How to classify my research?

[DickVetPlease]

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So i'm sitting here trying to list all my experiences out for vmcas, but i'm not quite sure about my research experience. Its under the supervision of a PhD, so i guess not technically a "health professional." However, research is definitely a large part of my future plans (applying to one vmd/phd) program, and will probably apply for a couple others at the end of my first year of vet school (if I get in, of course). I've heard that for the most part, research will be counted at vet experience, but i'm just not sure whether that's where I should list it on my VMCAS, or if its simply "employment history."

What do you all think?

 

[GellaBella]

My interpretation of any research done under the supervision of a PhD is that it is counted as veterinary experience. PhD scientists (as opposed to someone who has a PhD in history for example) are health professionals, at least in my opinion, since we can advise on a variety of health issues to MDs, government, industry, etc. The work done under a PhD scientist is similar to research that could be conducted under a DVM or MD, therefore, in my mind, it is relevant and counts as vet experience, particularly if it has some sort of public health (human or animal) aspect to it.

 

[jpeterman13]

I've talked to a few people on the VMCAS forum (http://vmcas.myfreeforum.org/) which is awesome. I have a ton of research experience and didn't know how to classify it. They told me that any research done under a PhD would be veterinary experience (which save my butt!!!!), but I think they said that it needed to involve animals in some way. There was a guy who did a chemistry thesis and it didn't count as veterianry experience, even though it was under a PhD. Long story short, I think it depends on the nature of the research. Go to the forum...it's AWESOME. I've gotten a lot of questions answered there. hope this helps 👍.

 

[bunnity]

Yeah I don't think it counts as vet experience if it's sociology research or something... needs to have some involvement with or relevance to animals.

 

[GellaBella]

Good points, I guess its something I normally assume, even though its an incorrect assumption...I meant a PhD in some sort of biological science...whether its micro, neuro, cell bio, etc. Physics research or chemisitry research wouldn't get counted as vet research since its not the type of research a veterinarian would be participating in

 

[DickVetPlease]

yeah, that makes sense. Even though my research is with drosophila, i'm working on aging genetics, so i think its pretty relevant. Thanks for all the responses.