Specialty Medicine & declaring an interest on apps...

[lbecktell]

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Hi there,

I am currently going through my pre-reqs as a returning adult student. I also work 40 hrs a week (overnights) as a veterinary assistant at the local veterinary specialists and emergency services clinic. It's been an amazing learning experience so far, and I've found I have a deep interest in the internal medicine specialty.

Since I'm not very familiar with the application process (I'm still a year or so away from having to do it), can anyone shed some light on what people mean when they say you have to indicate a focus when you apply to schools? Does this apply to all schools? While the internal medicine specialty is intriguing to me, I have not ruled out a public health or research focus. I have also heard that there is a far smaller chance of being accepted to school when you desire to do small animal GP. I am not particularly interested in that, but am concerned that internal medicine may fall in that realm for application purposes.

Thanks for any help you can provide,

Lili B.

 

[Fly Racing]

You don't have to indicate a focus. I've actually received a decent amount of negativity because my application indicates I want to do equine. It's amazing how many people (that don't know me) say I'll probably change my mind.

 

[lbecktell]

You don't have to indicate a focus. I've actually received a decent amount of negativity because my application indicates I want to do equine. It's amazing how many people (that don't know me) say I'll probably change my mind.

That's good to know, thanks. Anyway, if you change your mind...so what? That's your biz. I wish you the best.

 

[NStarz]

I would actually be more reluctant to mention that you are positive you want to go into a specialty.

 

[twelvetigers]

I changed my mind and am planing to do nothing like what I talked about in my app. I mentioned it because it kinda tied in with what all I was talking about.

You don't have to mention it, and if you do mention it (because it is somehow relevant) then you aren't tied to it either.

 

[Fly Racing]

That's good to know, thanks. Anyway, if you change your mind...so what? That's your biz. I wish you the best.

I think that is one of the great things about a DVM degree. You can do so many things throughout a career.

 

[Escalla]

If it's relevant to your past and ties in with your story, then I don't see why you shouldn't include it.

I think it's perfectly acceptable to express an interest in a certain area. But perhaps including that you have an open mind and are excited to explore other areas as well would be beneficial.

I believe if you set a hard line and are unwilling to consider other possibilities....that is when it can negatively impact your application.

 

[lbecktell]

If it's relevant to your past and ties in with your story, then I don't see why you shouldn't include it.

I think it's perfectly acceptable to express an interest in a certain area. But perhaps including that you have an open mind and are excited to explore other areas as well would be beneficial.

I believe if you set a hard line and are unwilling to consider other possibilities....that is when it can negatively impact your application.

Fantastic. I am certainly open to many other possibilities, and will make that clear in my applications. There's so much to see and learn for me about this field still. Thanks!

 

[503372]

.

 

[that redhead]

It's amazing how many people (that don't know me) say I'll probably change my mind.

I think everyone hears this no matter the circumstances. As someone who hasn't changed their mind since starting, I know it can be frustrating. Just smile and nod 😉

 

[deleted498041]

I mentioned what I wanted to specialize in and what subspecialty I wanted as well. Never saw anything negative as a result.

 

[pooter]

IME, for the purposes of applications, schools will try to classify you by intended major (SA, equine, food animal, ect.) on the supplemental applications, though whether they ask and how they phrase it varies from school to school. Can't remember whether there's some version of this question on the VMCAS, but since I'm now old and practically graduated, the VMCAS might be a different beast than the one I filled out. As others have said, people can and do change their minds. I can't remember ever being asked specifically about a specialty, but many interviews include some version of "where do you see yourself in ten years?" That would be your opportunity to wax poetical about internal medicine. You might also choose to talk about the development of your interest in your personal statement; IMO, just being able to talk about a particular specialty, what you love about it, and why you think you'll be good at it puts you a few steps ahead of the game and helps you start to differentiate yourself from the "I just <3 animals!" pack. So, yeah, I don't think it's wrong to talk about it, so long as you (1) talk about it intelligently and (2) don't frame it as the *only* thing that you're interested in. Talk up that public health and/or research angle too--it certainly can't hurt.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Just to reinforce what is said…

You actually should mention your interest in a PS because it helps to explain how you got to this point, otherwise you come across generic.

But you shouldn't sound rigid and inflexible, because that reflects both poorly on you, and your lack of understanding how so many people change during vet school.

As for you @Fly Racing , stop feeling so defensive about it… the fact is, equine specifically is particularly tough these days, and I would say well-over 1/2 the "no doubt, 100% equine" people as 1st years have converted to SA for practical reasons. Maybe you won't be one of those, but I can guarantee you, no one would have thought those people would change either when they came in. You need to recognize the reality and not take it as criticism.

 

[beatles1964]

IME, for the purposes of applications, schools will try to classify you by intended major (SA, equine, food animal, ect.) on the supplemental applications, though whether they ask and how they phrase it varies from school to school.

I applied and was accepted this application cycle and I don't recall there being any part of VMCAS that asks you to indicate your focus. But like Pooter said, many of the supplemental applications for each individual school ask you to indicate your "intended" focus because they know this may change. It's usually small animal, large animal, mixed animal, equine, exotics, food animal, research, emergency, etc. From my experiences with interviews, they usually ask where you see yourself in the future or if there is an area of vet med that interests you. I also think some schools schedule interviews based on your intended focus so they group like applicants together....all the SA people, LA people, etc.

You actually should mention your interest in a PS because it helps to explain how you got to this point, otherwise you come across generic. But you shouldn't sound rigid and inflexible, because that reflects both poorly on you, and your lack of understanding how so many people change during vet school.

This is a great point as well. The PS is a great way to explain your experiences and why you feel drawn to a particular area of vet med.

One last point...if you really don't feel comfortable telling schools during interviews or in your PS what your planned focus is, because you simply aren't entirely sure you want to sound committed to one area, you can always mention the areas you know you aren't interested in and why you've come to that decision.

 

[Foxhunter]

As for you @Fly Racing , stop feeling so defensive about it… the fact is, equine specifically is particularly tough these days, and I would say well-over 1/2 the "no doubt, 100% equine" people as 1st years have converted to SA for practical reasons. Maybe you won't be one of those, but I can guarantee you, no one would have thought those people would change either when they came in. You need to recognize the reality and not take it as criticism.

This. I keep coming back to equine as what I want to do, even though I recognize it's probably the worst career choice I could make with my degree (as far as hours and compensation go). I've met many people who were hardcore equine 4th year students and now for practical reasons (marriage, inability to make loan payments, etc) are doing small animal medicine and shadowing equine at the LA hospital here when they have free time.