Hi,
I've worked in wildlife research for 15 years (as a tech, ED of a non profit, gov bio), and I am making the switch into medicine (of some variety). I'm 39, and my partner and I are trying to have a child, and I have some practical decisions to make.
I applied to human medicine 2 x, and just missed a spot. I have a spot in Vet Med. My third option is a 20 month nursing program (I would have to apply this fall). My drive was to MD - but I think my odds are slim for another round of applications.
I am considering nursing primarily because it would provide a good lifestyle (school is finished quickly in a location I would enjoy, I can work anywhere, money is good). Also, I am wondering if I would ultimately be more interested working with people. I've worked in a sexual health clinic, and love it. I've volunteered in long term care, but I can't picture myself there every day.
I enjoy working with animals, and really enjoy wildlife work. Unfortunately, I live in a small town, which I love, and there is no room for a new vet here. I would have to move. Also, the school is much longer, and in a part of the country I will not enjoy. However, the vet med curriculum is more interesting to me than the nursing program, and I suspect I would find the breadth of practice in vet med more interesting. I am somewhat concerned that i would feel like treating cats and dogs won't feel as "meaningful" as being involved directly in human medicine.
Are there any folks out there that considered DVM, MD or RN, and went one way or the other? As a vet do you get as much joy from helping people, as helping animals? Any other advice? Anyone take a year off to have a baby in vet school? Was it hell?
Thanks for your assistance, it's greatly appreciated. p.s. I'm in Canada.
I've worked in wildlife research for 15 years (as a tech, ED of a non profit, gov bio), and I am making the switch into medicine (of some variety). I'm 39, and my partner and I are trying to have a child, and I have some practical decisions to make.
I applied to human medicine 2 x, and just missed a spot. I have a spot in Vet Med. My third option is a 20 month nursing program (I would have to apply this fall). My drive was to MD - but I think my odds are slim for another round of applications.
I am considering nursing primarily because it would provide a good lifestyle (school is finished quickly in a location I would enjoy, I can work anywhere, money is good). Also, I am wondering if I would ultimately be more interested working with people. I've worked in a sexual health clinic, and love it. I've volunteered in long term care, but I can't picture myself there every day.
I enjoy working with animals, and really enjoy wildlife work. Unfortunately, I live in a small town, which I love, and there is no room for a new vet here. I would have to move. Also, the school is much longer, and in a part of the country I will not enjoy. However, the vet med curriculum is more interesting to me than the nursing program, and I suspect I would find the breadth of practice in vet med more interesting. I am somewhat concerned that i would feel like treating cats and dogs won't feel as "meaningful" as being involved directly in human medicine.
Are there any folks out there that considered DVM, MD or RN, and went one way or the other? As a vet do you get as much joy from helping people, as helping animals? Any other advice? Anyone take a year off to have a baby in vet school? Was it hell?
Thanks for your assistance, it's greatly appreciated. p.s. I'm in Canada.