Accepted But Having Second Thoughts. Honest advise/guidance appreciated

[secondthoughts2]

Hello,

First, I apologize that this is so long, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking (for several months now and still have been unable to come to a definitive resolution)… I could really use some guidance.

I was accepted to vet school and am supposed to matriculate next fall. I have already sent in the deposit, but now I am having some second thoughts due to 1) financial aspects, 2) life/work balance issues once I graduate, and 3) job market fears… In short, I’m afraid of uprooting my life to pursue something if it most likely won’t workout anyhow. I have been considering pulling out and giving up my seat/place because I’m not sure if my goals are feasible given likely future trends.

I would rather a student with feasible goals attend who could and would be able to do more for animals… There’s still time to give my seat to him/her… Maybe a younger person who wants to work 50+ hrs/wk should occupy that seat instead??? On the other hand, I really do want to be a vet and help animals. I will likely have slightly less financial pressure than most and thus can (and will) help disadvantaged animals whereas others may have to consider the realities of making a living… I know that I can be a great vet, but to some degree, it must be on my own terms…

First, I know that I am fortunate because I do have other sources of income (amounts to about $50K/yr), but I am still going to have to borrow a substantial amount of money because 1) I was accepted out of state thus have much higher tuition and substantial relocation costs (not just a tiny apartment’s worth to move), etc. and 2) I’m a non-traditional with a domestic partner thus will be living off campus and will have higher living costs than your typical 24 year old who lives in the dorm or shares an apartment with roommates. I expect my loan debt to be between $170-220K when I graduate (and that’s assuming the tuition costs don’t see a huge hike over the next four yrs)... As a side note, my partner has been supportive and is willing to relocate, but both of us are leaving a lot behind and have some concerns/doubts... It is causing some tension between us...

My financial concerns involve a fear that IBR will be pulled by the government. I am planning on a payment size above the min. required (i.e. large enough to cover the interest and slowly chip away some principle) so I can minimize taxes on the forgiven balance (i.e. hoping to make payments the size of the 25-year plan), but I also want to make sure IBR will remain as an option if I ever just can’t swing the larger payment amount.
I’m also concerned that I won’t be able to find a suitable job in veterinary medicine (i.e. interested in small animal/exotic companion and concerned about all the vet oversupply/“excess capacity” in small animal that I’ve been reading about lately). Unfortunately, I am NOT interested in working in areas not suited to my personality or abilities (i.e. not interested in public health, lg animal, etc). Sorry to be inflexible… Well, actually, no I’m not; we’re all different and this stuff just isn’t my cup of tea.

I am also exploring alternative possibilities for obtaining loan forgiveness via public service (loan forgiveness isn’t a deal breaker as there are other options like saving/investing to pay the IRS down the road but it sure would be nice to avoid that ‘tax bomb’ all together if possible). Again, I am NOT interested in working in ‘shortage areas’, food animal practice, lab animal, etc. Instead, I would like to know: Could teaching animal science and/or vet tech courses and/or maybe just general biology at a public HS and/or junior college be a possible route to loan forgiveness? This is an area I have an interest in anyhow, so if it can help out with loan forgiveness, this would sweeten the deal even more!

I am also concerned about work/life balance. Don’t get me wrong. I know vet school will be rigorous. I am up for a challenge and welcome it. I am even considering a rotating or soft tissue internship after I graduate because I really want my skills to be up to the task of providing quality care, but I’m a bit older/non-traditional and can’t see a reason to kill myself indefinitely… Although I do not have kids (have step-kids but they are older and only visit/don’t live with us FT) and will not be having my own kids, I still can’t see myself working stressful FT+ hrs/wk like many youthful new associates – I have other interests and a partner who I enjoy spending time with…

My ideal job (after possibly finishing an internship) would be PT (30 hrs/wk max) or contract work for a non-profit animal clinic/rescue group/shelter perhaps with PT community college teaching on the side (especially if this would help with loan forgiveness)… When I worked at a shelter, some of the animals had to have enucleations and/or amputations to save their lives. I’m assuming I would be qualified to perform these types of surgeries after a 1 yr internship (please correct me if I’m wrong) because I’m not interested in doing a residency – I’ll be too old and probably won’t want/won’t be able to deal with 3+ years post grad of 80hr+ weeks. Spay and neuter are very important for animal welfare, of course, but this would also be boring and counter to my own mental welfare if I NEVER did anything else, so I’m hoping a 1 yr rotating internship or 1 year soft tissue will be adequate to prep me for most basic surgeries typically done via non-profits… In fact, I’m very interested in working with non-profits and doing low cost surgery to help reduce economic euthanasia.

Here are some additional facts:
We already own our home (not free and clear but mortgage payment is low) – we are planning on renting it out while we live out of state during my vet school years. We expect this to cover the mortgage and property tax, but they’ll be no surplus/profit. Aside from the mortgage, we are currently pretty low debt - sure won’t be true once I sign that promissory note :-/

I love animals and science. I truly do want to help them in their darkest hour, but I don’t want to be pulling 50+ hrs in my late 40s either… I’m not concerned with making lots of money and do/will have modest sources of income in addition to income from vet med. On the other hand, I do NOT want to have a situation in which vet school loans put me in a worse situation (i.e. minimum loan payments so high that they actually worsen our financial situation. In fact, any loan payment would be undesirable if I can’t find an enjoyable PT job that will at least enable us to ‘break even’ on the cost of education)…

I discovered the veterinary calling later than most… I’ve been working toward this goal for about 5 years now – it isn’t like I decided to ‘go for it’ on a fleeting whim… On the other hand, I have (and still could) see myself doing other things… Vet school isn’t cheap… I have a somewhat flexible mind and even other “in-demand” aptitudes, so sure, I could do quite a few other things, but I still feel like I *have to* help animals for some reason... I’ve thought about the vet tech route, but I don’t think I could deal with the lack of autonomy (i.e. having to implement someone else’s treatment plan if I had a better idea or act on a diagnosis that I knew was inaccurate) or lack of utilization of my potential/capacity... The technologist route doesn’t appear to be much better from what I can tell although maybe I should explore it further??? In my area, we really don’t have technologists or tech specialists, so I’ve never met these guys. The clinic I worked at didn’t even have registered techs (although one gal was studying toward this goal).

I’ve been cautioned several times – “Don’t go to vet school. The profession isn’t what it used to be…” I have been told that if I could be happy doing anything else, then I should do something else… Is veterinary medicine really that bad? Is interesting PT work with a focus on improving animal welfare just a pipe dream?

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[Coquette22]

So admittedly I didn't read all of it, I skimmed it in places, but my impression is that there's a limited number of post-DVM scenarios that would make you happy. You want X hours in Y field for Z salary and without having to do A, B and C. I think this is highly unrealistic and setting yourself up for potential failure and unhappiness. This is a case where I feel vet school is the wrong choice for you and maybe you need to fulfill your desire to help animals some other way (wildlife rehab, teaching 4-H, fostering, shelter volunteer).

 

[LetItSnow]

I am even considering a rotating or soft tissue internship after I graduate because I really want my skills to be up to the task of providing quality care [...] When I worked at a shelter, some of the animals had to have enucleations and/or amputations to save their lives. I’m assuming I would be qualified to perform these types of surgeries after a 1 yr internship (please correct me if I’m wrong)

I don't really know the answers to your other questions because I think..... well, it sounds like you have the information you need, and you just need to make a decision, yanno? But I did want to address the above.

The first quote implies that someone who doesn't do a rotating or soft-tissue internship isn't up to the task of "providing quality care"... I doubt you meant it that way, but .... you might want to consider how it sounds. I would like to think as I sit here in my ER with a grand total of a month of practice under my belt that I'm still providing quality care even though I didn't do an internship. Do I lack experience? Of course. But that doesn't mean I'm not providing quality care. I know my abilities and limits and I don't hesitate to contact one of the other ER doctors at our other facilities if I need a consult or am in over my head.

With regard to the second, if you put forth the effort in vet school to develop those skills you will be qualified to perform them after graduation without an internship. At least, you should be able to. They are both relatively straightforward procedures. And frankly, from what I saw as a 4th year student, I think some rotating interns get less surgical experience - by a long shot - than I'm getting out in practice.

I don't know that my opinion will help you because I'm such a new grad, but I am definitely enjoying work, enjoying the challenge, enjoying the fun cases, and struggling with the difficult cases/clients: but overall enjoying things. I think the job market now is significantly better than 4-5 years ago: very few people I know had difficulty finding a job if they wanted it, and most of us had multiple options. I continue to get cold calls pretty regularly from people looking for a vet. Obviously, the salaryebt issue is out there and you know all about that - but the job market itself isn't bad as far as finding a job. When I started vet school, it was still coming out of the horrible job market and people were telling me "Ehh..... you probably won't be able to find a job in the metro area. It's too saturated. You're going to have to move." The reverse has been true: I had multiple options that would not have required me to move. Maybe in 4 years when you would graduate it will flip back the other direction - I don't know. But at least for the moment it's not bad.

 

[Lupin21]

Is this just a bout of Imposter syndrome? I mean, you've spent 5 years working towards this, and starting at 24 is still very young, IMO. Depending on the area you will be looking for a job after you finish, I don't believe that getting a part time in a clinic that doesn't do emergency hours would be as difficult as you are making it out to be. Now as far as pay, sure, part time is going to mean you are getting even less return on the investment that is vet school, but if your partner is working in a good paying job, you will still be making living especially since there won't be children involved. I suppose the burden of debt is the biggest thing in my mind to focus on with your partner.

The question for you is what exactly would you do if you do decide to give up the seat? Are you truly going to be ok with letting it go and then not get bitter a bit down the road when you are doing whatever it is you decide to fall back on? I would think that would also put a strain on your relationship if you can't stop thinking that a mistake was made and you should have gone for it.

So many factors here that you just have to set aside the fears you have in changing up your life so drastically, and try to figure out exactly what it is that is giving you pause. Is it truly that vet medicine is more like a hobby and spending that much time and money on it would actually be a bad life decision? Or are you and your spouse balking now that the time to commit 100% to this and are looking for excuses not to follow through?

One last thought before I post is your last line is somewhat a flag. Have you spent enough time in practice to make sure you understand general practice work? Like LIS said, you definitely don't need an internship to ensure you are giving high quality care. In fact, you would be adding even more to your debt by getting low pay and you definitely wouldn't be a part time intern. Those hours are extremely brutal for that year. I think you might need to be looking a little deeper into your understanding of veterinary medicine to actually come to an informed decision that you will be confident in.

 

[secondthoughts2]

@LetItSnow, please forgive my clumsy words. I absolute didn't mean any offense. I think it is certainly possible for a vet to be 'practice ready' immediately upon graduation, but I also think how likely this is for any given individual depends on 1) where they go/their training and 2) the individual him/herself... Some of us (like me) are interested in surgery, but fear they might need an additional year of practice/at this point feel more comfortable with the thought of extra training/supervised practice. Who knows? Maybe I won't feel like I need it by the time I complete my 3rd year of vet school... I've seen several different types of surgeries in person and also watched several more on Youtube. Most of them are routine and go well, but I've also been present once when things did NOT go well and that was just on a spay... Luckily, it turned out okay because an experienced vet was present and took corrective action, but I think most newbies would have choked... I just want to make sure I'm prepared is all...

Thanks for the insider info too. I wouldn't have guessed that interns may actually not get much surgical experience. It is nice to know that the job market has improved too. The few practicing vets that I know are old timers who already have established jobs/own their own clinic, so aside from what read online, I had no info about the most current situation for a new grad until now, so thanks.

 

[dyachei]

If you are interested in improving animal welfare primarily, there are jobs that include that without the need for a DVM/VMD.

Again, I am NOT interested in working in ‘shortage areas’, food animal practice, lab animal, etc.

Most of those areas don't actually have shortages.

 

[secondthoughts2]

@Lupin21, thank you. I'm glad to hear that the job market isn't as bad as I thought. A part time job in a clinic that doesn't do emergency hours sounds like a wonderful start... I wish I was only 24, lol. I am an older (late 30s person) who had a previously career in the past which I left before I became interested in vet med (that was about 5 years ago). The burden of debt is kind of scary, but since my partner and I have other income, I devote a sizable portion of my income to paying off the debt, so I guess I shouldn't worry so much... It's just that we've worked really hard to be virtually debt free (and finally got to this point save for the mortgage) and now I'm getting ready to borrow an even larger amount this time! It's just stressful to have all the debt hanging out you and now its going to be like that again...

"The question for you is what exactly would you do if you do decide to give up the seat? Are you truly going to be ok with letting it go and then not get bitter a bit down the road when you are doing whatever it is you decide to fall back on? I would think that would also put a strain on your relationship if you can't stop thinking that a mistake was made and you should have gone for it."

Believe me, I worry about this a lot... I guess I just need to think about it more.

"Have you spent enough time in practice to make sure you understand general practice work?"

Well, probably enough time in terms of hours, but my clinical experiences were not diverse... I did get a lot of general animal experience at zoos, shelters, etc, but I actually only worked at one private practice vet clinic... The vet there had 25+ years of experience... I overhead a lot of talk (mainly from vet other vet assistants that had worked at other clinics, though)... These gals claimed that most new grads were NOT like our boss... Some of them claimed to have worked at other clinics around new grads and claimed that their clinical and surgical skills were woefully lacking... You are right, though. I haven't even started vet school yet, so I don't know. In any case, I give much more credence to what actual veterinarians such as yourself and LetItSnow have to say on this matter than hearsay I heard at work from assistants... I'm just glad to hear that an internship may not be necessary. I was willing to do one year if it was required to achieve my goals, but I would rather not have to go through this even for a year. I know I could NOT deal with a residency at this point. Anyway, many thanks for your insights.

 

[Lupin21]

@Lupin21, thank you. I'm glad to hear that the job market isn't as bad as I thought. A part time job in a clinic that doesn't do emergency hours sounds like a wonderful start... I wish I was only 24, lol. I am an older (late 30s person) who had a previously career in the past which I left before I became interested in vet med (that was about 5 years ago). The burden of debt is kind of scary, but since my partner and I have other income, I devote a sizable portion of my income to paying off the debt, so I guess I shouldn't worry so much... It's just that we've worked really hard to be virtually debt free (and finally got to this point save for the mortgage) and now I'm getting ready to borrow an even larger amount this time! It's just stressful to have all the debt hanging out you and now its going to be like that again...

"The question for you is what exactly would you do if you do decide to give up the seat? Are you truly going to be ok with letting it go and then not get bitter a bit down the road when you are doing whatever it is you decide to fall back on? I would think that would also put a strain on your relationship if you can't stop thinking that a mistake was made and you should have gone for it."

Believe me, I worry about this a lot... I guess I just need to think about it more.

"Have you spent enough time in practice to make sure you understand general practice work?"

Well, probably enough time in terms of hours, but my clinical experiences were not diverse... I did get a lot of general animal experience at zoos, shelters, etc, but I actually only worked at one private practice vet clinic... The vet there had 25+ years of experience... I overhead a lot of talk (mainly from vet other vet assistants that had worked at other clinics, though)... These gals claimed that most new grads were NOT like our boss... Some of them claimed to have worked at other clinics around new grads and claimed that their clinical and surgical skills were woefully lacking... You are right, though. I haven't even started vet school yet, so I don't know. In any case, I give much more credence to what actual veterinarians such as yourself and LetItSnow have to say on this matter than hearsay I heard at work from assistants... I'm just glad to hear that an internship may not be necessary. I was willing to do one year if it was required to achieve my goals, but I would rather not have to go through this even for a year. I know I could NOT deal with a residency at this point. Anyway, many thanks for your insights.

I am still a vet student, so my opinion is strictly from that viewpoint. I am also limited in knowing about the job market seeing as you didn't specify where exactly you would be looking. I see plenty of part time job opportunities listed that are stated to be welcoming to new grads, but these areas are generally bigger cities and of course I have no way of knowing if those jobs would actually be an environment that would be suitable for happiness. I may also be biased in knowing some awesome new grads that are quite competent and are learning quickly how to be a great veterinarian without feeling like they needed an internship. Everyone is different. You will probably find no one has the same story and the advice will be based off personal experiences. Also, I am in my early 30's, and LIS is also an older non-traditional that just graduated, so age isn't necessarily a factor.

The debt is the biggest factor in my mind. You are rightfully happy in that you have lived without that burden, and it should be the biggest factor in your final decision in my way of thinking.

 

[secondthoughts2]

@Coquette22, thank you for your honest opinion although I think you misunderstood some of what I wrote (i.e. I never claimed to have a salary requirement)... True, I am only interested in a PT career. You seem to be of the opinion that PT jobs just aren't out there... Others claim that they are... I'm not sure what to believe. I have searched vet jobs (just to see what's out there) and did find mainly FT opportunities, but then again, I haven't even started school yet and really don't know where to look...

Wildlife rehab is a great idea, and I have actually worked at shelter as a volunteer (part of getting my animal experience hours which helped me procure my admission offer to vet school)... I actually do have some interest in shelter medicine, but I'd probably be happier at a non-profit no-kill (or at least a progressive low kill) than the deplorable county place I volunteered at several years ago as part of my vet school application preparation.

 

[Coquette22]

I expect my loan debt to be between $170-220K when I graduate (and that’s assuming the tuition costs don’t see a huge hike over the next four yrs)... My financial concerns involve a fear that IBR will be pulled by the government.

Unfortunately, I am NOT interested in working in areas not suited to my personality or abilities (i.e. not interested in public health, lg animal, etc). Sorry to be inflexible… Well, actually, no I’m not; we’re all different and this stuff just isn’t my cup of tea.

I still can’t see myself working stressful FT+ hrs/wk like many youthful new associates – I have other interests and a partner who I enjoy spending time with…

My ideal job (after possibly finishing an internship) would be PT (30 hrs/wk max) or contract work for a non-profit animal clinic/rescue group/shelter perhaps with PT community college teaching on the side (especially if this would help with loan forgiveness)…

Spay and neuter are very important for animal welfare, of course, but this would also be boring and counter to my own mental welfare if I NEVER did anything else, so I’m hoping a 1 yr rotating internship or 1 year soft tissue will be adequate to prep me for most basic surgeries typically done via non-profits…

You may not want X salary, but part-time with $170,000+ debt requires a certain salary. And maybe you didn't express things properly, but there's a lot of "never" and "not" and you yourself said you were inflexible.

 

[Felixor90]

My vote is for turning down the seat now and at the very least giving yourself more time to think about whether this is what you want. From what I read in your post, there's a high chance you'll be unhappy as a vet with how the profession is now.

 

[secondthoughts2]

@dyachei, yes advocating for animals is very important to me. You are absolutely correct that there are other jobs where I could do this – a DVM isn’t required. I think I need to explore some of these other options. Adocacy is important, but it isn’t enough for me. I am motivated to do something tangible and useful beyond what I’ve already done (i.e. shelter volunteer, public education & animal care assitant at a zoo, vet assistant in a small PP clinic, etc.). I have no doubt that you are correct in stating that supposed ‘shortage areas’ may not have shortages afterall, but my point is that even if those areas did not have shortages, I would not be interested in working in them… If I go to vet school, it will be to work with small animals and/or exotic pets. If I can’t do this in a PT capacity with a low cost/non-profit clinic or organization that will provide the equipment and support staff (if these types of job opportunties just don’t exist or are hard to come by), you’re right, there’s no point in pursuing a DVM…

There seems to be a drive at vet schools right now to push students into public health and large animal… I got a lot of questions related to this during my interviews… Those are fine areas for a person who has certain traits and interests, but, I, personally, am a suburban type lady – not too at home on the farm. Sure, I can get through my large animal rotation in vet school (no doubt about that), but I will be a bit out of my element and would not enjoy making a career of it… Unfortunately, perhaps my interest areas have an even greater ‘excess capacity’ than average (or so I’ve read although some of the info on here gives me hope that opportunities in my areas of interest may not be as hard to come by as I initially feared).

 

[dyachei]

There seems to be a drive at vet schools right now to push students into public health and large animal… I got a lot of questions related to this during my interviews…

that is entirely dependent on the school and was not my experience AT ALL.

The aforementioned techs at the private practice are right - new grads today are not the same as vets from 20+ years ago. I think that's a very good thing. As medicine changes and evolves, so do graduating vets. We know better for some diseases that we used to be unable to treat, etc. Yes, new grads don't have the same experience level but that doesn't mean that they can't be good doctors without an internship.

if you want to do part time, I'm sure you can figure something out. That being said, I don't think the salary will be what you need it to be.

 

[secondthoughts2]

@Felixor90, I think you are very preceptive. Asking for a deferment actually crossed my mind, but I was still on the fence… I think you are correct, though; I should check into my school’s policy and procedure right away. I think I am hessitating because I’m perhaps not 100% sure yet and do have concerns, yet I don't want to pass up this opportunity because I know I will most likely never get another chance. The worst they can say is ‘no’ to my deferrment request, but I should at least try. Asking for a deferment is the best advice I’ve heard so far, so sincere thanks to you.

 

[secondthoughts2]

I want to thank all of you for your input and advise. I will continue to reflect on your words over the next few days as I (hopefully once and for all) make my final decision. I will also do a little more market research, debt analysis, and exploration of alternatives. Thanks again, and goodbye for now.

 

[Kpowell14]

@dyachei If I go to vet school, it will be to work with small animals and/or exotic pets. If I can’t do this in a PT capacity with a low cost/non-profit clinic or organization that will provide the equipment and support staff (if these types of job opportunties just don’t exist or are hard to come by), you’re right, there’s no point in pursuing a DVM…

This comment stood out to me.
Your goals after graduation are very specific. I would suggest asking yourself how you would handle not attaining this goal upon graduation right away if at all. (Not saying it won't happen but in the worst case scenario)

Also, it's important to remember that during vet school people's interests can always change. I came into school with one plan but currently am wanting to go into something else. You may not be flexible now, but with exposure to new things you might find yourself enjoying something else.

With that said, considering how unsure you are, I would definitely look into deferment so that you have time to really think this out. As you know, vet school is a huge financial commitment in the long run. But in the short term, it is also a very emotionally demanding and draining experience. If you only think you are going to be happy in the field under very certain circumstances , I'm sure with time you can think of different careers that you could do without the financial and emotional sacrifices of going to vet school.

 

[WillowLeaf]

If I go to vet school, it will be to work with small animals and/or exotic pets. If I can’t do this in a PT capacity with a low cost/non-profit clinic or organization that will provide the equipment and support staff (if these types of job opportunties just don’t exist or are hard to come by), you’re right, there’s no point in pursuing a DVM…

Wildlife rehab is a great idea, and I have actually worked at shelter as a volunteer (part of getting my animal experience hours which helped me procure my admission offer to vet school)... I actually do have some interest in shelter medicine, but I'd probably be happier at a non-profit no-kill (or at least a progressive low kill) than the deplorable county place I volunteered at several years ago as part of my vet school application preparation.

I agree with previous advice that this sounds like a very specific goal to have. If you get the deferment, I'd suggest trying to talk to more shelter vets and see what their experience has been like. How hard was it for them to find a job in a shelter? Did they have options and get to pick a shelter they really like, or are the jobs limited enough that you might not get to be choosy about which shelter you work at? Reading your posts, I'm concerned that you might not be happy if you were unable to pick your ideal job and had to work in a more financially limited county shelter, or if you had to work in general practice or another branch of vet med. Vet school is a big investment to make if you might or might not like the career options you end up with, so I think you need to consider how flexible you would be willing to be if you find that you can't get your ideal job after graduation, and get more information about the likelihood of getting your ideal job.

the salaryebt issue

I appreciate that SDN is commenting on the salary to debt issue by making the : d into ...

 

[Minnerbelle]

Just so you know, PSLF is only available if you make 120 qualifying payments on IBR or PAYE while you work FULL TIME at a qualifying nonprofit.

So you can't just adjunct teach at a community college or just substitute teach at a high school part time and reap the benefits.

(Also, I'm kind of skeptical that PSLF will continue to exist without restrictions once the government starts to forgive the first wave of borrowers in 2017... and they realize this might cause a budgetary issue).


It's really difficult for anyone else to say whether it will be worth it for you or not, but something to also consider is your partner. If this is already causing some tension... it may be a bad bad sign. Divorce is not uncommon with vet students.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Oh, and like others have mentioned, you don't need an internship to do surgeries other than spay/neuters. I'm not internship trained and I feel quite comfortable doing enucleations and amputations. I was doing enterotomies and intestinal resections even as a student.

 

[Trilt]

Oh, and like others have mentioned, you don't need an internship to do surgeries other than spay/neuters. I'm not internship trained and I feel quite comfortable doing enucleations and amputations. I was doing enterotomies and intestinal resections even as a student.

Just emphasizing this point. How surgically confident you feel coming out of vet school is really going to depend on the opportunities you seek out and take, not really your school's teachings. Seek outside opportunities and be proactive with what you can get at your school, and you can definitely graduate as a competent surgeon without internship training.

 

[jmo1012]

On the topic of internships, youd have no reason to know this, but a surgical internship comes after a rotating internship, and is completed to make oneself more competitive for a surgery residency. Additionally, many internship programs are not designed to give the intern much surgical experience (outside of assisting and doing the report), but there are definitely programs that are more gp/private practice geared that you would potentially get a lot of experience. The key would be to investigate that by asking current interns when you go to apply (there's also a check box on the match program website for each program in that category). Like I said, I wouldn't expect you to know all of this, but I thought I'd share it just for clarification

 

[DVMDream]

Words, words, words.

Umm, good luck with a PT vet gig in exactly what you want to do making exactly the proper amount of money to comfortably pay your loans. It is basically like dreaming about winning a small lottery, possible but not likely.

And agreed on the surgery stuff. I have done intestinal resection/anastamosis, splenecotmy, gastrotomy, gastropexy, spay, neuter, jejunotomy, and liver biopsies. I am only a fourth year vet student. You don't need an internship after graduation to get experience in surgery.

 

[Gemgrrrl]

@secondthoughts2 - All of the things you've mentioned, the debt, finding a job, what the government is going to do, how things are going to turn out with our SO... It's stuff we all worry about. There are no guarantees with most of it. No one is guaranteed a job they love after graduation, no matter what they're pursuing. No one is guaranteed a certain income. There's no guarantee that things will work out with your SO, or that certain payment options will be available in 4 years. There's no guarantee that your house won't catch on fire, or that you won't get hit by lightening when you walk out the door.

When you think about it, there are actually very few things in life that we can control. Of all the things you listed that are worrying you right now, the only thing you can really control is whether or not you will take out the debt necessary to attend the school you were accepted to. The rest of it, you really have to let go of, because no one can promise you any of those things. No matter if you were a vet or not.

The financial stuff is a big deal. Honestly, you're not going to be able to pay back $170K working part-time. I personally wouldn't take on that much debt counting on loan forgiveness or IBR. Those are last ditch, worst-case options. Not first line. Otherwise, I feel like you might just be having a huge case of cold feet. I

 

[Jonah93]

@secondthoughts2 - All of the things you've mentioned, the debt, finding a job, what the government is going to do, how things are going to turn out with our SO... It's stuff we all worry about. There are no guarantees with most of it. No one is guaranteed a job they love after graduation, no matter what they're pursuing. No one is guaranteed a certain income. There's no guarantee that things will work out with your SO, or that certain payment options will be available in 4 years. There's no guarantee that your house won't catch on fire, or that you won't get hit by lightening when you walk out the door.

When you think about it, there are actually very few things in life that we can control. Of all the things you listed that are worrying you right now, the only thing you can really control is whether or not you will take out the debt necessary to attend the school you were accepted to. The rest of it, you really have to let go of, because no one can promise you any of those things. No matter if you were a vet or not.

The financial stuff is a big deal. Honestly, you're not going to be able to pay back $170K working part-time. I personally wouldn't take on that much debt counting on loan forgiveness or IBR. Those are last ditch, worst-case options. Not first line. Otherwise, I feel like you might just be having a huge case of cold feet. I

@secondthoughts2 I strongly agree with Gemgrrrl's response.

 

[TXvet]

I do think you have to consider age as a big factor. I am in my early 40s and I can tell you that I cannot work the long hours anymore. I just don't have the energy I use to and the same goes for my friends that are my age. Plus, it is time to start thinking about retirement -well you should always think about it but I am starting to realize that it really isn't that far off. I personally want to be part time by 50 (will be in practice 25 years at that point). Good luck with your decision.

 

[JHerriot14]

Didn't read the whole thing. The overall picture I got was: want to save the world, work minimal hours and get paid well for it. Sorry to be blunt but you're dreaming.