterinary dissertation topic.

Choose an interesting but focused research topic that enables you to contribute to your field of study. Choosing a topic for a paper or dissertation is one of the most crucial decisions students must make. So, avoid writing about an idea that is so narrow that you end up having no academic sources to use in the res earch.

Veterinary Dissertation Topics and Ideas

Animals used for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)
Necropsy’s significance in veterinary medicine
The value of veterinarians to the retail industry
Examination of contemporary pet vaccinations
Why not crocodiles or zebras? – investigating contemporary quirks in pet selection
Investigating the components of natural animal feeds as the pet food business transitions to natural
Rural locations with poor veterinary care: cause and remedies
Fear or the dominance theory? – investigating the behavioural issues with dogs
The best remedies for thunderstorm anxiety
Why do the majority of pets have this phobia? Is it treatable?
Is it a myth that animals act poorly because they want to rule the pack?
Why do owners of sick animals need to be on guard?
Environmental influences on chickens’ egg-laying productivity
When do some chickens produce more eggs than others? What are the ideal circumstances to maintain their high levels of productivity?
Cardiovascular changes in canine leishmaniasis
Relevant clinical alterations in breast cancer in stage 3 females
Cancer patients’ nutritional needs and metabolic changes are managed
Review of the literature on alternative methods for treating canine atopic dermatitis
Analysis of the primary epidemiological traits present in a buck with a breast tumour
Cost-benefit analysis of supplemental mineral feeding to beef cattle
Little ones frequently experience heart disorders
Breast cancer reconstruction procedures for female dogs and cats
Laws and public education about animal abuse
An outline of the veterinary nurse’s responsibility in stopping owner maltreatment of animals
Following surgery, the animals get rehabilitation
What part does the veterinary nurse play in addressing the psychological effects of animal abuse? Is there any way to make it better?
Illnesses that are extremely contagious and harm domestic animals
Veterinary students are taught about public health as part of their training
Treatment of sporty horses with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Effectiveness of homoeopathic medication in controlling ticks in dairy cattle
A case study of bitches treated at the university veterinary hospital for breast cancer
Study of sporotrichosis and visceral leishmaniasis notifications in the CCZ
Investigation of the anaesthesia procedure death rate in tiny animals undergoing surgery
Ways to improve how domestic animals are treated in the public network
The significance of electrocardiography in dogs before surgery
Neoplasms in an animal’s reproductive system
The relevance of veterinarians in meeting retail needs
Factors affecting milk quality in family farm settings
As a technique for sustainability in agriculture, rotated grazing
Prevalence of breast cancers in women and examination of their clinical and epidemiological features
Cigarette carcinogens bring on principal tumours in dogs and cats
Carcinogen-related cancer types manifested in dogs and cats exposed to smoke
Gentamicin intramammary therapy in lactating cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis
Aloe vera and arnica Montana as natural remedies for horse pythiosis
Examine the veterinary nursing policies and practices of various nations and any potential working circumstances for nurses there
An Investigation on how changing climate patterns affect the distribution of animal diseases and the practice of veterinary medicine.
An Analysis of different approaches to prevent and control zoonotic diseases in animals and humans
Exploring recent advancements in surgical techniques for veterinary procedures
Examining the relationship between animal behaviour, welfare, and veterinary care and proposing strategies to improve the well-being of animals in clinical settings.
Investigating the development of new drugs for veterinary use
The concept of One Health and its application in managing complex health issues at the intersection of human and animal health
Study newly emerging infectious diseases in animals and implications for veterinary practice and public health.
A Comparative study on different diagnostic imaging techniques used in veterinary medicine
The effectiveness of veterinary education and training programs in preparing graduates for professional practice

Order a Proposal

Worried about your dissertation proposal? Not sure where to start?

Choose any deadline
Plagiarism free
Unlimited free amendments
Free anti-plagiarism report
Completed to match exact requirements

These topics will help you get motivated to start working on your dissertation. You should also check out our list of biology dissertation topics for more inspiration.

If the topic you choose is interesting and reflects your passion for the subject, it will be much easier for you to complete the dissertation in due time. However, if you face difficulties due to lack of knowledge, time or any other reason, now is the time to use our professional dissertation services ! Hiring a professional writer can help you achieve your desired academic grade from the comfort of your bed.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find veterinary dissertation topics.

To find veterinary dissertation topics:

Investigate emerging animal health issues.
Explore gaps in current research.
Consider ethical concerns.
Review recent advancements.
Consult experts and faculty.
Select a topic aligning with your passion and career aspirations.

Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics

Veterinary medicine research paper topics encompass a wide range of subjects that contribute to the advancement of animal healthcare. This page provides a comprehensive guide for students studying veterinary medicine who are tasked with writing research papers. Explore the intricacies of this field, delve into diverse categories, and discover a multitude of compelling topics to delve into. Whether you’re interested in animal behavior, infectious diseases, pharmacology, or veterinary surgery, this guide will help you navigate the realm of veterinary medicine research paper topics. By offering expert advice on topic selection and providing valuable insights on how to write an impactful research paper, we aim to empower students to make significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine. Furthermore, iResearchNet’s writing services ensure that students receive top-quality, customized research papers tailored to their unique requirements. Let us help you unleash your academic potential and make a lasting impact in the world of veterinary medicine.

100 Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics

Introduction: The field of veterinary medicine encompasses a vast array of disciplines and areas of study, offering a wealth of research opportunities for students. This comprehensive list of veterinary medicine research paper topics is divided into 10 categories, each containing 10 unique topics. By exploring these topics, students can gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of veterinary medicine and contribute to the advancement of animal healthcare.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Animal Behavior and Psychology:

The impact of environmental enrichment on animal behavior and welfare
Behavioral interventions for managing aggression in dogs
Understanding the role of animal cognition in training and behavior modification
The relationship between human-animal interaction and animal behavior
Investigating stress and coping mechanisms in companion animals
The effects of socialization on the behavior and development of puppies and kittens
Exploring the psychological well-being of captive animals in zoos
Behavioral indicators and management strategies for pain in animals
Understanding the behavior and welfare of farm animals in intensive production systems
Investigating the impact of fear and anxiety on animal welfare in veterinary settings

Infectious Diseases:

Emerging zoonotic diseases and their impact on public health
Antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine: challenges and strategies
The role of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases in companion animals
Epidemiology and control measures for common bacterial infections in livestock
Investigating the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases in animals
Diagnostic methods and advancements in the detection of viral infections in animals
One Health approach: addressing the link between animal and human infectious diseases
The impact of climate change on the prevalence and distribution of infectious diseases in wildlife
Surveillance and control measures for emerging viral diseases in aquaculture
Exploring the impact of biosecurity measures in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in veterinary clinics and hospitals

Pharmacology and Therapeutics:

Investigating the efficacy and safety of new veterinary drugs and therapies
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly used drugs in veterinary practice
Adverse drug reactions and drug interactions in veterinary medicine
Exploring alternative therapies in veterinary medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, and more
The role of personalized medicine in veterinary practice
Drug-resistant parasites and strategies for their control in companion animals
Investigating the use of pain management protocols in veterinary surgery
The impact of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements on animal health
Pharmacogenomics in veterinary medicine: implications for personalized treatment
Exploring the challenges and opportunities in veterinary drug development

Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesia:

Advancements in minimally invasive surgery in veterinary medicine
Anesthetic management and monitoring in exotic animal species
Investigating surgical techniques for the treatment of orthopedic conditions in companion animals
Complications and management of anesthesia in geriatric patients
Exploring the role of regenerative medicine in veterinary surgery
Surgical interventions for the management of oncological conditions in animals
Investigating novel approaches for pain management in postoperative veterinary patients
Surgical techniques and rehabilitation strategies for the treatment of spinal cord injuries in animals
Exploring the use of robotic surgery in veterinary medicine
Investigating the impact of surgical interventions on the quality of life in animals

Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology:

Advancements in imaging techniques for the early detection of cancer in animals
Investigating the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in veterinary neurology
The role of ultrasound in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases in animals
Radiographic evaluation and interpretation of musculoskeletal disorders in small animals
Investigating the use of computed tomography (CT) in veterinary oncology
Diagnostic imaging in avian and exotic animal medicine
The impact of advanced imaging modalities on the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in animals
Exploring the role of nuclear medicine in veterinary diagnostics
Radiographic evaluation and interpretation of respiratory disorders in large animals
Investigating the use of contrast-enhanced imaging techniques in veterinary medicine

Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology:

One Health approach in the surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases
Investigating foodborne pathogens and their impact on animal and human health
The role of veterinarians in disaster preparedness and response
Veterinary epidemiology: studying disease patterns and risk factors in animal populations
Investigating the impact of environmental factors on animal health and well-being
Exploring the relationship between animal agriculture and antimicrobial resistance
Veterinary public health interventions for the prevention of zoonotic diseases
The role of wildlife in the transmission of infectious diseases to domestic animals
Investigating the impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases in veterinary medicine
Surveillance and control measures for emerging and re-emerging diseases in veterinary public health

Animal Nutrition and Feed Science:

Investigating the impact of diet and nutrition on companion animal health
The role of nutritional interventions in the management of obesity in animals
Exploring the nutritional requirements and feed formulations for exotic animal species
Nutritional strategies for the prevention and management of metabolic diseases in livestock
Investigating the impact of feed additives on animal performance and health
The role of probiotics and prebiotics in promoting gut health in animals
Nutritional management of common gastrointestinal disorders in companion animals
Exploring sustainable and environmentally friendly feed options for livestock
Investigating the impact of nutrition on reproductive performance in animals
Nutritional considerations for the optimal growth and development of neonatal animals

Veterinary Education and Professional Development:

Evaluating the effectiveness of veterinary education programs in preparing students for practice
Investigating the role of simulation-based training in veterinary education
Exploring innovative teaching methods in veterinary schools
Assessing the impact of continuing education on veterinary professionals’ knowledge and skills
Investigating the factors influencing career choices among veterinary students
The impact of telemedicine on veterinary practice and client communication
Exploring the challenges and opportunities in veterinary entrepreneurship
Veterinary leadership and management skills for effective practice management
Investigating the role of mentorship in veterinary education and professional development
Exploring the ethical considerations in veterinary practice and research

Equine Medicine and Surgery:

Investigating advancements in diagnostic imaging techniques for equine lameness
Management strategies for musculoskeletal disorders in performance horses
The impact of nutrition and exercise on the prevention and management of metabolic diseases in horses
Exploring the use of regenerative therapies in equine orthopedics
Investigating the impact of respiratory diseases on the performance and welfare of horses
Equine dentistry: advancements in dental care and oral health management
Exploring novel surgical interventions for the treatment of orthopedic conditions in horses
The role of physical therapy and rehabilitation in equine medicine
Investigating the impact of exercise physiology on performance enhancement in horses
Infectious diseases and vaccination strategies in equine healthcare

Wildlife Medicine and Conservation:

Investigating the impact of habitat loss on wildlife health and conservation
Wildlife forensic medicine: techniques for investigating wildlife crimes
The role of veterinarians in wildlife rehabilitation and release programs
Exploring the impact of emerging infectious diseases on wildlife populations
Investigating the use of contraception in wildlife population management
Wildlife anesthesia and immobilization techniques for veterinary interventions
Exploring the role of veterinary medicine in endangered species conservation
Investigating the impact of pollution and environmental contaminants on wildlife health
Wildlife diseases and their potential for spillover to domestic animal populations
Conservation genetics: utilizing molecular techniques in wildlife management

This comprehensive list of veterinary medicine research paper topics provides students with a wide range of subjects to explore within the field. Whether you are interested in animal behavior, infectious diseases, pharmacology, surgery, or any other aspect of veterinary medicine, there are countless opportunities for research and innovation. By selecting a topic that aligns with your interests and career goals, and following the expert advice on how to choose and write a research paper, you can contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine and make a lasting impact on animal health and welfare.

Veterinary Medicine: Exploring the Range of Research Paper Topics

Veterinary medicine plays a vital role in the health and well-being of animals, from beloved pets to livestock and wildlife. As a student studying veterinary medicine, you have the opportunity to delve into various research areas and contribute to advancements in animal healthcare. This article will explore the diverse range of research paper topics available within the field of veterinary medicine, offering you insights into the exciting and impactful areas of study.

Animal Nutrition and Feed Science : Proper nutrition is fundamental to the health and well-being of animals. Research topics in this area could include investigating the impact of diet and nutrition on companion animal health, exploring nutritional interventions for managing metabolic diseases in livestock, and examining sustainable and environmentally friendly feed options for animals.
Infectious Diseases : Infectious diseases pose significant challenges to animal health and public health. Research paper topics in this category could encompass emerging zoonotic diseases and their impact on human health, antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine, vaccination strategies for preventing infectious diseases in animals, and exploring the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases.
Animal Behavior and Psychology : Understanding animal behavior and psychology is essential for providing optimal care. Research topics in this field may involve studying the impact of environmental enrichment on animal behavior and welfare, behavioral interventions for managing aggression in dogs, investigating the cognitive abilities of animals, and exploring the role of human-animal interaction in animal behavior.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Pharmacology plays a critical role in treating and preventing diseases in animals. Research paper topics in this area could include investigating the efficacy and safety of new veterinary drugs and therapies, exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, and studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly used drugs in veterinary practice.
Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesia : Surgical interventions are often necessary for diagnosing and treating various conditions in animals. Research topics in this category could focus on advancements in minimally invasive surgery, investigating anesthesia management and monitoring in different animal species, exploring regenerative medicine in veterinary surgery, and studying the impact of surgical interventions on the quality of life in animals.
Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology : Diagnostic imaging techniques play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring diseases in animals. Research paper topics in this field may include advancements in imaging techniques for detecting cancer in animals, exploring the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in veterinary diagnostics, and investigating the application of radiography and ultrasound in diagnosing specific conditions.
Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology : Veterinary medicine intersects with public health in various ways. Research topics in this area could involve the One Health approach in the surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases, studying the impact of environmental factors on animal and human health, and investigating the link between animal agriculture and antimicrobial resistance.
Equine Medicine and Surgery : Horses require specialized veterinary care due to their unique physiology and performance demands. Research paper topics in this category may include investigating advancements in diagnostic imaging techniques for equine lameness, studying the management strategies for musculoskeletal disorders in performance horses, and exploring the impact of respiratory diseases on horse performance and welfare.
Wildlife Medicine and Conservation : The health and conservation of wildlife are essential for maintaining biodiversity. Research topics in this field could include studying the impact of habitat loss on wildlife health, investigating wildlife rehabilitation and release programs, exploring the role of veterinarians in wildlife conservation, and understanding the diseases that affect wildlife populations.
Veterinary Education and Professional Development : Ensuring the competency and continuous development of veterinary professionals is crucial. Research paper topics in this area may involve evaluating veterinary education programs, exploring innovative teaching methods, studying the impact of continuing education on veterinary professionals’ knowledge and skills, and investigating the factors influencing career choices among veterinary students.

The field of veterinary medicine offers a wide range of research opportunities, spanning various disciplines and species. Whether you are interested in animal nutrition, infectious diseases, surgery, diagnostic imaging, public health, or any other aspect of veterinary medicine, there are numerous fascinating topics to explore. By selecting a research paper topic that aligns with your interests and goals, you can contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine, improve animal health and welfare, and make a meaningful impact in the field.

Choosing Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics

Selecting the right research paper topic is crucial for your success as a student of veterinary medicine. It allows you to delve into an area of interest, contribute to existing knowledge, and explore the latest advancements in the field. In this section, we will provide you with expert advice on how to choose veterinary medicine research paper topics that align with your interests and academic goals.

Identify Your Interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within the field of veterinary medicine. Consider the areas that fascinate you the most, such as animal behavior, infectious diseases, surgery, diagnostic imaging, wildlife medicine, or public health. Identifying your passions will make the research process more enjoyable and rewarding.
Consult Your Professors and Mentors : Seek guidance from your professors and mentors who have expertise in different veterinary medicine disciplines. They can provide valuable insights into current research trends, emerging topics, and areas that need further exploration. Discuss your interests with them, and they can help you narrow down potential research paper topics based on their knowledge and experience.
Stay Updated with Current Literature : Stay abreast of the latest research publications, scientific journals, and conference proceedings in the field of veterinary medicine. Regularly reading scientific literature will expose you to new research findings, innovative techniques, and emerging topics. This will help you identify gaps in the existing knowledge that you can address through your research paper.
Consider Relevance and Impact : When selecting a research topic, consider its relevance and potential impact on veterinary medicine. Look for topics that address current challenges, emerging issues, or areas where advancements are needed. Research that can contribute to animal health, welfare, conservation, or public health will not only be academically fulfilling but also have real-world implications.
Analyze Feasibility : Assess the feasibility of your chosen research topic in terms of available resources, time constraints, and access to data. Consider the availability of research materials, laboratory facilities, animal populations, or specialized equipment required for your study. Ensure that your chosen topic is practical and achievable within the given timeframe and available resources.
Collaborate with Peers : Consider collaborating with your peers or fellow researchers who share similar research interests. Collaborative research projects can broaden your perspective, enhance the quality of your research, and facilitate knowledge sharing. Engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations can also help you explore topics that combine veterinary medicine with other fields, such as biology, ecology, or public health.
Seek Inspiration from Case Studies and Clinical Experience : Drawing inspiration from case studies, clinical experiences, or real-world scenarios can lead to intriguing research topics. Reflect on challenging cases you have encountered during clinical rotations, unique observations, or clinical questions that have piqued your interest. These experiences can spark ideas for research that address practical veterinary medicine issues.
Consider Ethical Considerations : When choosing a research topic, consider ethical considerations related to animal welfare and human subjects. Ensure that your research adheres to ethical guidelines and regulations. If your research involves animal subjects, be mindful of the ethical treatment and use of animals, and obtain necessary approvals from relevant ethics committees.
Explore Emerging Technologies and Techniques : Advancements in technology and techniques have a significant impact on veterinary medicine. Consider topics that explore the application of emerging technologies such as genomics, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, or novel diagnostic tools in veterinary practice. Research in these areas can contribute to the evolution of veterinary medicine and improve animal healthcare outcomes.
Seek Practical Relevance and Application : Choose research topics that have practical relevance and application in the veterinary field. Look for topics that address challenges faced by veterinarians, animal owners, or the industry. Research that can provide evidence-based solutions, improve clinical practices, or enhance disease prevention and management will have a direct impact on veterinary medicine.

Selecting a suitable research paper topic is a crucial step in your journey as a veterinary medicine student. By identifying your interests, seeking guidance, staying updated with current literature, considering relevance and impact, and analyzing feasibility, you can choose a research topic that is both intellectually stimulating and practically valuable. Remember to consider ethical considerations, collaborate with peers, and explore emerging technologies. By following these expert tips, you will be well-equipped to embark on a research project that contributes to the advancement of veterinary medicine and makes a positive impact on animal health and welfare.

How to Write a Veterinary Medicine Research Paper

Writing a research paper in veterinary medicine allows you to contribute to the field, explore new knowledge, and develop critical thinking and scientific communication skills. In this section, we will guide you through the process of writing a veterinary medicine research paper, from selecting a topic to crafting a compelling paper that effectively communicates your findings.

Define Your Research Objectives : Clearly define the objectives of your research paper. Determine what you aim to accomplish and the specific research questions you want to answer. This will provide a clear focus and direction for your study.
Conduct a Thorough Literature Review : Begin by conducting a comprehensive literature review to gather existing knowledge and identify gaps in the research. Analyze and critically evaluate relevant studies, articles, and scientific literature to establish the context for your research.
Refine Your Research Question : Based on your literature review, refine your research question or hypothesis. Ensure that your question is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will guide your research and help you stay focused.
Design Your Study : Select an appropriate research design and methodology that aligns with your research question and objectives. Determine the sample size, data collection methods, and statistical analyses required. Ensure that your study design is rigorous and ethically sound.
Gather and Analyze Data : Collect relevant data using appropriate research methods, whether it involves conducting experiments, surveys, interviews, or analyzing existing datasets. Ensure that your data collection is thorough, reliable, and accurately recorded. Use appropriate statistical tools to analyze your data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Organize Your Paper : Structure your research paper in a logical and organized manner. Include sections such as the introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Follow a clear and coherent flow of information that guides the reader through your research process.
Write an Engaging Introduction : Start your paper with an engaging introduction that provides background information on the topic, states the research problem, and highlights the significance of your study. Clearly articulate your research objectives and hypotheses to set the stage for the rest of the paper.
Present a Comprehensive Literature Review : Incorporate a thorough literature review in the body of your paper. Summarize and critically analyze relevant studies, theories, and findings that inform your research. Identify gaps in the literature and highlight the unique contribution of your study.
Describe Your Methods and Results : Clearly explain the methods you employed to conduct your research and gather data. Provide sufficient detail for others to replicate your study. Present your results objectively, using appropriate tables, graphs, or figures to support your findings. Interpret the results and discuss their implications.
Engage in a Thoughtful Discussion : In the discussion section, interpret your findings in the context of existing knowledge and theories. Discuss the implications of your results, their limitations, and any future directions for research. Address any unanswered questions and propose areas for further investigation.
Write a Strong Conclusion : Summarize your main findings and their significance in a concise and impactful conclusion. Restate your research objectives and hypotheses, and emphasize how your study contributes to the field of veterinary medicine. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
Cite Sources Accurately : Ensure that you cite all the sources used in your research paper accurately. Follow the appropriate citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and adhere to the specific guidelines for referencing scientific literature and other relevant sources.
Revise and Proofread : After completing the initial draft, revise your paper for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Check for grammatical and spelling errors, and ensure that your writing is concise and precise. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or professors to improve the quality of your paper.

Writing a veterinary medicine research paper requires careful planning, attention to detail, and effective communication skills. By defining your research objectives, conducting a thorough literature review, designing a rigorous study, and organizing your paper coherently, you can produce a high-quality research paper. Remember to write an engaging introduction, present a comprehensive literature review, describe your methods and results accurately, engage in thoughtful discussion, and provide a strong conclusion. Cite your sources properly and revise your paper meticulously. Through this process, you will contribute to the field of veterinary medicine and advance knowledge in the domain.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges that students face when it comes to writing research papers in veterinary medicine. We are here to provide you with professional writing services that cater to your specific needs. Our team of expert writers and researchers are well-versed in the field of veterinary medicine and can assist you in producing high-quality research papers. In this section, we will outline the range of services we offer and the benefits of choosing iResearchNet for your veterinary medicine research paper needs.

Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our team consists of expert writers with advanced degrees in veterinary medicine and related fields. They have a deep understanding of the subject matter and can deliver well-researched and meticulously written research papers.
Custom Written Works : We provide custom written works that are tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you need a research paper from scratch or assistance with specific sections, our writers can create unique and original content that meets your academic standards.
In-Depth Research : Our writers conduct extensive research to gather the most relevant and up-to-date information for your research paper. They have access to reputable sources and scientific databases to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information presented in your paper.
Custom Formatting : We understand the importance of adhering to specific formatting styles required by academic institutions. Our writers are well-versed in various citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. They will format your paper according to the specific guidelines provided.
Top Quality : Quality is our utmost priority. We strive to deliver research papers that meet the highest standards of academic excellence. Our writers pay attention to every detail, ensuring that your paper is well-structured, coherent, and free from grammatical errors.
Customized Solutions : We recognize that each research paper is unique. Our writers work closely with you to understand your specific research objectives, requirements, and preferences. They can customize their approach to meet your specific needs and deliver a paper that aligns with your expectations.
Flexible Pricing : We offer flexible pricing options to accommodate the budgetary constraints of students. Our pricing is competitive and transparent, ensuring that you receive the best value for your investment. We offer affordable rates without compromising on the quality of our services.
Short Deadlines : We understand that students often face tight deadlines. Our team is equipped to handle urgent requests and can deliver high-quality research papers within short timeframes, even as tight as 3 hours. You can rely on us to meet your deadlines without compromising on quality.
Timely Delivery : We prioritize timely delivery to ensure that you have sufficient time to review and submit your research paper. Our writers work diligently to complete your paper within the agreed-upon timeframe, allowing you ample time for any revisions or modifications you may require.
24/7 Support : We provide round-the-clock support to address any queries or concerns you may have. Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions regarding our services, order placement, or ongoing projects. Feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Absolute Privacy : We understand the importance of confidentiality. Your personal information and the details of your research paper are treated with the utmost privacy and confidentiality. We adhere to strict data protection protocols to ensure the security of your information.
Easy Order Tracking : Our user-friendly platform allows you to easily track the progress of your research paper. You can communicate with your assigned writer, provide additional instructions or clarifications, and monitor the status of your order throughout the writing process.
Money Back Guarantee : We are committed to customer satisfaction. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with the quality of the research paper or the services provided, we offer a money-back guarantee. Your investment is protected, and we strive to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Choosing iResearchNet for your veterinary medicine research paper needs ensures that you receive professional, reliable, and customized writing services. Our team of expert writers, in-depth research capabilities, adherence to formatting guidelines, and commitment to quality will ensure that your research paper meets the highest academic standards. With flexible pricing options, timely delivery, 24/7 support, absolute privacy, and easy order tracking, we strive to make your experience with iResearchNet seamless and rewarding. Place your trust in us and let our expertise guide you towards academic success.

Achieve Excellence with iResearchNet!

Are you struggling with your veterinary medicine research papers? Do you find it challenging to choose the right topics, conduct in-depth research, and meet the high academic standards of your institution? Look no further! iResearchNet is here to provide you with the professional support you need to excel in your veterinary medicine studies. Our team of expert writers and researchers is ready to assist you in crafting top-quality research papers that will impress your professors and elevate your academic performance.

By choosing iResearchNet, you gain access to a range of benefits that will make your research paper writing experience smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Our team consists of highly qualified writers with expertise in veterinary medicine and related fields. They are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle even the most complex research topics. Whether you need assistance in selecting research paper topics, conducting thorough research, or structuring your paper, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

iResearchNet is your trusted partner in veterinary medicine research paper writing. With our experienced team, commitment to quality, customer-oriented approach, and range of services, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your academic journey. Place your trust in us and experience the difference that professional assistance can make. Take the first step towards veterinary medicine research paper excellence and unlock your full potential with iResearchNet.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

Veterinary School

VMCAS Essay Examples

VMCAS essay examples are a great place to start when you're preparing to apply to veterinary school. After researching vet school rankings and looking into the best vet schools in your chosen area, you’ve finally decided on the schools you would like to apply to. One of the items you’ll need to include in your VMCAS application is a personal essay. We’re here to show you how to highlight your personal story and provide you with some VMCAS essay examples to make the process easier.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 10 min read

Personal essay example 1.

I grew up in a family with no pets. An experimental goldfish or two, but there is no family dog I can look back on fondly. My parents were both immigrants who left their homes young and understandably focused on providing for their kids and ensuring we did well in school.

But like a lot of young kids, I developed a love and fascination for horses. My parents thought it was a phase, but when my requests for horseback riding lessons continued year after year, they finally relented and took me to a local farm for lessons. I remember my first connection with the pony. I felt like it could understand, hear, and accept me, without being able to say a word. That’s when I started to understand the relationship that people have with the animals in their lives, and I wanted nothing more than to experience it again.

Want to know how to answer the hardest MMI Questions? Watch this video:

Several years later, I jumped at the opportunity to help out at the riding camp during the summer break. I didn’t realize until then how different it is to participate in the care of the animals, instead of just passively riding them. Every chore was to make sure the horses were comfortable, healthy, and happy. I felt like they relied on me, and they, in turn, provided peace and enjoyment to the people around them.

Since then, I’ve volunteered at the Second Chances Animal Sanctuary for several years, developing and applying the knowledge I’ve gained from my biology and zoology classes. My proudest moments were when we were able to help a family’s beloved pony walk again after a leg fracture that might have otherwise resulted in euthanasia. Being able to give the family hope when they thought there was nothing we could do was amazing, and giving the animal a chance at a full life was incredibly fulfilling.

I developed a special interest in animal orthopedics while completing an internship at the Main Street Animal Hospital. What I want more than anything is to be a vet who works within the field of orthopedics for large animals, developing therapies and treatment programs to help regain mobility. These animals are often essential to rural businesses or farms and should get the care a partner deserves. The sense of responsibility I feel toward them and their quality of life continues to drive me to pursue the skills and knowledge I need to care for them as a practitioner of veterinary medicine.

My parents didn’t believe in going to conventional places when it came to vacations. They wanted to see places that were unusual and immerse themselves in everything the locals did while they were there.

This meant that my brother and I were regularly exposed to places that were very culturally different from ours, but also climates that were totally new to us. As I got older, what struck me wasn’t always the exotic animals and plants, but the relationship a lot of people had with wildlife, and how it was different from what I experienced at home. At home in the urban setting where I lived, “wildlife” was what got into your garbage if you didn’t secure the lid properly. It was what dug through your flower pots at night. But in a lot of countries I visited, wildlife was an inseparable part of everyday life, and vital to the local economies. The animals there were valued as pollinators, decomposers, and yes, food. It made me curious about how people could value and experience wildlife back in the city where I lived.

At the beginning of high school, a friend and I decided to volunteer at the city’s wildlife center. As untrained volunteers we would mostly be cleaning cages and measuring feed for the animals, but I had never been so excited. The vets and vet technicians were so dedicated and resourceful. They relied on local donations, and the center survived on a shoestring budget, but they made it work. To them, even the common sparrows deserved kindness and care. Witnessing that level of empathy from vets and vet techs is humbling and inspiring.

Since that experience, I’ve taken as many opportunities as possible to work with wildlife organizations as possible. I volunteered at a summer program that was specifically created to help and preserve local turtle species, treating and tracking injured animals to ensure their survival. I’ve also participated in local songbird data collection, aiding in gathering information about migration patterns and population decline.

What I want is to be one of those veterinarians who cares for animals that don’t have anyone to care for them, or are treated like nuisances. Dogs and cats are loved and cared for, but so many city-dwelling animals are displaced or trapped or impacted negatively by humans. Working at a wildlife organization has taught me to be creative and resourceful, making the most out of the materials and equipment we had. I want to show people that even the plainest city wildlife deserves respect and help when they need it.

The VMCAS essay is one of the application components required by the Veterinary Medical College Application Service when you use their process to apply to vet schools. This essay is intended to provide admissions committees with “a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.” While they may have your credentials on paper through your vet school resume , they might not have a good idea of what your personality is like, or what your goals are. Even your veterinary school letters of recommendation only represent who you are through someone else’s eyes, not your own.

Different from your vet school letter of intent , which must make a clear connection between your background, training, areas of interest, and the objectives and mission of your chosen veterinary school program, the VMCAS essay is more personal. It’s your chance to show the admissions committee why you love veterinary medicine and why you think you will make a good veterinarian.

Requirements

The VMCAS essay or vet school personal statement can be a maximum of 3,000 characters (including spaces). This comes out to about one page of writing. It’s important to make sure your essay falls within the character count and contains all the listed requirements .

Note that the application site doesn’t have spell-check, and you can’t edit your work once you’ve submitted it. Making sure your punctuation and spelling is correct is the most basic way to show you’ve paid attention to the details in your essay. If you aren’t sure about a word or grammar choice, look it up so you know you’ve used it properly.

For help writing your essay, you could consider medical school personal statement editing services, which can easily be modified by an advisor to suit veterinary school requirements. Engaging an expert, such as those at BeMo Academic Consulting, is well worth it to improve your application documents and stand out from the crowd.

Is the VMCAS Essay Important?

The personal essay might not seem as formal or intensive as other parts of your application, but it’s still very important and can help or hurt your chances of being accepted into a program. A great essay showcases your personality traits, your sense of responsibility, as well as your motivations for going into veterinary medicine. A middling essay may be acceptable but fail to separate you from the pack, while a poor essay can show a want of attention to detail. One of the easiest ways to figure out what should be in yours is to look up VMCAS essay examples and see what you should aim for.

Want to learn more about vet school rankings? Check out this infographic:

What Should I Include in My Essay?

You may immediately think of a hundred things you want to tell the admissions committee, from your first pet hamster to your experience as an intern at the city zoo. However, keep in mind that you only have about 500 words, and you need to make them count. Here are some ideas of what you’ll want to include in your VMCAS essay.

Career goals. Where do you ultimately want to be, and what is your dream job? Don’t just list a title – explain what appeals to you about it, or why you want this specific position over any others.
What you want to contribute. You don’t need to make up a grand, world-altering contribution here, unless that is what you sincerely want to do. Your goal can be to simply bring joy and comfort to families by taking care of their pets. It can also be to make significant advancements to the field of veterinary science. Make sure you’re authentic.
Characteristics that make you a good vet. Yes, you need good marks to get into vet school, but the admissions committee also wants to know that you have the right personality traits. For example, you may be a very motivated self-learner. This is a great attribute to have, but you need to highlight how being an excellent self-learner would help you in vet school and ultimately, as a vet.
Always give examples. Remember that the committee doesn’t know you, so they will be wary of applicants who make claims without backing them up. It’s important to give examples so that the committee can see how you’ve used your skills and individual attributes in real-life situations: “show, don’t tell.” If you write that you’re an empathetic and caring person, write about a time when you demonstrated that empathy. This shows that you aren’t just listing what you think they want to hear.
Set yourself apart. Any special experiences, personal revelations, or big life events that affected your desire to be in veterinary medicine are worth noting. You have a limited amount of space, so stick to the most important ones. These unique experiences are what will help the admissions committee remember you and set you apart from the crowd.

With only 500 or so words to make your case, what you don’t include can be just as vital as what you do include. The admissions committee likely doesn’t want an entire essay on your childhood pet, so be careful about getting stuck on one aspect. In fact, the VMCAS guide explains that while many applicants “have had meaningful experiences with animals or veterinarians as children … these should only be mentioned briefly.”

Here are some other things you’ll want to make sure you avoid when writing your VMCAS essay.

Information they already have. At this point, the admissions committee already knows about your academic achievements. They may be familiar with the jobs you’ve had, based on your letter of intent or high school resume . They may have a list of any vet school extracurriculars in which you participated. In your essay, don’t repeat what they already know. Instead, tell them something they don’t have on paper, expand on one or two of those experiences, or explain how an event impacted your motivation to go into veterinary medicine.
Vague, generalized information. Telling them that “you’ve always liked animals” is nice, but vague, and likely a trait that many applicants share. Make it more specific: What is it that draws you to animals? When, exactly, did you start taking a special interest in animals?
Jargon, unless it’s necessary. The admissions committee is unfortunately not going to be impressed if you throw terms around or use 5-syllable words in every sentence. You aren’t a vet yet, and one of the more embarrassing things you can do is attempt to use a term and use it wrong. Stick with language that is used in everyday conversation.
Make unnecessary explanations. The members of the admissions committee don’t need you to explain the process of getting into vet school or how medical procedures work. Explain something if it is very specific to you, like the type of club you were in at school, or an event that occurred in your year of study. Giving an example is a better way of showing the committee what you mean, instead of getting bogged down in explanations.
Irrelevant things. If the event isn’t relevant to why you want to be a vet or what you are looking for in a school/program, you probably don’t need to write it here. Take note of the various parts of the application process that would allow you to go into more detail. For example, should you be invited to answer vet school interview questions , you will have such an opportunity. The “tell me about yourself” vet school interview question would be the perfect moment to discuss your personal background further. It’s a good idea to go back and examine each piece of information you’ve provided in your essay and make sure it ties into the main topic: why you want to have a career in veterinary medicine.

Language and Tone

Ideally, the tone in which you write your VMCAS essay is similar to the way you would talk with someone in person. Keep your word choice conversational. Writing in a way that is overly formal doesn’t give the admissions committee members a clear sense of your own voice, and doesn’t humanize you. You’re writing your story, so it helps to read the essay aloud and see if it sounds like an accurate representation of yourself. Having a friend or family member read it can also be beneficial.

Admission to vet school is challenging, as shown by veterinary school acceptance rates ; some schools are more difficult to get into than others. Applying is a long process with a lot of pieces to consider. Your VMCAS essay is perhaps one of the least restrictive parts, where you’re given the freedom to tell the admissions committee why you’re there and what you want to do. Being authentic and specific is your best approach to being accepted into the school of your choice.

It won’t make as much of an impact as your grades or your resume, but it can make you more memorable and more likeable to the committee members. An average essay likely won’t hurt you too much, but a bad one can.

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges is a good place to start. There you’ll find all the pieces you’ll need to submit for the application as well as contacts if you need more help. You can also have a look at our list of the best vet schools, along with tips for getting in.

A letter of intent shows how serious you are about your application and emphasizes what sort of experience and education you have related to veterinary medicine. The personal essay is more about your personality, motivation, and goals.

You don’t need to list everything you’ve ever done that is related to the field. That is already outlined in other parts of the application. Highlight the personal impact certain experiences have had on you – be specific about how they made you feel, how they changed your perspective, and how they moved you in the direction of veterinary studies.

Admissions committee members aren’t expecting fine literature when you submit your personal essay. They know that not all candidates are natural writers. What they’re interested in is your ability to express yourself in a short piece of writing. Don’t worry about using fancy terms – write in a way that sounds natural and authentic to you.

The committee will want to know about your experiences if they’re specific to you and have impacted you in a tangible way. You don’t have to tell them about every interaction you’ve had with animals, just the ones that were special to you.

Use the language you would use in a normal conversation in your essay. Very few people speak in a formal tone, and it can end up sounding stilted and unnatural. Be expressive but stick to the requirements.

There is no editing once your VMCAS essay has been submitted. However, if there is a serious mistake in the essay, you can contact the admissions committee and forward them a corrected copy as soon as possible.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

Princeton Pre-Veterinary Society

Princeton University

What are the vet school essay prompts and what are some useful tips and resources for writing the essays?

The personal statement for the VMCAS used to consist of a single prompt: Discuss briefly the development of your interest in veterinary medicine. Discuss those activities and unique experiences that have contributed to your preparation for a professional program. Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, and discuss your career goals and objectives (5000 characters)

Now, VMCAS asks students to answer each of the following prompts in less than 2000 characters (including spaces), which is roughly 300-350 words:

There are many career choices within the veterinary profession. What are your future career goals and why?
In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
Considering the breadth of society we serve as veterinarians today; what attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

Here are documents with tips and resources that you may find helpful. While some discuss the old prompt or a specific supplement, the information may still be relevant:

https://prevet.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/781/2020/07/Mastering-The-VMCAS-Personal-Essay.pdf
https://prevet.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/781/2020/07/Hamilton-Essay-Tips.pdf
https://prevet.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/781/2020/07/Univeristy-of-Florida-Tips.pdf
https://hpa.princeton.edu/application-process/personal-statement

Remember, many schools also have their own supplemental prompts which may or may not be released on their websites. If you are thinking about applying during a certain year, you can create your account as soon as January of the same year so that you can access all the supplements before the summer and begin brainstorming/drafting asap.

Sign up to our Newsletter

Vet school personal statement: how to write + examples.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/26/24

Writing your personal statement for vet school is no easy feat, but we’ve got you covered! Follow along for expert tips and successful examples of vet school personal statements.

When it comes to your vet school application, one of the main requirements is your personal statement, which can hold a lot of weight. This essay is your first opportunity to demonstrate your personality and why you would be an excellent candidate beyond your grades.

For some, an excellent personal statement can even help make up for low grades or test scores, so it’s important to get it right.

Luckily, we’ve compiled our best tips and successful vet school personal statement examples to help you through the process. We’ll review tips from our experts on how to write a stand-out essay, examine each of our essay samples, and explain what made them successful.

If you’re currently applying for vet school and are looking for assistance on any part of the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how hard it is to get into vet school ; we can help!

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are some of our top tips when writing a personal statement for vet school.

Write Now, Edit Later

In most writing scenarios, getting started is the hardest part. The best way to relieve that stress is to start writing and keep going. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it can be longer or shorter than the word count initially. The purpose of this method is to pull out all the information and review it later on.

Try writing out your entire story, front to back, of how you grew up and developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to three relevant work experiences.

Once you have nothing left to say, look at what you’ve written and highlight the best, most relevant parts. Then, you can begin editing backward and pull out your best ideas.

Consider Your Unique Perspective

Your story, no matter what it is, has value. Vet schools are competitive, and your admissions committee will see hundreds of applications. Finding a way to frame your unique perspective in your personal statement can help to create a memorable essay that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Consider your hometown, culture, family, passions, etc. Some students compare their passion for learning a challenging skill like playing the piano to the commitment and dedication required for vet school.

There are no wrong answers here, as long as you can connect what makes you unique to your work experiences and why you would be an excellent vet school candidate.

Revise, Revise, Revise!

It may sound obvious, but there has never been a more important time to revise an essay repeatedly. Remember, vet school is competitive. Something as small as a spelling or grammatical error could make the difference between getting in or not.

Run your work by your teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! Every word should sound like something you would authentically say. It would help if you had others help you edit, but ensure the paper still sounds like you.

Vet School Personal Statement Examples

Here are three excellent examples of vet school personal statements. Below you’ll find veterinary school personal statement samples and our explanations of why the essay was successful.

1. Example From the Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Living with my single mother, a nurse who often works over 60 hours a week to support my family, has taught me the value of hard work. From her, I have learned to be passionate and meticulous in all the work that I do. She instilled in me the need to constantly stay busy and involved. I thrive in an environment that challenges me and requires quick thinking. Due to the influence of my mother, I have developed a strong perseverance and sense of determination. My parents’ divorce kept me in a changing environment growing up–I had to adapt to a variety of living situations with little finances to support us. From this, I acquired the skills of being thrifty and knowing how to make sacrifices. The characteristics I have developed through my home environment growing up made me into an ideal candidate for vet school and a future veterinarian – a person who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but who also can cope with a fast-paced environment and problematic situations. For the past seven years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering and caring for animals, developing my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I volunteered at Birmingham Zoo in Alabama. A large part of my role there included guest education about the animals on exhibit, usually using artifacts such as animal hides and skulls to explain various topics. I worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, where I stayed in the exhibit with the birds while guests walked through. My jobs were to watch over the interactions between the birds and the guests, as well as to educate the guests about the birds. From working there, I realized that I really liked getting to educate people about animals, a large portion of the job of a veterinarian. The most influential experience I’ve had on my decision to become a veterinarian was working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic. I have been a kennel attendant there since 2007, where my job is to take care of all the in-house pets, care for the boarding animals, assist in appointments, give medications, and help with the cleaning of the clinic. I have observed numerous surgeries, including routine spay and neuter surgeries, but also more unusual surgeries such as a 6 pound tumor removal from a dog and a surgery on the clinic’s ferret to remove tumors from his pancreas. I have handled and cared for not only cats and dogs, but also macaws, cockatoos, snakes, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises. Through working there, I had the opportunity to observe the duties of a private practice vet and see how they normally handle appointments, surgeries, and client communication in difficult situations. I have observed the doctor discussing with clients care options and the possibility of euthanasia, as well as assisted in euthanasia. I have also assisted during emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog hit by a car. Through working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, I have seen the responsibilities of a vet in caring for an animal in appointments and emergencies, as well as the importance of educating and discussing options with the pet owners. I spent my junior year of college interning at the Champaign County Humane Society. I did an Animal Care Internship in the fall and a Medical/Lab Internship in the spring. The Medical/Lab Internship reaffirmed my decision of wanting to go to veterinary school. While interning, I was able to gain experience performing physical exams, drawing blood, giving treatments and medications, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what signs to look for in a sick animal. I learned how to make and read an ear cytology slide, as well as how to tell if an animal has a bacterial ear infection or ear mites. The animals that I worked with were mainly cats and dogs, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, chinchillas, and bearded dragons. I was able to compare the duties of a shelter veterinarian and a private practice veterinarian, which varied due to the financial constraints of a shelter and the fact that the animals in the shelter do not have owners for the veterinarian to consult with. Through my internships, I learned how much I enjoy doing physical exams, finding out what is wrong with an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, I would be able to apply all of these experiences by working in a science that is continually advancing, while contributing to the field through research and public education. The skills that I have developed and the knowledge I have gained through working with animals have strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine. Overall, my experiences with animals, my profound passion for science, and the characteristics I have developed through my home environment have shaped me into an excellent candidate for veterinary school.”

Why this essay works:

In this example, the student begins by connecting their passion for vet school to her childhood experiences. The applicant then lists their valuable experience to demonstrate continued investment in their chosen career path.

They conclude by summarizing their writing - mentioning their passions for animals, science, and experience, all as reasons to accept them into the program.

This essay is strong overall; however, it lacks a bit of reading flow. While it’s good to remind the admissions committee of your achievements and how they helped you grow, keep in mind that they’ve already seen these accomplishments on your CV.

Your personal statement should be focused on telling your story rather than simply listing your achievements. Still, this student wrote a successful essay.

2. Example from the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine Program (Graduate)

“From an early age, it was clear to me that my career path would involve working with animals in a clinical context, as I have always had a passion for science, animal health, and welfare. My first exposure to the veterinary clinical environment was through a high school program, which provided me with the insight into how rewarding and fulfilling it was to be able to use scientific knowledge in order to diagnose, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases. This has led me to study Biochemistry for my undergraduate degree, as I wanted to have a solid basis for a comprehensive understanding of the metabolism and function of animals in health and disease. During my postgraduate studies, I had conducted a one-year research project working with Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents for African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease of wild and domestic animals and humans of sub-Saharan Africa. As African Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic disease, this research experience had introduced me to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness of the intricate relationship between human and animal health. I have developed a strong appreciation on the importance of both veterinarians and human health professionals working together in order to detect, prevent and control disease outbreaks, as well as the key role that veterinarians play in the bigger picture of society. My latest internship at a companion animal veterinary clinic has taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and optimal health maintenance by providing routine treatments and the appropriate vaccinations. I thoroughly enjoyed working in a veterinary clinical setting, from communicating with the clients to determine the animal’s medical history, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the various laboratory equipment for diagnostics, to the hands-on component of the job such as dental cleaning and assisting during surgical procedures. I want to become a veterinarian because I am dedicated to improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating and managing animal health and zoonotic disease risks. I will enjoy collaborating with other veterinarians and various health professionals, such as epidemiologists and pathologists, to understand and identify new and emerging diseases and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the animal population. Working as a public health veterinarian would also involve protecting the welfare of animals by ensuring that the standards of animal-keeping are met. This would ensure that the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases that could have repercussions on human health will be reduced as much as possible. In this regard, I would also like to foster better collaboration with human health professionals so that future interdisciplinary public health issues can be tackled more efficiently. I believe that my educational background and experience have prepared me well for a veterinary medicine program and I would be honoured to be able to attend the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) program to pursue my career as a veterinarian.”

This applicant displays a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career experiences. Something unique that this student focuses on in their personal statement is how they intend to improve the world of veterinary medicine.

This is an excellent perspective to present in your personal statement! Consider the specific shortcomings you’ve noticed in veterinary medicine and how you intend to improve upon those areas. It’s not essential if you don’t have any ideas, but it looks great on an application.

3. Example from the University of Scranton

“Ever since I can remember I have always had a passion for animals. Their beauty and ability to comfort me are only outmatched by their honesty, loyalty and faithfulness. My path to realizing that my true calling lies in veterinary medicine began when I took a life biology course in high school. In this course I realized my intrigue with animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested in how they worked from the inside and realized that I should be their doctor. Ever since that first high school class I have focused my educational path in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian. I have volunteered at animal shelters, worked in clinics, shadowed veterinarians and participated in basic science research. Now that I stand at the doorstep of college graduation I cannot imagine my life if I do not attend veterinary school. I shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed by his precision, immense knowledge and skill. I learned that in medicine many things can go wrong in a situation, but there are also many ways to solve problems. I loved being able to meet clients whose love for their pets was apparent. That love between an animal and its owner drew me further into the love of veterinary medicine. This shared compassion and love for animals helped me relate to clients. Volunteering at local shelters, I gained more perspective on a career as a veterinarian. I learned how to care for abused and homeless animals and to let go of the animals I had grown to love when it was in their best interest. While shadowing Dr. Michelle Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice was different. Doctors bring their own personality to make each experience unique; it is never just a routine doctor's visit. I believe that I, too, will bring individuality to the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit my clients. I obtained a job at an emergency animal hospital where the number of patients and the variety of problems presented was vastly different from daytime practices. Veterinarians have to work under time constraints and I learned about the hard choices a family often makes. At first, I thought the patient-doctor bond was absent in these cases, but the doctors make sure the connection is still present by spending time talking to clients and personally calling them to disclose test results. I learn a great deal everyday at the emergency clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for patients and animals in difficult situations. Seeing many prognoses, I learned that there is hope for even the worst one and that a doctor's optimism is important. Most importantly this experience taught me the value of communication skills in veterinary medicine. I have to explain procedures and calm down many patients in order to be able to understand the problems involved with their pets. I will never forget the first time I watched a pet euthanized. Distraught, I thought for a time I would refuse to perform euthanasia in my practice. As I took in more of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized this would not be fair. The bond between a veterinarian and a pet owner becomes very important and is needed throughout the animal's life. The doctor, who has been there throughout the good and difficult times, needs to be there for the owner and the pet when the only choice left is to end the suffering of the animal. For more than a year I have been interning at The Commonwealth Medical College. I am conducting a research study with Dr. John Arnott on the expression of connective tissue growth factor in osteoblasts. This experience provided me with new insights into the importance of the basic sciences and I have developed great respect for their study and place in clinical medicine. More than anything scientific research has taught me humility and that success requires tenacity. This experience has helped me grow as an individual and to find that I am capable of doing things I never dreamed. With my help, we are one step closer to figuring out the steps in the cellular pathway to bone growth and thus are closer to potentially identifying molecules that will enhance bone growth. Veterinary medicine is a love of the science used to care and treat animals. This coincides with the compassion for and communication with pet owners. As these animals are unable to communicate as a human might, veterinarians become dependent on the owner's ability to detect and describe problems. This challenge continues to fascinate me and I look forward to devoting my life to the field of veterinary science. Becoming a veterinarian began as a dream many years ago for me, and is now close to a reality. My dream has always been a simple one - to pursue a love I have harbored since a youth, carrying it from a fascination and love of animals, to creating a successful veterinary practice. I am ready for the next step to fulfill this dream.”

Why this essay works:

This essay is the most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive language when they mention their previous experiences.

They present their personal statement as a cohesive, flowing story from when they first became interested in veterinary medicine to now. It’s simple, compelling, honest, and - perhaps most importantly - easy to read.

These examples of personal statements for vet school should guide you in the right direction when creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about personal statements for vet school.

1. What Should A Vet School Personal Statement Include?

Your vet school personal statement should describe how your passion for veterinary medicine began, and two to three experiences you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve improved upon that passion. It should flow nicely, be easy to read, and conclude by reinstating your passion for the profession and how you intend to improve the field.

2. How Long Is A Personal Statement For Vet School?

Personal statements for vet school are typically one page or 3,000 words long. However, schools will often give you specific parameters for your essay. Pay close attention to the prompts given to you throughout your application process.

3. How Do You End a Vet School Personal Statement?

There are several ways to end a vet school personal statement successfully. You should always reinstate your passion for veterinary medicine and end on a high note. Suppose you have a specific way you intend to improve veterinary medicine. In that case, the end of your personal statement is an excellent place to state your intentions.

4. What Makes a Good Personal Statement for Vet School?

A good veterinary medicine personal statement must include your passion for the field, showcases unique experiences and qualities, exhibits a strong connection to animals, and utilizes effective storytelling and structure.

It must also exhibit strong and concise writing and attention to detail. It should authentically convey your motivation and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

5. How Important Are Personal Statements for Veterinary Schools?

A personal statement for veterinary school is extremely important. It provides applicants a platform to showcase their individuality, express their motivation, and demonstrate their suitability for the veterinary profession.

Personal statements offer insights into applicants' personal and professional qualities that may not be apparent from other application components.

Final Thoughts

Your vet school personal statement should be thoughtful, heartfelt, and informative. You should ensure that your story is easy to read by using descriptive language and lining up the highlights of your work experience in order.

Consider your unique perspective. Remember, these programs are competitive. Putting your unique twist on your essay will help you stand out from the pack and remain in the minds of the admissions committee.

Good luck!

Schedule A Free Consultation

How to Become a Medical Scribe

How to Use the MSAR to Choose a Medical School

Entertainment
Environment
Information Science and Technology
Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Life Career Goals

The Reasons Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian

Table of contents, a love for animals, contribution to animal welfare, pursuit of knowledge in veterinary medicine, fulfilling the human-animal bond.

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

Having a Baby
Bucket List
Feature of Character

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Loop Abroad

Mastering the VMCAS Personal Essay

Introduction.

This free guide to mastering the VMCAS Personal Essay is brought to you by Loop Abroad, the leader in pre-veterinary and veterinary study abroad programs. Go to www.LoopAbroad.com for info on all of our pre-veterinary programs around the world, including one- and two-week programs, pre-veterinary semesters, internships, and virtual programs.. If you’d like to organize a private group for your pre-vet club or school, you can travel with your group for free – contact [email protected] for more information. Programs for vet students, including an elephant medicine course, are also available.

The application to vet school, commonly referred to as the VMCAS, can be overwhelming. Vet school applications are competitive, and they only come after years of gathering experience, mastering science classes, tracking veterinary hours, and making sure that vet school is the path for you.

Many students who plan to attend vet school do not consider themselves writers. (If you do, lucky you!) As such, the VMCAS Personal Essay can feel like just one more thing that you have to do in the complicated process of completing your application to vet school.

But don’t be afraid! It’s actually pretty easy to write a compelling, convincing, successful personal essay on your application, if you know what to do. This little guide will take you through all the steps of writing a successful VMCAS essay, including important pitfalls to avoid.

And if you need extra help, from proofreading to brainstorming, we are there to assist you.

So let’s write a great personal essay!

The New Personal Essay

At the time of revising this ebook (July 2022), the personal essay prompt is as follows:

“Your personal statement is a one-page essay that gives veterinary admissions committees a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. ”

The response is limited to 3,000 characters (less than a page – about 500 to 750 words). The instructions also give some ideas about how to write an effective personal statement.

Now, think from the perspective of the admissions committee members. Their goal is to pick the best collection of students for their incoming class. They are looking to the Personal Essay to give them information that they can’t learn elsewhere, and to help illuminate something about the applicants.

The prompt makes it clear that this is a chance to clearly articulate why you want to be a veterinarian and to tell the committee more about you that they don’t already know from your application. They don’t want you to re-list your resume or wax poetic, and vaguely, about your interest in being a vet . In other words, follow the directions and write about what the prompt asks.

So, now that we know what we’ll be writing about, let’s go ahead and get your essay ready. But, how much should we worry about it?

How Much Does the Personal Statement Matter?

The answer is: it depends. Your personal statement can’t outshine bad grades, and it can’t make up for a lack of experience. But it can do two things:

It can set you apart if you are an otherwise “average” successful applicant, but your essay shows insight, maturity, care, and depth; or
It can show that you haven’t taken the process seriously if it is sloppy, off-topic, or very poorly written.

In other words, a mediocre essay probably won’t hurt you, but it definitely won’t help you. In this way, it doesn’t matter as much as, for example, your Common Application essay when you applied to undergrad. After all, you’re applying to be a veterinarian, not a novelist.

However, a very bad essay can hurt you. If you were an admissions committee member and you reviewed an essay that was off-topic, full of typos, and in any way revealed ignorance of the profession, it would be hard for you to put those things aside in your mind when considering the rest of the application.

What’s more, a very good essay could help you by strengthening your application. If you can show more dimension to your understanding of veterinary medicine and make yourself stand out, you can humanize yourself to the reader a bit.

So, for short, it matters a lot that your essay is at least adequate. And it can help you a little if it’s really, really good.

Now that we know we should invest at least a little time and attention in the Personal Essay, we’re almost ready to start brainstorming and making a plan. But first, we have to go over what not to do.

Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid

Remember, our #1 goal is to not write a bad essay, so that means avoiding the following common mistakes. This list does not include grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the other basics of effective writing, but rather reviews ten mistakes of content that you want to avoid.

1. Stating the obvious.

You only get 3,000 characters to show yourself to the admissions committee and make sure you clearly articulate the reasons why you want to be a member of the veterinary profession.

You probably have a lot of thoughts on this topic; if you don’t, you will by the end of this book! So you don’t have space for anything that doesn’t help answer the questions or give the admissions committee a glimpse into what makes you special.

Here are some examples of obvious statements that you can erase from your essay right away:

“I love animals.” Most people don’t become vets because they hate animals. The admissions committee is already pretty sure that you love animals.
“The process of becoming a veterinarian takes a lot of schooling and hard work, and is very competitive.” What does this tell me about you? Nothing. Also, I promise the members of the admissions committee already know this.
“It’s difficult to fit all the ways veterinarians contribute to society into just 3,000 characters.” Yes, it is. So don’t use 15 of them on that pointless sentence.
“There’s no way I can explain all the attributes that are essential to success as a veterinarian.” Again, correct. They don’t want you to explain every single thing a successful person has to do every day.
“I’m sure you’ve read lots of essays that say that focus is important.” They probably have, but there’s no need to say “I’m unoriginal” expressly in your word count. (Also, don’t use the word “you” in your essay. It’s about you , not the reader.)

2. Going off topic.

You have a lot of ground to cover if you want to write a convincing and interesting essay that introduces you to the admissions committee. This is the only place in the application they really get to hear your voice.

Now is not the time to talk about your childhood pet. Please don’t talk about how much you loved your childhood pet. Everyone loves their childhood pet; it doesn’t tell the admissions committee anything about you. In general, if you spend more than one sentence talking about your childhood, you have likely gone off-topic.

Now is not the time to talk about anything that doesn’t tell the admissions committee more about what makes you uniquely suited to be a member of the veterinary profession and why that’s your goal. If a sentence doesn’t help to do one of those things, cut it, or find a way to rewrite it that makes it refer directly to the prompt.

3. Using terminology incorrectly.

Here’s a guiding principle for your essay: the people reading your essay know more about veterinary medicine and vet school than you do. If you aren’t sure exactly how to use a medical term, look it up first or just don’t use it.

Using medical terminology incorrectly makes you look as if you are trying to pretend to know something you don’t. It can be off-putting to the reader.

Not sure if something’s capitalized? Look it up. Not sure if an abbreviation has punctuation or not? Look it up. Not sure if you’re using the correct name of an instrument? Look it up. Not sure the difference between a zoo vet or an exotics vet? Not sure if you’re describing the correct medication? At this point, you can probably guess that you should look it up .

4. Making generalizations and speaking in absolutes.

You should avoid making broad, sweeping statements that either can’t possibly be true or that you can’t possibly know are true. Often these are ideas that are meant rhetorically, but they end up feeling disingenuous and can make you sound pompous, ignorant, or just uninformed. At worst, they will make the reader find you arrogant or unlikeable; at best, they add nothing to your essay.

Here are some examples:

“No one works harder than me.”
“Every veterinarian faces this challenge in his or her career.”
“Everyone knows that dealing with animals can be emotional.”
“There is no job more important than being a veterinarian.”
“Nothing could be more difficult than the choice I faced.”
“I will be the best and most devoted student you have ever seen.”
“I know I will love every moment of the challenge.”
“I would never do that if I were making the same decision.”
“I always think about the interests of others before my own.”

There’s a reason that the Star Wars franchise chose the sentence, “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” Absolutes generally do not reflect a mature, moral, developing understanding of the world, so you should try to avoid them whenever possible.

To make sure you avoid statements such as these, you can do a quick search of your essay for the words “none”, “no one”, “everyone”, “every”, “all”, “always”, “never”, “most”, and pretty much any other superlatives (words ending in “est” such as “best” and “hardest”).

5. Explaining too much or too little.

The committee members reading your Personal Essay understand more about the veterinary profession and veterinary education than you do. However, they likely didn’t attend your school, and even if they did, they didn’t attend it this year.

That means you don’t need to explain:

What certain medications do
What certain surgeries are for
How surgical instruments are used
What common veterinary abbreviations stand for
The process of becoming a veterinarian

But you do need to explain:

The acronym for your school club or organization
The purpose of your school event with a cute but unclear name
The full name of a particular course at your school
Any acronyms or abbreviations that are unique to your school or town

In short, you don’t want to waste words explaining something the committee members already know, but you don’t want to leave them confused as to what you’re talking about.

6. Making excuses.

Your essay is not the place to explain why you got an F in a class, or why you had to withdraw during your sophomore semester, or why you don’t have as many veterinary hours as some other applicants. Your essay is the place to make yourself sound like a strong applicant, not talk about the weaknesses of your application.

You can address a weakness if you mention it in passing in a way that informs your answer to one of the questions. It should not sound like you are making excuses for your failures.

No: “Once I retook the course with a professor who knew how to explain things in a way that made sense, I quickly mastered the content.”

Yes: “Retaking the course gave me the opportunity to master the material, and I know this tenacity will be a key to my success in my veterinary career.”

No: “Working two jobs meant that I was not able to collect the veterinary hours that some of my more affluent classmates could easily fit into their schedules.”

Yes: In every veterinary office where I have worked, resourcefulness has been an essential skill. Finding opportunities to volunteer and learn that fit my lean, self-supported budget has only helped me to build these skills.

No: “I had to withdraw because my school did not make me aware of the deadlines that were approaching, and I had no choice.”

Yes: “Because my school doesn’t have a pre-vet advisor, I have had to be organized and dedicated in pursuit of my educational goals.”

No: “Not everyone can afford to pursue fancy pre-veterinary volunteer programs all over the world.”

Yes: “I believe that veterinarians are an essential part of their communities, and I was grateful to be able to find opportunities to get involved close to home.”

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t use these exact sentences , but you get the idea. You don’t want to sound bitter or give off the impression that you don’t take ownership of your own successes and failures. You don’t have to ignore the weaknesses in your application, but you if you mention them, you should frame them in terms of what you learned and how you improved. Speaking of not using these exact sentences…

7. Plagiarizing.

This one doesn’t need a lot of reiteration. If you find a sample essay that seems to say just exactly what you wanted to say , and you feel like you’ve finally found the words, that’s great–but you can’t use it.

Put the sample essays down. Stop asking other people on the APVMA Facebook page to share their essay with you as a sample. Write your own work. All the time.

8. Restating other parts of your application.

The Personal Essay is the chance to include new information that isn’t already in your application. If you’ve already described the details of a class or activity elsewhere, you don’t need to include them here. If you already mentioned an award elsewhere, don’t mention it here.

You don’t want to waste your word count telling your reader something he or she already knows. This is your chance to share the qualitative aspects of your application: the things that can’t be measured in grades, hours, or ranks. This is your chance to talk about your values, your beliefs, your interests, and your ambitions. It’s your chance to show the kind of person you are, and the kind of person you are is never a grade or an award. (And even if it were, there are other places to include that information.)

9. Writing filler sentences.

You should view the word limit as a length guideline; while you can’t write more than that, you shouldn’t write much less.

That said, you have probably had lots of unique and interesting experiences in your life up to this point, so you don’t have room for lots of flowery introduction and conclusion sentences. Check out this grammatically correct, completely-on-topic opening:

“Veterinarians are an important part of every society around the world and throughout history, and they contribute in myriad ways. In considering all the ways they contribute to society, I realized that they may indeed be the cornerstone of progress in a culture.”

Uh, okay. But what does that tell me about the applicant? Exactly nothing. Use this space to tell the admissions committee about you. Skip the fluff.

10. Playing the expert.

Repeat after me: you are not a veterinarian . You don’t know what a veterinarian would or should do in a medical emergency. You don’t know what you would do as a veterinarian in any given setting. You don’t yet understand all the ins and outs of owning or running a veterinary practice. It’s important that you honor that truth in your essay.

Someday, you might know more about being a veterinarian than your reader does, but now is not that time . You cannot impress your reader with your knowledge of veterinary medicine, so don’t use your time trying. However, you are an expert in one thing: you . Luckily, that is exactly the one thing that your reader wants to know about. Don’t spend your essay trying to impress with what you know; spend your essay trying to share who you are.

Now You’re Ready to Brainstorm

Clear thirty or sixty minutes from your schedule. Turn off your computer, your TV, and your phone. Get a pen and paper (or use your computer if you prefer), put in some thought, and write down some answers to the following questions.

You don’t have to have the correct wording right now, or say things in the right way. Just get something down on paper that matches your real feelings and experiences. Even writing a couple words is great. Bullet points can make it easy to get your mind flowing.

What are my future vet career goals? a. Do I want to practice, research, or teach? b. What kind of animals do I want to work with? c. Pets? Conservation? Wildlife? Food animals? What comes to mind? d. Where would be my dream to end up? Writing a book? Saving animals in the rainforest? Opening a free clinic? Discovering a new vaccine
Why do I want those goals in my career? a. Am I more motivated by my talents or my aptitudes? b. What motivates me? c. Who motivates me? d. What do I believe is the measure of success? e. What’s the best thing a vet can do? f. What have I done so far that helped me choose these goals? g. What have been my favorite classes? Why? h. What has been my favorite work with animals? Why?
What do I want to contribute as a vet? a. What kind of animals do I want to help? b. What kind of people do I want to help? c. What kind of difference do I want to make? d. Why is it important to me?
What attributes are essential to the success of a vet? a. What am I good at that helps me be a vet? b. In what areas could I improve that would help me? c. Who are my professional role models? d. What traits do I admire in my professional role models?
What are my strongest attributes? a. What do people say I’m good at? b. What do I find easy and enjoy? c. What am I proud of? d. What’s important for me to be good at?
What are some examples of times I showed these attributes? a. What are some examples from work? b. From school? c. From my personal life and relationships? d. From childhood?
Do I have special or unique experiences that informed my understanding of the veterinary profession, helped set my career goals, or gave me unique perspective? a. Personal growth moments that built positive attributes? b. Unique animal experiences? c. Diverse perspectives to share? d. Challenges I faced that show my capabilities? e. Role models in the profession that inspired me?

You won’t use everything you wrote above, but this is a good starting place.

Take a look over your brainstorming session. Are there any themes that stand out? Any great ideas? Any concepts that you didn’t realize mattered to you until now? Is there anything that sounds unique to you? Is there anything there that truly tells your story and sums up who you are?

You want to look for any themes or ideas that recur throughout the brainstorming session; that might help to guide your ideas and help your essay paint a picture of who you are. Review the list above now, and try to clarify and write down the top three things that you want the admissions committee to understand about you after reading your responses.

You don’t get a lot of words, so you want to stay on one message and make sure that all your answers are cohesive. You cannot possibly include everything you think or might want to say in your essay, so focus on making the points that are more important to you and that help tell the story of who you are as a candidate. This brings us to the most important concept of your Personal Essay: it should tell a story.

Think about what you identified as the three most important things you want the admissions committee to know about you from your essay. Everything you write should be directly related to one of those three things. You only get one page to share everything that makes you a good candidate for vet school, so make every sentence count

Remember: it’s very important to answer the prompt, but your real goal in answering the prompt is to show the admissions committee something about who you are as a person and a candidate. So you absolutely want to make sure you clearly answer the question of “why you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.”

The story you tell in your essay, ultimately, should match with the rest of your application. If all your volunteer work and vet experience is with dogs, but your entire essay is about elephants, you’ll need to explain how those two connect. If all your coursework and research is about reptiles, but your essay emphasizes that you want to work with horses, you should explain. It’s okay if your experiences and goals don’t match perfectly, as long as you can connect them.

For example, maybe you’ve been studying horses because learning about horses is a good way to prepare for a career with elephants, which is your goal. Maybe your volunteer hours are with dogs because that activity is supervised by a very experienced vet at your university, but in your summer internship at a zoo you fell in love with zoo medicine.

You don’t want to leave the reader wondering if your goals make sense and if you’re really informed about your educational plans. Think about the three things you most want to convey in your essay: do they match the rest of your application? If so, your only goal is to convey them clearly in a way that also answers the prompts. If not, you may need to reshape your application to make everything “match” and tell a cohesive story. Whether this means rearranging your resume, reshaping your essay, looking for a new recommendation letter, or some other combination of little changes, you will need to find a way to shape the application so that it’s clear to the admission committee exactly who you are and what you bring to their potential incoming class.

Making an Outline

With all the information from your brainstorming session, and an understanding of the story you want to tell, it’s time to make an outline.

It’s important that each paragraph has a key point. Then you can add support for the point you are trying to make. It’s easy to be all over the place when you feel like you have a lot to tell the admissions committee, but an outline can help you make sure that everything you write conveys your most important points.

Choosing the points you want to convey is more important than beautiful or poetic writing in this case. You have a short window in which to tell your story, so you want it to be concise, accurate, and interesting.

Now that you know what you want to include, the actual writing is the easy part. This doesn’t have to be the most beautiful thing you’ve ever written, but it should be grammatically correct and free of errors. It should also have the right tone.

What Tone to Use

Some of us naturally write in a more formal or informal tone, and it’s okay to sound like yourself. Your essay doesn’t have to sound just like everyone else’s — in fact, it shouldn’t!

Here are some general rules of thumb to follow in making sure that your tone doesn’t go too far either way.

Don’t say “you”. Don’t address the reader as “you”. There’s no need to address the reader in any way.
…But it’s okay to say “I”. Many of your college classes may have required that you avoid the first person in formal writing, never saying “I” or “me” in a paper. This isn’t an academic essay; it’s a personal essay that is asking questions about you and your beliefs. It’s perfectly fine to write in the first person; it would be kind of weird if you didn’t.
Don’t try to write “fancy”. There’s no need to use words like “aforementioned” or use introductions such as, “Given the above, it is therefore commensurate that such results would ensue.” If you wouldn’t say it, don’t write it. Long, fancy words don’t make you a better writer, and they certainly don’t make you sound more like yourself.
…But don’t use text-speak. While you don’t have to be fancy, you should be somewhat formal. This is a personal statement, not a text. You may think it goes without saying that LOLs and smiley faces don’t belong in your personal statement, and it’s a relief if you do. But if you aren’t sure if something belongs in your statement, then it doesn’t.
You can use contractions. Very formal writing avoids contractions like “can’t” and “don’t”, but in the interest of saving space, you can use them in your personal statement if you’d like.
…But what about things that are right but sound wrong? This area is a bit more tricky. Consider the sentence, “Zoo medicine is what I’ve chosen to devote my life to.” You would be more likely to say that than, “Zoo medicine is that to which I’ve chosen to devote my life,” but the second option is grammatically correct. (The first, in case you’re wondering, has a preposition at the end of the sentence.) In these cases, should you be formal but correct, or should you try to sound like yourself? My advice is to avoid making the choice by shuffling the order of your sentence whenever possible. “I’ve chosen to devote my life to zoo medicine” is both correct and normal sounding, and it has the added benefits of being more clear and more direct than your initial draft.
Don’t give advice. Your readers are not looking for advice, so don’t tell them what they should or should not do. Remember who you’re talking to.
…But don’t apologize. At the same time, you don’t have to apologize for not being an expert in veterinary medicine or not knowing exactly what you want to do with your life. The word “sorry” shouldn’t be anywhere in your essay.

Write, Then Cut

Now you’re ready to write! I suggest that you write first, not worrying about perfection but instead trying to convey all the main points of your outline in a way that answers the prompt. Your first step should be including everything you want to include in a way that answers the question and gives the reader some insight into your personality.

Then, you can worry about the length! Editing generally takes longer than writing. Start by shortening your introduction or conclusion–anything that doesn’t get right into answering the question and showing who you are.

Next, you can look for phrases that don’t add to your main point or that can be replaced with one or two more descriptive words. “The place I worked for many years” can become “my workplace”, or “the medications that we always stored in the cabinet” could just be “medications”. If something doesn’t contribute to one of your main bullet points, then cut it out.

The harder part of editing is choosing if one of your main points needs to be cut. It’s likely that it does. Choose the one that says the least about you, is the least unique, or has the least relevance to the rest of your application, and start deleting.

Your final answers should be very close to the word limit permitted.

Check for Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

You aren’t going to school to be a writer. That said, correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are essential in your Personal Essay. Why?

Grammar, punctuation, and spelling show attentiveness and care. For the purposes of vet school, this is the most important reason to care about your quality of writing. Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling show that you have put time and thought into your application. They show that this is important to you. They show that you have learned a set of rules and know how to follow them. If you can imagine why those things would be important to a vet school admission committee, then you can take the time to make sure your essay is grammatically correct.
Correct grammar makes reading easy. The purpose of grammar and punctuation is to make life easy for the reader, which is something you definitely want to do in an application.
Correct grammar makes your message clear. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are tools for ensuring that your message is conveyed clearly and correctly, which is an asset to you in this process.
Correct grammar is concise. Good writing saves space and words, which you’ll find important with such a strict word limit.
Correct grammar makes you sound smarter. Whether it should or not, it does. And who doesn’t want to sound smart in their application?

For these reasons, you should ensure that your grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct. Microsoft Word or Google Docs spell-check is a good first start, but that red, squiggly line doesn’t know everything.

Please take at least one of the following three steps to ensure that your grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct.

Read it out loud. Reading something out loud (to yourself if necessary, but preferably to someone else) can help you discover typos, grammatical mistakes, repetitive word use, phrases that are unclear, or anything that doesn’t sound like you intended. This is a great first step to writing a solid Personal Essay.
Ask someone to proofread for you. Asking a friend or family member to read over your essay can be a great way to catch typos or grammatical mistakes.
Read it backwards. Read the last sentence. Then read the sentence before that. Continue until you get back to the beginning. This method will not help you with continuity or the sound of your writing, but it can be incredibly helpful for finding typos or misspellings.

Congrats, you’re done with this section of the VMCAS. If you find that your application is lacking in research hours, veterinary hours, or hands-on experience, or you otherwise want to have an amazing experience abroad working with animals, we encourage you to check out Loop Abroad for two-week pre-veterinary experiences around the world (generally 3 credits and 80 vet hours each) or a full semester abroad (300+ veterinary hours, 20 credits, designed specifically for pre-veterinary students) in Thailand, South Africa, or around the globe. Good luck on your vet school admissions journey!

Your adventure is waiting. Start your application today!

24/7 writing help on your phone

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Veterinarian - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

A veterinarian is a trained medical professional who specializes in the health and treatment of animals. They are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries that affect animals. Veterinarians can work with a variety of animal species, including pets, livestock, wildlife, and even exotic animals. They may also provide guidance on animal nutrition and behavior, as well as perform routine procedures like vaccinations and spaying/neutering. Veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of both individual animals and the larger community.

📘 Free essay examples for your ideas about Veterinarian
🏆 Best Essay Topics on Veterinarian
⚡ Simple & Veterinarian Easy Topics
🎓 Good Research Topics about Veterinarian
❓ Questions and Answers

Essay examples

Essay topic.

Save to my list

Remove from my list

My Dream: Becoming A Veterinarian
My Dream of College
A Rhetorical Analysis of an Article on Euthanasia
Term and Local Animal Shelter
Veterinary Medicine Is the Branch of Medicine That Deals With the Diseases of Animals
Animals in Testing
Second Guarter In The Bronco Game
Purpose of Expository
My Research on Choosing a Profession as a Veterinarian or Dental Hygienist
Holistic View Of Your Life
Dogs Macadamia Nuts
Pets are people too But not as much So
Conventional Veterinary Medicine Is Also Called What?
Essays On Pets And Speech
Oxyglobin Veterinary
vet tech statement
Animal Rehab for Wildlife Rehabilitation
Most everyone thinks a veterinarian is just someon Essay
I Want to Be a Veterinarian Essay

FAQ about Veterinarian

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Animal Welfare — Benefits To Be A Veterinarian

Benefits to Be a Veterinarian

Categories: Animal Welfare

About this sample

Words: 569 |

Published: Mar 25, 2024

Words: 569 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

Expert in: Environment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 1061 words

3 pages / 1387 words

1 pages / 550 words

1 pages / 696 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Animal Welfare

While some argue that zoos play a crucial role in conservation and education, others believe that they are inherently cruel and should be banned. In this essay, I will argue that zoos should be banned due to their negative [...]

Lolita, a female orca, has been living in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium for over five decades, captivating audiences with her performances and interactions. Yet, behind the spectacle lies a story of captivity and ethical [...]

The ethical implications and practical consequences of keeping animals in captivity have sparked considerable debate among scientists, animal rights activists, and the general public. This essay aims to explore the complexities [...]

Paraveterinary workers play a crucial role in the veterinary field, providing support to veterinarians and ensuring the well-being of animals. This career path offers a unique opportunity to work closely with animals and make a [...]

Animals kept in zoos, aquariums, and circuses are treated poorly by humans and inevitably suffer of disease, pain, starvation, and fear so they will perform seamlessly for the public. Animals are forced by their owners to carry [...]

I went to the zoo a few weeks ago, and I was watching the Rainforest Fights Back Show. You can tell if the animal is happy or not by looking at their facial expression and how they behave. The animals that were performing didn’t [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Communities Pre-Med Medical Resident Audiology Dental Optometry Pharmacy Physical Therapy Podiatry Psychology Rehab Sci Veterinary
What's new Trending New posts Latest activity
Support Account Help Confidential Advising
Vision, Values and Policies
Veterinary Communities (DVM)
Pre-Veterinary

Controversial/Argumentative Topics in Vet Med?

Thread starter lynne8832
Start date Apr 13, 2021

Veterinary School Application Advising Ad

Full Member

Apr 13, 2021

puppy snuggler extraordinaire

Ethics of designer breeds (I'm looking at you bernadoodles) or obviously deformed breeds like brachycephalics or munchkin cats.

U. Illinois

1. Breeding in general tied in with overpopulation vs a maldistribution of dogs and cats. I liked "The Dog Merchants" for that one. 2. Animal use in research is a classic. 3. Vet techs acting more like physician assistants, particularly in undeserved areas. More of something I've noticed in facebook comments rather than a thoroughly explored topic. 4. Distributive model vs teaching hospital model in vet med education and whether or not schools without a VTH should be as expensive. 5. Not enough vets vs maldistribution of vets leading to vet shortages. Ties into "reasons" universities have recently justified opening new colleges/schools of veterinary medicine over the last 5-7 years. Also ties into debt of vet school. 6. Limited licensure vs comprehensive licensure in vet med. 7. The effects on vet med if animals were to no longer be considered property. Out there for sure and probs not a lot of info on it. 8. Some states allowing people to keep wildlife as pets and tying that into the welfare of wildlife 9. Ethics of zoos/aquariums

Depopulation methods in large animal food production Some good NYT articles on that in the last year, at the very least. Horse racing could be another large animal option.

Ooh also -- the opioid crisis or antimicrobial resistance. Responsibilities for veterinary prescribers, impacts on human health, pet well-being, etc.

PippyPony said: Depopulation methods in large animal food production Click to expand...

Trilt said: Foaming and ventilation shutdown are both nightmare scenarios. Ugh. Click to expand...

turnandburn

"No kill" shelters adopting out aggressive/otherwise unfit animals in order to maintain their "no kill" status.

CoffeeQuestionMark

Wsu c/o 2023.

battie said: 1. Breeding in general tied in with overpopulation vs a maldistribution of dogs and cats. I liked "The Dog Merchants" for that one. 2. Animal use in research is a classic. 3. Vet techs acting more like physician assistants, particularly in undeserved areas. More of something I've noticed in facebook comments rather than a thoroughly explored topic. 4. Distributive model vs teaching hospital model in vet med education and whether or not schools without a VTH should be as expensive. 5. Not enough vets vs maldistribution of vets leading to vet shortages. Ties into "reasons" universities have recently justified opening new colleges/schools of veterinary medicine over the last 5-7 years. Also ties into debt of vet school. 6. Limited licensure vs comprehensive licensure in vet med. 7. The effects on vet med if animals were to no longer be considered property. Out there for sure and probs not a lot of info on it. 8. Some states allowing people to keep wildlife as pets and tying that into the welfare of wildlife 9. Ethics of zoos/aquariums Click to expand...

Apr 14, 2021

CoffeeQuestionMark said: Antibiotic use in pets (or food animals) "Limited" licensure like just SA vs LA? Cause I'm all for that Click to expand...

DVMNightmare

turnand.burn said: "No kill" shelters adopting out aggressive/otherwise unfit animals in order to maintain their "no kill" status. Click to expand...

DVMDream said: Yeah but we also have equine, exotic pet, zoo, avian, etc, so limited licensure would have to be way more than SA vs LA. My job would cease to exist if limited licensure were a thing. So would the jobs of vet derm, ophtho, neuro, radiology, pathology, etc... many of the specialties don't focus on just SA or LA. Click to expand...

Need it STAT or want it STAT? They're different.

CoffeeQuestionMark said: If the option for limited licensure existed, the option for comprehensive licensure would exist simultaneously. It would have to, cause in rural areas you may need mixed practices. I just know that it would benefit me most to have a focused study on SA cause I'm never touching a large animal after graduation. Studying cows/horses is not a good use of my time. Click to expand...

battie said: Concept or compulsory no kill shelters is another good topic. One county in my home state made it so the county shelter had to be no kill. The county had to shut down the shelter due to the plummeting animal welfare conditions since the only parameters for euthanasia were drastic behavior or health concerns. Click to expand...

DVMDream said: You never know what will happen or where you will end up after graduation. I also think it is short sighted to go "Well this helps us SA focused people so let's do it." Plus a lot of vet school is taught all at once. Renal physiology encompassed all species not just SA or LA, are you going to completely change the entire vet school curriculum across the board? Click to expand...

... And also SA people that have likewise gotten injured and ended up switching to something non-clinical!

JaynaAli said: On the opposite end, some no-kill shelters essentially end up “warehousing” nonadoptable dogs. It kinda happened at a shelter I worked at in undergrad. They’d had bonded littermates in the shelter for literally years. They were dog selective/aggressive and 80-100 lb pitbull sisters...not an easy placement. After like 6 years of being for adoption they sent them to a sanctuary to free up the kennel space and give them more room to live their lives. The shelter had to take like a dozen smaller dogs from the sanctuary but those got adopted quickly. Now the shelter has totally changed and the longest term dogs are only there a couple months, but that kind of warehousing happens all the time and I don’t always think it’s in the dogs best interest. Rescuing dogs from foreign countries is also a fairly hot-button rescue-related topic. Like is it good allocation of resources to save dogs from ‘meat markets’ or whatever when we still have such a problem in our own country? Especially with the risk of bringing foreign diseases into our own populations? What about rescues spending $10,000+ on the horrible neglect cases or intense orthopedic work for congenital limb deformities? Should they spend that much on one dog when that same 10,000 could spay and neuter like literally hundreds of other dogs? But alternative argument is the poor soul in need of donations will bring in way more donations than that one poor soul needs so it makes the rescue money to spend on the other animals. Click to expand...

UC Davis C/O 2025

I always wonder if owning a pet is a right or a privilege. Like, when someone has a record of mistreating pets due to cruelty, negligence, or purely financial reasons, should they own pets again.

PippyPony said: Totally...but tough to stomach the alternatives, too (emotional impact of individual culling on a large scale...vs moving away from factory farms, thereby making meat too expensive for a larger chunk of the population near the poverty line.. not good either) Click to expand...

Apr 20, 2021

SpiderPony said: This is such a crazy double standard to me. Livestock, the bulk of which are raised for food, don’t get flown in from another continent as rescues or $10k surgeries (yes there are exceptions). And they don’t get retained for breeding specifically because they have some life-altering deformity a la brachycephaly or a skeleton that leads to inevitable c-sections. People (barring PETA) also don’t have incredibly heated arguments about the ethics of selectively breeding beef cattle. And then we’ll warehouse dogs for years. Completely different worlds. The way that a single profession straddles both French bulldogs and feedlots is fascinating. Click to expand...

turnand.burn said: It actually surprises me how many DVMs *have* brachycephalics... I mean who doesn't think Frenchies or smooshy faced slobbering Pugs aren't adorable? But the farther along in my career I get the more I am against them. It seems very hypocritical. But I guess to keep going down that road it's probably hypocritical to both save animals (cats, dogs, horses) and eat other animals. For the record, I'm very much a carnivore . Click to expand...

Hang onto me and we'll quarantine the gloom

Apr 21, 2021

DVMDream said: I could get on a soapbox about this for a long time. I'd also include in how even traditional "kill" shelters are drugging aggressive dogs to hide their aggression to improve live release/adoption rates since shelter politics has turned into focusing more on how may animals leave the shelter alive. Click to expand...

turnand.burn said: It actually surprises me how many DVMs *have* brachycephalics... I mean who doesn't think Frenchies or smooshy faced slobbering Pugs aren't adorable? Click to expand...

JaynaAli said: What about rescues spending $10,000+ on the horrible neglect cases or intense orthopedic work for congenital limb deformities? Should they spend that much on one dog when that same 10,000 could spay and neuter like literally hundreds of other dogs? But alternative argument is the poor soul in need of donations will bring in way more donations than that one poor soul needs so it makes the rescue money to spend on the other animals. Click to expand...

I would just love to talk dog welfare in shelters with @vetmedhead and purebred dog welfare with @finnickthedog at some point in my life. So fascinating to me and basically what I want to do when I grow up.

finnickthedog

Michigan state c/o 2021.

battie said: I would just love to talk dog welfare in shelters with @vetmedhead and purebred dog welfare with @finnickthedog at some point in my life. So fascinating to me and basically what I want to do when I grow up. Click to expand...

finnickthedog said: I caution anyone about getting me started, but feel free to ignore the warning and hit me up for my opinions. Click to expand...

battie said: I would just like to be involved in the welfare world for *all* dogs. When I was vaguely looking for jobs in the welfare-ish industries, I could not find a dog centric animal welfare position that wasn't solely shelter related. Tried a few emails from when I did the animal welfare competition through AWJAC and it didn't really pan out to anything. And I'm geographically restricted. But I'm sure you've got some great opinions on the dog world lol Click to expand...

vetmedhead said: Yeah, those positions get tricky as the primary place I see people solely work on animal welfare is in food animal Click to expand...

Apr 22, 2021

Food animal brings up other controversial topics- gestation crates, caged vs cage free layers...

wheelin2vetmed

Csu c/o 2021.

Apr 23, 2021

PippyPony said: Ooh also -- the opioid crisis or antimicrobial resistance. Responsibilities for veterinary prescribers, impacts on human health, pet well-being, etc. Click to expand...

wheelin2vetmed said: I feel like a lot of people mean well, but do not consider the other side. A 20,000 ft view would lend one to the big pharma conspiracy, etc. Sure, there was some wrongdoing, and opioids can cause harm, but they're also unbelievably useful, and for me, the only way I can live my life. I have an implanted pain pump that delivers morphine directly to the lesion of my spinal cord via CRI. I also rely on oral opioids to allow me to function alongside anti-epileptics and other medications to manage my nerve pain. I understand the danger, and utilize them cautiously. I know my body is dependent, but there's a huge difference between dependence and addiction. The current state of opioid demonization has made it increasingly harder for those that need them to get them. I am an advocate for my health, but there are those that aren't adept at navigating the healthcare maze and are legitimately crippled because their pain doctor has no choice but to cut their dosage in half or potentially lose their medical license. Click to expand...

Viscernable

Purdue c/o 2025.

wheelin2vetmed said: I feel like a lot of people mean well, but do not consider the other side. A 20,000 ft view would lend one to the big pharma conspiracy, etc. Sure, there was some wrongdoing, and opioids can cause harm, but they're also unbelievably useful, and for me, the only way I can live my life. I have an implanted pain pump that delivers morphine directly to the lesion of my spinal cord via CRI. I also rely on oral opioids to allow me to function alongside anti-epileptics and other medications to manage my nerve pain. I understand the danger, and utilize them cautiously. I know my body is dependent to some degree, but there's a massive difference between dependence and addiction. The current state of opioid demonization has made it increasingly harder for those that need them to get them. I am an advocate for my health, but there are those that aren't adept at navigating the healthcare maze and are legitimately crippled because their pain doctor has no choice but to cut their dosage in half or potentially lose their medical license. Click to expand...

DVMDream said: I have in my family a family member that has used and medically needed them for decades. I also have drug addicts in the family. The only person who had issues getting opioids... the person who needs and uses them medically. This isn't preventing drug addicts from getting anything. My argument is that it'll make the opioid/drug crisis worse as now there will be some people that use them medically and legally that get frustrated and start seeking them elsewhere. I strongly believe this bull**** they're doing won't help and may make things worse. Click to expand...

Viscernable said: My understanding is that the overwhelming majority of opioid addictions resulting from a prescription are from over-prescribing for acute injuries/surgery recovery. People who are on them for chronic pain are probably often chemically dependent, but when you’re in bad pain and using an appropriate amount to treat that pain, my understanding is that you don’t really feel the psychoactive effects, so people don’t really go chasing any dragons. Meanwhile, there’s sich a bias towards taking pain from acute and visible conditions way more seriously than chronic pain that people are often given way more than they need, leaving them with a bunch of opioids to either “waste” or use once their pain has healed (or at least used to be, I’m not sure how much cracking down on opioid prescriptions has been directed towards these short-term prescriptions vs just making it harder for people who need long-term opioid treatment to get it). Click to expand...

@wheelin2vetmed I was only suggesting it as a controversial topic, not trying to imply opioids themselves are bad. My primary area of interest is anesthesia, so providing adequate analgesia to our patients is something I think about quite a bit.

And I am also a cat person -- not a lot of options out there besides opioids (and then basically just buprenorphine) for cats with severe chronic pain. Trying to crack down on addiction by restricting vet access etc. would actively harm so many feline patients.

Cats are really challenging! I really worry about gabapentin becoming a controlled drug in my state.

turnand.burn said: Cats are really challenging! I really worry about gabapentin becoming a controlled drug in my state. Click to expand...

PippyPony said: @wheelin2vetmed I was only suggesting it as a controversial topic, not trying to imply opioids themselves are bad. My primary area of interest is anesthesia, so providing adequate analgesia to our patients is something I think about quite a bit. Click to expand...

PennVet c/o 2025

turnand.burn said: Food animal brings up other controversial topics- gestation crates, caged vs cage free layers... Click to expand...

Dana_May_B said: Fun fact: if we wanted to switch over all our poultry houses the u.s. to free-range but keep producing the same amount of birds, we would need an amount of land equivalent to the size of Texas just dedicated to chicken housing in order to accomplish that! Click to expand...

battie said: Cynics (including myself) think that's the point of animal rights groups supporting these proposals. It's a long game. They know from a logistics perspective that our current production numbers would be impossible with these "cage free" set ups. It's a step towards reducing the number of production animals in total, with the ultimate goal being the elimination of the animal agriculture industries as a whole in the long term. While the cynic in me thinks this is the ultimate goal, the realist in me also acknowledges that this won't be a serious accomplishment for a long time. Ag is just simply too big in too many states with friends in tangential industries. A good example is a bill currently in committee in Colorado that would require production species be allowed to live 25% of an arbitrary lifespan (20 years in cows) and no sexually invasive procedures. This includes AI, implants, vaginal/rectal palpation. So while all the ag organizations in Colorado are against it, so is the Colorado VMA. Click to expand...

vetmedhead said: The lady who proposed this bill is totally insane, it's farcical that Polis appointed her to the State Board of Veterinary Oversight Click to expand...

battie said: I now know what internet hole I'm going down tomorrow!! Lol. Low key saw someone from Boulder was involved and said, "There it is." Click to expand...

vetmedhead said: God speed. Multiple pictures of her "protesting" meat sections of supermarkets while holding up those horrible PETA type signs Click to expand...

Similar threads

Apr 5, 2024

Mar 3, 2024

Apr 18, 2024
Apr 13, 2023

Jan 24, 2024
This site uses cookies to help personalize content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies and terms of service . Accept Learn more…

SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROFESSION COMPETITION

We’re here to help students get ahead.

The VIN Foundation’s Solutions for the Profession initiative is an international veterinary student scholarship in which currently enrolled veterinary students write a compelling essay based on an innovative solution to a current topic/issue in the veterinary profession. After three rounds of anonymous judging, the winners receive cash prizes to help with tuition and educational expenses.

The annual Solutions for the Profession Competition opens every Fall. We encourage you to sign up for updates to stay informed on the latest scholarship announcements.

The VIN Foundation’s 8th Annual (2024) Solutions for the Profession Competition is now OPEN.

The vin foundation’s 8th annual (2024) solutions for the profession competition opens for submissions on wednesday, november 15, 2023., 8th annual competition (2024):, the vin foundation’s 8th annual (2024) solutions for the profession competition has closed. please check back for updates, or sign up above to be notified of updates via email..

The 8th annual (2024) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition was open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three entrants won scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses:

First place: $5,000 Second place: $3,000 Third place: $1,500

Telemedicine

There are current efforts to expand the use of telemedicine and alter the criteria for establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).

Entrants must answer the following two questions in their essay:

What are the pros and cons for veterinarians, clients and patients that will result from these efforts?
If you were able to dictate the outcome of this issue, what would you propose as the best framework to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks to veterinarians, clients and patients?
First place was awarded to Febbry Setiawan (University of Pretoria 2025) for the essay titled, Paws and Pixels: The Digital Leap in Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationships.
Second place was awarded to Jake Kline (VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 2024) for the essay titled, Telemedicine, The Future Integration in Veterinary Medicine?
Third place was awarded to Alaire Comyn (Iowa State University 2027) for the essay titled, Telemedicine: An Opportunity to Educate the Public.

FIRST PLACE:

First place was awarded to Danielle Keerbs (Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine 2026) for the essay titled, Obsolescence vs Adaptability: An Analysis of the Veterinary Clinical Education Paradigm .

SECOND PLACE:

Second place was awarded to Morgan Weed (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2026) for the essay titled, Trend or Tried and True – The Distributive and Teaching Hospital Models in Veterinary Schools.

THIRD PLACE:

Third place was awarded to Dionne Rasquinha (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled, The Future of Veterinary Medicine is in Our Teaching Hospitals .

The 8th annual (2024) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition is open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three entrants will win scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses:

WORD LIMIT:

1,000 words (not including references or titles) This is a strict parameter and all essay submissions higher than 1,000 (not including references or titles) will be automatically dismissed.

All essays must be submitted in English .

All essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format .

Judging is based on how well student essay submission describes their assessment of the topic, along with the originality and practicality of the suggestion(s) and/or solution(s) offered.

The judging takes place in three rounds. Each essay is anonymized and read by at least three evaluators in each round. The panel for round one is composed of the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Committee made up of both veterinarians and related professional readers. The second round will be judged by veterinarians with insight into the relevant issues discussed in the essays. The third round will be judged by leaders in the veterinary profession

Competition is now closed for submissions.

Winners announced: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (updated date)

ESSAY SUBMISSION:

Essays must be submitted online. Only one entry per student.

Please check back on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 when the scholarship opens to submit an essay.

Please share the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition with your friends and networks.

Phone: 888.616.6506

PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR WINNERS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023. ALL ENTRANTS WILL RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENT EMAIL.

The 7th annual (2023) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition was open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three winners earned scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses (winnings were increased this year thanks to donations!) :

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals Until 2010, only a few veterinary schools operated a distributed clinical education model, having students receive their clinical training at other schools or private practices. In the last decade, several new schools have adopted this model, with students having the majority of their clinical education at private practices.

Please answer both of the following questions in your essay submission: 1. Explain why this has been a positive, negative or inconsequential change for the profession? 2. Do you think this trend should be continued or should veterinary schools be required to operate a teaching hospital to train students?

Judging was based on how well student essay submission described their assessment of the topic, along with the originality and practicality of the suggestion(s) and/or solution(s) offered.

The judging takes place in three rounds. Each essay is anonymized and read by at least three evaluators in each round. The panel for round one is composed of the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Committee made up of both veterinarians and related professional readers. The second round is judged by veterinarians with insight into the relevant issues discussed in the essays. The third round is judged by leaders in the veterinary profession

Competition closed: Friday, January 20, 2023 11:59pm PT

Winners announced: Friday, April 21, 2023

PREVIOUS YEARS WINNERS:

7th annual competition (2023):.

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals:

Until 2010, only a few veterinary schools operated a distributed clinical education model, having students receive their clinical training at other schools or private practices. In the last decade, several new schools have adopted this model, with students having the majority of their clinical education at private practices.

Entrants were asked to answer both of the following questions in their essay submission: 1. Explain why this has been a positive, negative or inconsequential change for the profession? 2. Do you think this trend should be continued or should veterinary schools be required to operate a teaching hospital to train students?

6th Annual Competition (2022):

Staff shortages:

Many businesses have been experiencing a shortage of workers. Although COVID has exacerbated the situation, veterinary practices have had great difficulty finding both doctors and support staff since well before the pandemic started. The following 3 question needed to be addressed in the essay submissions:

What do you believe are the main causes of this staffing shortage in veterinary practices?
How will this affect you?
What actions can be taken to improve the situation?
First place was awarded to Ian Doody (Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 2022) for the essay titled, Labor Shortages in Veterinary Medicine .
Second place was awarded to Elyse Politica (University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled, Extinguishing the Fire Before Burnout Takes Over .
Third place was awarded to Elizabeth Handberg(University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled, From the Ground Up: A Focus on Veterinary Technicians .

NOTABLE MENTIONS:

Olivier Weber (Utrecht University, faculty of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled, Let Students Work Against Veterinary Employee Shortages .
Katherine Keane(University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled, The COVID Silver Lining .

5th Annual Competition (2021):

First place was awarded to Ashley Wang (University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled, Beyond Checking Off Boxes: Realizing Transformational Change in Diversity Work .
Second place was awarded to Natalya Redmond (University of Bristol 2024) for the essay titled, Breaking the Cycle .
Third place was awarded to Hannah Lee (University of Queensland 2021) for the essay titled, Putting the vet in diversity: A proposal for diversifying the veterinary profession .

4th Annual Competition (2020):

First place was awarded to Ilene Ellis (North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled, Retiring James Herriot; A proposal for modern veterinary education .
Second place was awarded to Ava Abuchaei (University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2021) for the essay titled, From Student to Doctor: Evaluating my Veterinary Education .
Third place tie was awarded to Allison Hale (Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine 2020) for the essay titled, A Perfect Education .
Runner up was acknowledged to Imani Williams (Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine 2022) for the essay titled, The Great Divide; Is the veterinary school education you are receiving effective, efficient, and relevant to your career goals?
Runner up was acknowledged to Amanda Chase (University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine 2021) for the essay titled, Is My Veterinary Education Up to Me?

3rd Annual Competition (2019):

First place was awarded to Joanne Yi for her big fish little fish perspective on corporations versus the independent practices. Joanne is a second year student at the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine.
Second place went to Joseph Marchell for his financial viewpoint on the impact of consolidation on the profession. Joseph is set to graduate this year from Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Annie Showers won third place with her in-depth approach to polling hundreds of practicing veterinarians for their responses on the pros and cons of corporate ownership. Annie is a second year student at Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

2nd Annual Competition (2018):

First place was awarded to Paige Livingston , for her essay on ways to improve student debt education. Paige is entering her fourth year as a student at the University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.
Second place went to Cheyenne Cannarozzo for her innovative suggestion to add resilience to the core competency requirements for veterinary students. Cheyenne is entering her third year at the Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Linnea Thraen won third place with her essay highlighting the need for improved business management education in veterinary school. Linnea has just graduated the University of Minnesota, School of Veterinary Medicine.

1st Annual Competition (2017):

First place was awarded to Hanum Wensil-Strow for her thought-provoking essay on the veterinary student debt situation. Hanum is in her fourth year has a student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is interested in large animal medicine and wildlife conservation.
Second place went to Shannon Finn for her innovative approach to the mental health issues challenging colleagues in the veterinary profession. Shannon is in her fourth and final year at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Canada. She is hoping to go into rural food animal practice upon graduation, but also has interests in public health and regulatory medicine.
Alexandra Ripperger won third place for her inventive approach to gender inequality. Alexandra is in her fourth year as a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota. She enjoys working with small animals, and small ruminants/camelids.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Veterinarian Essay Examples

We found 8 free papers on veterinarian, essay examples, my dream of college.

Veterinarian

I feel like I have a different opinion of college than everyone else. For the most part, I am not excited to go away to college at all. I wish I could stay in high school forever because I enjoy it so much. My friends are the greatest and I don’t want to make new…

A Rhetorical Analysis of an Article on Euthanasia

Dog Days: “We love him; he’s ruining our lives” states loyal caregiver, Louise Aronson, about her family dog, Byron (Aronson, 17). This author faces one of life’s most difficult choices: life or death? While being a controversial topic, Louise does a good job supporting her positive views of euthanasia. She argues that euthanasia is the…

Veterinary Medicine Is the Branch of Medicine That Deals With the Diseases of Animals

Treating pets is one of the most profitable fields in veterinary medicine. The proper vaccination of animals and the diagnosis of diseases are part of a veterinarians duties. The first step to a career in veterinary medicine is deciding that it is the right path for you. If you like animals, enjoy working with your…

Term and Local Animal Shelter

Micaela Diaz Case 1: The Psychology Department is requesting permission from your committee to use 10 rats per semester for demonstrations in a physiological psychology class. The students will work in groups of three: each group will be given a rat. The students will first perform surgery on the rats. Each animal with be anesthetized….

Animals in Testing

It’s not a new thing. For many centuries scientists and testers in research have used animals of all kinds. Most of the animals are small ones like rodents – rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils. Some dogs, cats and a variety of goats, monkeys and rabbits have also been used. The animal rights issue is an…

Second Guarter In The Bronco Game

Physical therapy

Case Keenum drops back, he notices Emmanuel Sanders in one on one coverage with a linebacker in the slot. Emanuel does a little stutter and gets passed. Case loads up and throws a bomb. You can hear the crowd gasp for air as the ball soars through the air. And boom Emanuel catches it. He…

Purpose of Expository

Sample Expository Essay The purpose of an expository essay is to present important information about a specific subject. In the following example, RHS student writer Kellyann Bandusky carefully explains her career ambitions. Notice that the essay follows the proper MLA format. Bandusky 1 Kellyann Bandusky Mrs. Cavallo English I January 30, 2006 A Career to…

A Reflection on My Motivation and Path towards Becoming a Veterinarian

It has been twenty two years of my life, and I never seem to be able to find what I like about myself. What I am sure about though, is that I want to be an animal doctor. A veterinarian, who is able to help the animals around the world, and this, is probably the…

Frequently Asked Questions about Veterinarian

Don't hesitate to contact us. We are ready to help you 24/7

Hi, my name is Amy 👋

In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.

Get to know St. Matthew's University at an upcoming event!

View Events

SMU Veterinary students relaxing in the Gazebo on the SMU Campus

How To Write a Vet School Personal Statement

Personal statements are one of the first big steps towards becoming a vet, but how do you write one? Find out in our detailed guide.

How to write a vet school personal statement

Getting into a great veterinary school can be tough. Vet course admissions are very competitive, so you need to do everything you can to prove that you are an exceptional candidate. This includes writing a great veterinary personal statement. We look at how to write a personal statement for vet school, key items to include, and why nailing your personal statement is important.

Why we have to write personal statements

Your personal statement is an important part of your application process, as veterinary school is highly competitive. This is the chance to add a personal touch to your application and make you stand out from the crowd. While your resume will list all of your accomplishments, educational background, and experience, your personal statement allows you to tie all of this together and let your passion, personality, and enthusiasm for veterinary medicine shine through. Your personal statement is also where you can mention anything that doesn’t fit into the other sections of your application, and it’s an ideal place to reinforce how you meet the admission requirements .

Here, you’ll introduce yourself and explain why you’ll be a great fit for the program, touch on what has inspired you to further your studies, and why you think you are good candidate to become a veterinarian. You might also want to include what you like about this particular program and how you think it will enrich your knowledge and understanding of veterinary medicine.

This means that when you get an interview for admission, the admissions officer should already know a bit about you and allows you to jump straight into answering their questions.

Demonstrate your passion for animals

Since you only have limited space on your personal statement, it’s important to use this space to convince the admissions team that your passion for animals would make you an excellent veterinarian.

In order to uniquely demonstrate your passion for animals, try to think outside of the box. Don’t just talk about family pets. Mention times you’ve been proactive, hands-on, and gained experience with animals. This might include helping with the birthing season on a local farm, volunteering in kennels, or helping strays find foster homes in animal shelters.

It’s also important to specify what type of animals you have interacted with. Did you grow up riding horses and love tending to large mammals? Or did your family raise small animals? Whatever your particular interest in the veterinary world, be sure to add it. Schools like to see students who have a plan of where to specialize and continue their education.

Of course, don’t forget that most vets have to work with people too, so it’s a good idea to include something that shows you can work as part of a team or with clients.

Highlight all relevant experience

Whatever you’ve done for animals outside your normal household, include it, especially if it’s something related to wellbeing and health. Even better, if you can remember a particular interaction that made you want to be a veterinarian, be sure to include it.

Your resume will list your experience and qualifications, but your vet school application personal statement is where you can say why your experience is relevant to the program. When you’re planning your statement, you can make notes of what experience you have, and what transferable skills you have gained. Then you can find ways to tie this into veterinary medicine. For example, if you’re an empathetic person who has worked in customer service, you can relate this to dealing with clients at a standard vet practice. If you have experience running a social group, this ties into leadership skills and motivation to go above and beyond for something you’re interested in.

Remember, you’ll have gained invaluable experience from almost everything you do, whether that’s education, work, voluntary roles, or hobbies. You just need to think about how it is relevant to what you want to do next.

Set yourself apart from the crowd

First, you should try to think about what makes you unique. Try to think about the things you’ve done that other people haven’t, or experiences you’ve had. Remember that you’ll be competing for a seat against people all over the country and potentially all over the world, so even the most basic things might be unusual compared to other applicants.

Just like in the previous section, think about how your background gives you a different perspective or relevant skills. Try to tie it into the topics you’ll be learning in vet school, and the challenges you would face in your daily life as a veterinarian.

While you might want a large portion of your statement to be positive, you can also bring up any difficulties you’ve had and how you’ve used problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to overcome them. It shows that you’re willing to do a lot to reach your dream, which suggests you’ll be a focused and dedicated student.

You should also be sure to be personable in your personal statement. Vet school committees will expect you to remain professional and precise in what you say with word limitations in mind. However, you should aim for a conversational, friendly tone. Your personal statement is about you, so it should give the admissions committee an insight into your personality. Try to find a happy medium where you don’t sound too stiff and formal, but also don’t use slang too much.

Preparation is key

There are a lot of different things you will want to cover in your personal statement for vet school, and it’s more than simply a ‘why I want to be a veterinarian’ essay. That’s why it’s vital to prepare and plan your statement before you write it.

Just like any other assignment, you should break the statement down into sections. Make sure you highlight the goal of each section – one section might be talking about your background, and one might be about your experience. Then plan out each section with some key points to include, such as the skills your experience has provided. Then you can write the actual contents without wavering too much – and you definitely don’t want to waste words.

Afterward, be sure to proofread it thoroughly. If you can, you should ask someone else to read it too. Ask them if it makes sense, as well as get them to note any errors they find.

If you’re ready to take the next step and start studying at a leading vet school, contact us to speak to one of our expert advisors. St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine provides graduates with new knowledge, skills, and methods necessary to become caring, competent veterinarians.

Check out webinar events at St. Matthew’s School of Veterinary Medicine for more information about the application process, including your personal statement.

Get in touch for more information

Share on Twitter
Share on Facebook
Share on Linkedin

Related Blogs

St. matthew’s university school of veterinary medicine launches pursuit of avma coe accreditation, complete guide: financing veterinary school for canadian students, how to prepare for a career in veterinary medicine, what is veterinary school like.

The Personal Statement Topics Ivy League Hopefuls Should Avoid

Share to Facebook
Share to Twitter
Share to Linkedin

Yale University

A compelling personal statement is a critical component of an Ivy League application, as it offers students the unique opportunity to showcase their personality, experiences, and aspirations. Kickstarting the writing process in the summer can give students a critical advantage in the admissions process, allowing them more time to brainstorm, edit, and polish standout essays. However, as students begin drafting their essays this summer, they should bear in mind that selecting the right topic is crucial to writing a successful essay. Particularly for students with Ivy League aspirations, submitting an essay that is cliche, unoriginal, or inauthentic can make the difference between standing out to admissions officers or blending into the sea of other applicants.

As ambitious students embark on the college application process, here are the personal statement topics they should avoid:

1. The Trauma Dump

Many students overcome significant hurdles by the time they begin the college application process, and some assume that the grisliest and most traumatic stories will attract attention and sympathy from admissions committees. While vulnerability can be powerful, sharing overly personal or sensitive information can make readers uncomfortable and shift focus away from a student’s unique strengths. Students should embrace authenticity and be honest about the struggles they have faced on their path to college, while still recognizing that the personal statement is a professional piece of writing, not a diary entry. Students should first consider why they want to share a particular tragic or traumatic experience and how that story might lend insight into the kind of student and community member they will be on campus. As a general rule, if the story will truly enrich the admissions committee’s understanding of their candidacy, students should thoughtfully include it; if it is a means of proving that they are more deserving or seeking to engender pity, students should consider selecting a different topic. Students should adopt a similar, critical approach as they write about difficult or sensitive topics in their supplemental essays, excluding unnecessary detail and focusing on how the experience shaped who they are today.

2. The Travelogue

Travel experiences can be enriching, but essays that merely recount a trip to a foreign country without deeper reflection often fall flat. Additionally, travel stories can often unintentionally convey white saviorism , particularly if students are recounting experiences from their charity work or mission trips in a foreign place. If a student does wish to write about an experience from their travels, they should prioritize depth not breadth—the personal statement is not the place to detail an entire itinerary or document every aspect of a trip. Instead, students should focus on one specific and meaningful experience from their travels with vivid detail and creative storytelling, expounding on how the event changed their worldview, instilled new values, or inspired their future goals.

3. The Superhero Narrative

Ivy League and other top colleges are looking for students who are introspective and teachable—no applicant is perfect (admissions officers know this!). Therefore, it’s crucial that students be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and open about the areas in which they hope to grow. They should avoid grandiose narratives in which they cast themselves as flawless heroes. While students should seek to put their best foot forward, depicting themselves as protagonists who single-handedly resolve complex issues can make them appear exaggerated and lacking in humility. For instance, rather than telling the story about being the sole onlooker to stand up for a peer being bullied at the lunch table, perhaps a student could share about an experience that emboldened them to advocate for themselves and others. Doing so will add dimension and dynamism to their essay, rather than convey a static story of heroism.

Northern Lights Alert: Beware ‘Head-On’ Aurora Displays Say Scientists

Nyt ‘strands’ hints, spangram and answers for wednesday, july 10th, michael bennet is the first democratic senator to publicly question biden’s candidacy—here’s who has called on him to end campaign, 4. the plan for world peace.

Similarly, many students feel compelled to declare their intention to solve global issues like world hunger or climate change. While noble, these proclamations can come across as unrealistic and insincere, and they can distract from the tangible achievements and experiences that a student brings to the table. Instead, applicants should focus on demonstrable steps they’ve taken or plan to take within their local community to enact positive change, demonstrating their commitment and practical approach to making a difference. For instance, instead of stating a desire to eradicate poverty, students could describe their extended involvement in a local charity and how it has helped them to discover their values and actualize their passions.

5. The Sports Story

While sports can teach valuable lessons, essays that focus solely on athletic achievements or the importance of a particular game can be overdone and lack depth. Admissions officers have read countless essays about students scoring the winning goal, dealing with the hardship of an injury, or learning teamwork from sports. Students should keep in mind that the personal essay should relay a story that only they can tell—perhaps a student has a particularly unique story about bringing competitive pickleball to their high school and uniting unlikely friend groups or starting a community initiative to repair and donate golf gear for students who couldn’t otherwise afford to play. However, if their sports-related essay could have been written by any high school point guard or soccer team captain, it’s time to brainstorm new ideas.

6. The Pick-Me Monologue

Students may feel the need to list their accomplishments and standout qualities in an effort to appear impressive to Ivy League admissions officers. This removes any depth, introspection, and creativity from a student’s essay and flattens their experiences to line items on a resume. Admissions officers already have students’ Activities Lists and resumes; the personal statement should add texture and dimension to their applications, revealing aspects of their character, values and voice not otherwise obvious through the quantitative aspects of their applications. Instead of listing all of their extracurricular involvements, students should identify a particularly meaningful encounter or event they experienced through one of the activities that matters most to them, and reflect on the ways in which their participation impacted their development as a student and person.

7. The Pandemic Sob Story

The Covid-19 pandemic was a traumatic and formative experience for many students, and it is therefore understandable that applicants draw inspiration from these transformative years as they choose their essay topics. However, while the pandemic affected individuals differently, an essay about the difficulties faced during this time will likely come across as unoriginal and generic. Admissions officers have likely read hundreds of essays about remote learning challenges, social isolation, and the general disruptions caused by Covid-19. These narratives can start to blend together, making it difficult for any single essay to stand out. Instead of centering the essay on the pandemic's challenges, students should consider how they adapted, grew, or made a positive impact during this time. For example, rather than writing about the difficulties of remote learning, a student could describe how they created a virtual study group to support classmates struggling with online classes. Similarly, an applicant might write about developing a new skill such as coding or painting during lockdown and how this pursuit has influenced their academic or career goals. Focusing on resilience, innovation, and personal development can make for a more compelling narrative.

Crafting a standout personal statement requires dedicated time, careful thought, and honest reflection. The most impactful essays are those that toe the lines between vulnerability and professionalism, introspection and action, championing one’s strengths and acknowledging weaknesses. Starting early and striving to avoid overused and unoriginal topics will level up a student’s essay and increase their chances of standing out.

Editorial Standards
Reprints & Permissions

Share full article

A woman in blue medical scrubs holds an illuminated magnifying glass near a clear plastic tub containing a thin, yellow-gold fish.

For an Aquatic Veterinarian, It’s Never ‘Just a Fish’

Stress, ovarian cancer, buoyancy disorders: Every pet has its troubles, and needs a good doctor who makes house calls.

Dr. Jessie Sanders analyzing the movement of a Fisher’s wood catfish at a home in Martinez, Calif., in January. Credit...

Supported by

By Emily Anthes

Photographs by Nic Coury

June 28, 2024

This article is part of our Pets special section on scientists’ growing interest in our animal companions.

Many students begin veterinary school with career aspirations that date back to childhood, when they fell in love with the idea of ministering to cats and dogs, or horses, or the exotic animals at the zoo. Jessie Sanders arrived at veterinary school with a more particular passion. “I was the one weird fish kid,” she said.

It was an interest that had surprised even her. In college, Dr. Sanders had started volunteering at an aquarium, hoping to work with the whales. Instead, she found herself assigned to the fish team — and falling hard for her finned charges.

“I just love fish,” she said. “I love the way they’re built. I love the way they interact with the environment. And there’s still so much that we just don’t know about all the little internal workings.”

Today, Dr. Sanders runs Aquatic Veterinary Services , with patients that include carnival goldfish, pet store bettas and prizewinning koi worth tens of thousands of dollars. Last year, she became one of the first 10 veterinarians to receive a board certification in fish practice, a wholly new accreditation.

Dr. Sanders spoke with The New York Times about life as a fish veterinarian. Her story was based on two conversations, and her responses were edited and condensed.

I’ve done nothing but pet fish for 10 years, and it’s been awesome and challenging. I like the challenge of setting everything in an underwater environment. And the amount of personalities that you get in fish — they have so many little quirks. Some of them are super chill and nice, and some of them are complete terrors.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

Skip to main content
Skip to FDA Search
Skip to in this section menu
Skip to footer links

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Search
Menu
Animal & Veterinary
News & Events
CVM Updates

FDA Approves First Generic Methimazole for Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats

On July 9, 2024, the FDA updated this communication to clarify that Felanorm is only available in a 1 mL dosing syringe (and not a 5 mL syringe).

July 9, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Felanorm, the first generic methimazole oral solution for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Felanorm contains the same active ingredient (methimazole) as the approved brand name drug product, Felimazole Coated Tablets, which were first approved on May 27, 2009. In addition, the FDA determined that Felanorm contains no inactive ingredients that may significantly affect the bioavailability of the active ingredient.

Felanorm is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian because professional veterinary expertise is needed to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats and to determine whether Felanorm is an appropriate treatment. Continued veterinary monitoring is also needed to ensure that the dose continues to be appropriate to control the cat’s hyperthyroidism, as this disease can progress over time.

Felanorm is supplied in 30 mL or 100 mL bottles with a 1 mL dosing syringe. Felanorm is dosed in 2.5 mg increments, every 12 hours. Dose adjustments should be made in 2.5 mg increments. The maximum total dosage is 20 mg per day divided, not to exceed 10 mg as a single administration.

People administering Felanorm should wear protective single use, impermeable (e.g., latex or nitrile) gloves when administering the solution and should wash their hands with soap and water after administration to avoid exposure to the drug.

Felanorm is sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories Ltd. based in the United Kingdom.

For more information:

Freedom of Information Summary

Issued by FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. For questions, Contact CVM .

IMAGES

Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian
⇉Why I Want to Be a Vet Tech Essay Example
Essay on Veterinarian
Veterinarians essay notes
The Role of Veterinarian in Society Essay Example
The Role and Opportunities of Veterinary Technicians Free Essay Example

VIDEO

Veterinarian/Vet Clinic/Veterinary Hospital Promo Video AD
H5N1 Outbreak Update
Baby Playful with Friends
FIRST Reaction to VoicePlay's Moana Medley
Essay+Speech on World Veterinary Day #worldveterinaryday #veterinary #veterinarian #writingmania
Rottweiler Care 101

COMMENTS

45 Unique Veterinary Dissertation Topic Ideas To Motivate You
45+ Veterinary Dissertation Topics. Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024. Veterinary medicine is a broad area of study, so there are many potential issues you can base your dissertation or thesis on. You may want to consider veterinary science comparable to human health care, such as laboratory animal medicine ...
Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics
This comprehensive list of veterinary medicine research paper topics provides students with a wide range of subjects to explore within the field. Whether you are interested in animal behavior, infectious diseases, pharmacology, surgery, or any other aspect of veterinary medicine, there are countless opportunities for research and innovation.
I Want to Be A Veterinarian: [Essay Example], 594 words
I Want to Be a Veterinarian. From a young age, I have always had a deep love and respect for animals. Whether it was caring for my family's pets or volunteering at local animal shelters, my passion for animals has always been a significant part of my life. As I have grown older, this passion has evolved into a desire to pursue a career as a ...
PDF University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
Here are some tips to help you make your essays the best possible representation of you as a qualified applicant to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine: Start writing early. Give yourself time to think about what you want to write. Spend a few days away from it and read it again. Allow yourself the opportunity to think of ...
How to Write Great Personal Essays for Veterinary School
7. Pick 3-5 Main Points for Each Answer. Since you only have 2,000 characters in which to write a great essay answer to each question, it can be helpful to list out your ideas and main points before you begin writing. Then you can review your ideas and pick the 3-5 strongest ideas for each answer.
Veterinarian Essay
Veterinarian Essay. Sort By: Page 1 of 50 - About 500 essays. Decent Essays. The Career Of A Veterinarian . 1134 Words ... A great veterinarian is confident in their ability, yet still humble and respectful. Bold in their innovative ideas, but reasonable. A good vet is very smart and gets good grades, but they still need to be as skilled with ...
VMCAS Essay Examples
VMCAS essay examples are a great place to start when you're preparing to apply to veterinary school. After researching vet school rankings and looking into the best vet schools in your chosen area, you've finally decided on the schools you would like to apply to. One of the items you'll need to include in your VMCAS application is a personal essay.
What are the vet school essay prompts and what are some useful tips and
Discuss your understanding of the veterinary medical profession, and discuss your career goals and objectives (5000 characters) Now, VMCAS asks students to answer each of the following prompts in less than 2000 characters (including spaces), which is roughly 300-350 words: There are many career choices within the veterinary profession.
How to Write a Vet School Personal Statement
1. Example From the Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "Living with my single mother, a nurse who often works over 60 hours a week to support my family, has taught me the value of hard work. From her, I have learned to be passionate and meticulous in all the work that I do.
Vet school personal statement examples
Vet Personal Statement Example #1. "Saddle up," is my favorite phrase of all time and it conveys with it a sense of adventure that few other phrases ever can. I suppose a lot of this comes from my early years where I loved cowboy stories, but it continued on through my life once I started learning about horses.
The Reasons Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian
The prospect of playing a pivotal role in their well-being, health, and happiness ignites a passion within me that drives my career aspirations. This essay delves into the reasons why I want to be a veterinarian, exploring my love for animals, the desire to contribute to animal welfare, the pursuit of knowledge in veterinary medicine, and the ...
Mastering the VMCAS Personal Essay
This free guide to mastering the VMCAS Personal Essay is brought to you by Loop Abroad, the leader in pre-veterinary and veterinary study abroad programs. Go to www.LoopAbroad.com for info on all of our pre-veterinary programs around the world, including one- and two-week programs, pre-veterinary semesters, internships, and virtual programs..
Veterinarian
Pages • 2. Paper Type: 500 Word Essay Examples. Since a young age, I always knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. I always had a love for animals, and having pets during my childhood just added to it. A veterinarian is a person that has compassion for animals, perseveres through school, and treats injured animals.
Veterinarian Essay
Decent Essays. 711 Words. 3 Pages. Open Document. Animals get hurt and sick and since animals cannot tell their owners what is wrong, veterinarians are relied on to solve and treat the problems. Without vets, animals and pets would not be able to be treated properly and may become too sick and die. They also play a role in public health ...
PDF Veterinary School Personal Statements
Veterinary school admission committees generally judge a candidate's merit based upon. undergraduate grade-point averages (GPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, interviews, veterinary related experiences, letters of recommendation, and the personal. statements (Roush et al., 2014).
Benefits To Be A Veterinarian: [Essay Example], 569 words
The ability to provide care and support during times of illness or injury, and witnessing the recovery and well-being of animals, can be emotionally gratifying. These meaningful connections foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making the work of a veterinarian deeply meaningful. Conclusion. Keep in mind:
Personal Essay examples? : r/veterinaryschool
Your personal statement is your opportunity to talk about not only why you want to be a vet, but what kind of vet you want to be. Unless it specifically says not to mention animals or veterinary experiences (like Tufts' essay prompt did last year), those things are totally fair game. I hope all that made sense. 4. Reply.
10 Tips for Your Vet School Personal Statement
Let the reader decide how rare or exciting something is, even if you grew up among a pride of lions. 9. Conclude With a Vision. Sum up your experience to show what a well-rounded vet school applicant you are. Show how your background, personality, and passion make you an ideal candidate.
A Career as a Veterinarian Essay
530 Words. 3 Pages. 2 Works Cited. Open Document. Veterinarians provide medical services for animals that are big and small. Helping sick animals weather they are big or small. They provide medicine for house pets and farm animals. When owners take there pet to the vet they are looking for someone to provide information to them about their animal.
Controversial/Argumentative Topics in Vet Med?
Apr 13, 2021. #3. 1. Breeding in general tied in with overpopulation vs a maldistribution of dogs and cats. I liked "The Dog Merchants" for that one. 2. Animal use in research is a classic. 3. Vet techs acting more like physician assistants, particularly in undeserved areas.
Solutions For The Profession Competition
The 8th annual (2024) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition was open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school. Three entrants won scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses: First place: $5,000. Second place: $3,000. Third place: $1,500.
⇉Free Veterinarian Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on GraduateWay
Veterinarian. Words: 487 (2 pages) Sample Expository Essay The purpose of an expository essay is to present important information about a specific subject. In the following example, RHS student writer Kellyann Bandusky carefully explains her career ambitions. Notice that the essay follows the proper MLA format.
How To Write a Vet School Personal Statement
Vet school committees will expect you to remain professional and precise in what you say with word limitations in mind. However, you should aim for a conversational, friendly tone. Your personal statement is about you, so it should give the admissions committee an insight into your personality. Try to find a happy medium where you don't sound ...
The Personal Statement Topics Ivy League Hopefuls Should Avoid
Yale University. Moment Editorial/Getty Images. A compelling personal statement is a critical component of an Ivy League application, as it offers students the unique opportunity to showcase their ...
For an Aquatic Veterinarian, It's Never 'Just a Fish'
Stress, ovarian cancer, buoyancy disorders: Every pet has its troubles, and needs a good doctor who makes house calls. Dr. Jessie Sanders analyzing the movement of a Fisher's wood catfish at a ...
FDA Approves First Generic Methimazole for Cats
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Felanorm, the first generic methimazole oral solution for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Useful Links

45+ Veterinary Dissertation Topics

Veterinary Dissertation Topics and Ideas

Order a Proposal

Free Dissertation Topic

Frequently Asked Questions

You May Also Like

Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics

100 Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Veterinary Medicine: Exploring the Range of Research Paper Topics

Choosing Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics

How to Write a Veterinary Medicine Research Paper

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

Achieve Excellence with iResearchNet!

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

VMCAS Essay Examples

Article Contents 10 min read

Requirements

Is the VMCAS Essay Important?

What Should I Include in My Essay?

Language and Tone

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

What are the vet school essay prompts and what are some useful tips and resources for writing the essays?

Sign up to our Newsletter

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Write Now, Edit Later

Consider Your Unique Perspective

Revise, Revise, Revise!

Vet School Personal Statement Examples

1. Example From the Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

2. Example from the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine Program (Graduate)

3. Example from the University of Scranton

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet School

1. What Should A Vet School Personal Statement Include?

2. How Long Is A Personal Statement For Vet School?

3. How Do You End a Vet School Personal Statement?

4. What Makes a Good Personal Statement for Vet School?

5. How Important Are Personal Statements for Veterinary Schools?

Final Thoughts

Schedule A Free Consultation

How to Become a Medical Scribe

How to Use the MSAR to Choose a Medical School

The Reasons Why I Want to Be a Veterinarian

Cite this Essay

Related Essays

Loop Abroad

Mastering the VMCAS Personal Essay

The New Personal Essay

How Much Does the Personal Statement Matter?

Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid

Now You’re Ready to Brainstorm

Making an Outline

What Tone to Use

Write, Then Cut

Check for Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

Veterinarian - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Essay examples

FAQ about Veterinarian

Benefits to Be a Veterinarian

Cite this Essay

Related Essays

Still can’t find what you need?

Related Essays on Animal Welfare

Related Topics

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

Controversial/Argumentative Topics in Vet Med?

Full Member

puppy snuggler extraordinaire

U. Illinois

turnandburn

CoffeeQuestionMark

DVMNightmare

Need it STAT or want it STAT? They're different.

UC Davis C/O 2025

Hang onto me and we'll quarantine the gloom

finnickthedog

wheelin2vetmed