Ecology as a vet?

[autumnmuse]

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I am fascinated with ecosystems and life cycles and species interaction/symbiosis. I actually write science fiction stories that often include alien ecosystems and symbioses and convoluted life cycles because I love them so much.

Is there any type of veterinary work that utilizes those aspects of ecology? The unfortunate part is that while I think rainforests/jungles have the coolest ecosystems, I cannot ask my husband and three children to move there with me so I can hang out and study them 😳. And while I live in Colorado and think that the environment here is interesting, it just doesn't spark for me in the way more moist climates do.

Since I'm looking into becoming a veterinarian I wondered if there was any type of job where the two disciplines intersect in a cool way? I haven't even started undergrad yet so the world is my oyster and I want to investigate every possible option.

 

[NittanyKitty]

I'm not sure about which veterinary field would be best for someone with your interests -- maybe something in conservation? -- but there are programs out there to let you do some real work in the rainforest. I know that my mom has worked with Earthwatch Institutes and had some great experiences: http://www.earthwatch.org/

 

[laurafinn]

This may be out of left field, but what came to mind first was being a large animal vet for pasture-based farms (ie, the folks who raise grass-fed beef, sheep and dairy cows). This involves a fair amount of parasitology (species, life cycle, seasonality, effects on host) as well as knowing lots about grasses (species, life cycle, seasonal growth rates, nutritional value) and soil (micronutrient availability). Parasites and pasture growth determine the liveweight gain for farmed animals and as such are important not only for the animal's health, but the farmer's wallet.

I'm not sure how vets work with ranchers and pasture-based farmers in the US; in New Zealand, vets sometimes work as consultants on retainer. Other farmers take a more DIY approach and don't involve a vet.

 

[IvyLynx]

population research and conservation sounds perfect for you

 

[lailanni]

I love that stuff too 🙂

I got my BS in Environmental Science/Forestry, I was originally going to do environmental work until I changed to vet med. Totally possible to major in it while working on your pre-vet requirements.

I'd also agree that population research and conservation might be up your alley.

 

[No Imagination]

If what you really love it ecology, why not go that route.

I;m sure you can find a niche in ecology as a vet, but thats kinda like becoming a carpenter to be a better lumberjack (ok, I pulled that analogy out of my ass), but why work to become a vet, then work to make your new profession fit your dreams when you can take a more direct approach?

 

[autumnmuse]

If what you really love it ecology, why not go that route.

I;m sure you can find a niche in ecology as a vet, but thats kinda like becoming a carpenter to be a better lumberjack (ok, I pulled that analogy out of my ass), but why work to become a vet, then work to make your new profession fit your dreams when you can take a more direct approach?

That's an excellent question and I should have clarified in my OP: I think I would love being a vet, or at the very least interacting with animals on a daily basis. I love the problem-solving aspect of diagnosing, I enjoy the science, and I'm good with people. And part of it is the money. Even a very well paid ecologist makes darn little of it; far less than a vet, and for more school. Also, ecologists typically spend long stretches of time out in the field for research, and I have three young children and a husband and I am not comfortable leaving them behind for that. My health might also prevent me from taking a physically demanding job as an ecologist, when I could still be okay doing examinations of animals in a veterinary setting.

So being a veterinarian is the priority; I just also love ecology and thought it would be worth exploring possible intersections of the two.

Thanks for the responses thus far; I will certainly investigate those options. If anyone can think of more that would be wonderful as well, thanks in advance.