Veterinary Experience Relevant in Application?

[skarma]

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Hey SDN :]

So for a while, I shadowed a vet because I was considering being a vet a couple years ago, which I came to realize was not for me. However, I went on a trip to Latin America where I worked a bit with the pre-med students, but mostly with the pre-vet students performing neuter/spay surgeries on cats and dogs. I believe this would be relevant experience, considering I did my own surgeries (cutting, fixing, and suturing up), but does it look unfavorable to mention experience in another field? Also I have worked at a zoo. Animals are just something I really love, just not something I want to devote my life to. (I also have good ECs with people, so no worries there.)

Happy Holidays!

 

[RG73]

It was clinical experience (just not with people), it shows you are caring person, and that is just awesome that you got to do procedures (again, regardless of species). It can't be anything but a positive IMO. I mean the only question I can see is why people instead of animals?

I did work work with a feral cat organization for over two years and included that on my apps. I don't have interviews until next month, so all I can tell you is that at least it doesn't seem to hurt insofar as getting interviews. So yeah, include this, it sounds like great experience.

 

[skarma]

I did work work with a feral cat organization for over two years

Aw, that's awesome!😳

 

[Cybii]

Hey SDN :]

So for a while, I shadowed a vet because I was considering being a vet a couple years ago, which I came to realize was not for me. However, I went on a trip to Latin America where I worked a bit with the pre-med students, but mostly with the pre-vet students performing neuter/spay surgeries on cats and dogs. I believe this would be relevant experience, considering I did my own surgeries (cutting, fixing, and suturing up), but does it look unfavorable to mention experience in another field? Also I have worked at a zoo. Animals are just something I really love, just not something I want to devote my life to. (I also have good ECs with people, so no worries there.)

Happy Holidays!

I think you should mention your experience. Not only will it show that you have some familiarity with surgical techniques and that you care about all living things (not just humans), but it will show that you looked into other professions but decided to be devoted to (human) medicine instead. It would be great to back up your vet experience with shadowing a physician to really affirm that you want to go into human medicine.

 

[JaggerPlate]

It's a good EC. Just because it isn't completely for pre-meds, doesn't mean it isn't as good in any respect. It's actually more unique, will stand out better, give you something cool to discuss at interviews, and shows you are dedicated, compassionate, etc. Include it! 👍

 

[Biology101]

Hey SDN :]

So for a while, I shadowed a vet because I was considering being a vet a couple years ago, which I came to realize was not for me. However, I went on a trip to Latin America where I worked a bit with the pre-med students, but mostly with the pre-vet students performing neuter/spay surgeries on cats and dogs. I believe this would be relevant experience, considering I did my own surgeries (cutting, fixing, and suturing up), but does it look unfavorable to mention experience in another field? Also I have worked at a zoo. Animals are just something I really love, just not something I want to devote my life to. (I also have good ECs with people, so no worries there.)

Happy Holidays!

I was an intern at the Brookfield Zoo (amazing summer). What is important is what you learned there, not that it was not medical. I mean you learn about veterinary procedures, some of which are very similar, and if the procedures aren't, the equipment usually is.

Highlight the skills you learned.

 

[CPNDR227]

I put it down on my app. I volunteer at a local animal shelter with the spays and neuters as well. I figured if they see it in an open file interview it will give us something interesting to talk about instead of the usual volunteer places. Under employment I also listed the vets I used to work for. I also was a pre-vet that switched to premed.

 

[marshds]

I worked in a serology and micro lab at a vet school for a couple of years in undergrad, I also explored the profession. I included it on my app, I think it made for some variety in my ECs. Keep it in your app, it sounds like some great experience.

 

[lastcall]

OP, I worked with a physician who attended UC Davis' veterinary program for 2 years before he realized that he was more interested in human medicine. He ended up applying to med school and was accepted to UC Davis' med school. Having a previous matriculation in a vet program did not hurt him because he was able to thoroughly explain why he switched careers mid-way through his professional education.
So, I don't think your previous clinical experiences with animals will hurt your chances. Like the others have already mentioned, it sounds like an interesting experience!

 

[PoorTimmyTucker]

I would not recommend saying it unless you have plenty of human medicine experience! I started out as pre-vet when I entered college and changed fairly quickly in my sophomore year. Even though I had a decent amount of human experience an interviewer was convinced that I was only applying to medical schools because I didnt get into vet school. I didnt even apply to a single vet school!