Interesting. I would agree with
@kcoughli that we never received any form instruction re: the application process for advanced training (or the pros/cons associated with GP vs. specialization). We did have a careers class first year that exposed us to various options within the field- but these talks were informal, and mostly focused on the role/function of the practitioner versus the training route (although this was touched upon as well). Most of my graduating class entered GP. There was a hefty number (I believe around 30%) that chose the training route, but I have many colleagues who are happy with their choice at this stage to decide against it. GPs can do very well financially, depending on the market and demographic served by the practice. Many of my faculty in veterinary school actively praised GPs, arguing that it's one of the toughest jobs to do well in vet med, and often doesn't get the respect it deserves- particularly from folks in the ivory tower. Some didn't, of course, and were disappointed when high performing classmates decided against advanced training. I would caution you re: your opinions on salary. Yes, boarded specialists tend to earn more after training is concluded/boards secured, but there is lost income during the training years (as you mention), and salary has a lot to do with the environment in which you choose to work. Academic institutions (veterinary schools) have a difficult time recruiting/retaining faculty for a few reasons- 1) the salary is appreciably lower than what this individual could command in private practice, 2) some folks just don't want to teach students, 3) the expectations for research/institutional service depending on where you end up. Back in the day, veterinary schools were the bastion of top quality medicine. That's no longer the case. My veterinary school competed with other tertiary care facilities in the vicinity that had access to much of the technology the school could offer (i.e. advanced imaging, radiotherapy, etc.). My point is that you won't be 'banking it' as a faculty member in academia- even a boarded specialist. Remember as well that your actual role in direct patient care decreases as you move up the training ladder (unless, I'd argue, you're a surgeon). The likelihood of doing 'more cool things in medicine' (as you suggest) must necessarily focus on the brain work associated with vet med and not the practical skills. Perhaps in private practice tertiary care the boarded medicine folks do complete more direct patient care tasks (I actually don't know- never worked in one), but I'd hazard a guess that much of that practical work will be completed by the techs. Just some food for thought. I was surprised how many of my colleagues in vet school changed their mind about specializing in fourth year. Many of them became frustrated by the lack of traction with clients (i.e. on IM, we can save your dog, but it's gonna cost you $10K on the low end; or in neuro, well, we can help you figure out what's happening but the MRI will run you at least $3K), or were just flat out done with school. I myself would not be pushing folks to enter advanced training unless they really wanted to practice medicine in the specialty of choice. I entered vet school completely committed to my current field. If I had entered with a more general interest, I highly doubt that I would have pursued advanced training. The number of training positions can fluctuate from year to year, but not by very much (if you're interested, you can track these changes via VIRMP- the lion's share of the data is captured there). If more folks decide to go the training route, the competition for those limited positions will only increase further. As someone who survived a very rough application cycle, I don't wish the process on any of my colleagues. My personal experience with it was awful.
Not my goal to deter you from advanced training, just a few things that came to mind while I was reading your post. Best of success in school, and the choice you make re: practice environment moving forward. Regarding loans, I am officially registered as a 'student' at my residency institution. As such, I qualify for loan deferment for the duration of my training program. You are correct, however, in mentioning that these loans accrue interest throughout. You certainly have the option to pay on them as you see fit throughout training (at least here).
