Pathways through Veterinary School Dr. Victoria (Tory) Hampshire, VMD [email protected].

Pathways through Veterinary School

Dr. Victoria (Tory) Hampshire, VMD

[email protected]

Why are you interested in Vet School?

Common answers I love animals but not so much so people I want to make as much money as doctors but not

taking care of people Veterinarians are generally well liked and I want to be

liked. I love math and science I like drugs I love the outdoors I’m ambitious and I like clawing my way to the top

What kinds of questions should you ask yourself?

Am I flexible? Can I make decisions without a lot of help? Can I live with the concept that sometimes it’s

not in the book? Can I forgive myself for unintentional mistakes

and move on? Can I talk with ease to people who own pets? Do I work well in a team Am I interested in public health?

Getting There Will Hard Work Self sufficiency An appreciation and love of society Can you put in long hours for at least the first part of your

20s and 30s? Competitive grades GREs Related work experience; don’t be afraid to start at the

bottom if you have not already If you are in a position to get a job as husbandry or

technical staff at the school of interest, do so

AAVMC

What does it cost?

About $130,000.00 in education feesLiving expensesBooks

Paying for a Veterinary Education

PHEAStaffordPLUSGET IN FIRST AND THEN TALK TO THE

FINANCIAL AID OFFICER AT THE SCHOOL

What’s it like when you are in?

First year mostly repeat advanced science classes and begin anatomy and physiology, histology, pathology and parasitology

Second and third years more clinicalFourth year the real deal.

The clinics

Choices when finished the 4 years

Internship to ResidencyDirect to private practice Internship to residency to academiaAny combination of the above to

government or military

Advantages and disadvantages

Hot AreasPublic Health

Food safety and biosecurityZoonotic diseasesHIVRegulatory

Food and drugsFish and wildlifeEnvironmental safety

Large Animal***

Community family-owned (recommend you have business training.

SALARIES

HOW MUCH IS THAT A MONTH AND WHAT ELSE DO YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR?

-About 6600 before taxes or $5500 after taxes depending on what your spouse also earns

-Housing; 2-3K/month

-Car and Ins. About $600/mo

-Groceries $200/person/mo

-Utilities $500-800/month including cell

-School Loans $800-1300/month

New ways to worry less

USDA loansUSPHSNIHArmy and Airforce

http://www.lrp.nih.gov/

ACTIVE VETERINARY CORPS BENEFITS Veterinarians who choose the Active Army are eligible for a wide

range of benefits. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package that includes a competitive salary, you'll be an Officer, eligible to receive incentives such as veterinary school loan repayment and special pay bonuses. You will receive low-cost or no-cost medical, dental and life insurance, generous retirement plan options, housing allowances and 30 days of paid vacation earned annually. Perhaps most importantly, you can take advantage of reasonable work-life balance that provides plenty of time for family and recreational pursuits.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (HPSP) Earn a full-tuition scholarship to complete your D.V.M. or V.M.D. at

the accredited program of your choice. You'll also receive money for academic fees and a monthly stipend of more than $2,000. After graduation, you'll be commissioned as a captain in the Veterinary Corps.

USPHS

Take home messages This is a great profession for its diversity. If you don’t like what you choose in the way

of work, change again to another subspecialty. Don’t lock yourself into a contract if you don’t absolutely love what you are doing For new parents it can be tough; weekends, on call, etc. You need a good support

structure to do it with kids. This adds to costs early in your career at a time when you are biologically programmed to have children and face loan repayment.

Don’t be put off by repayment opportunities; the time goes fast and you can usually moonlight in approved outside activities

You will work with people as much as animals You will struggle financially in the beginning of your career but there is good job

growth and a relatively comfortable next 10 years if you are careful not to accrue additional unreasonable debt. You are encouraged to carefully track expenses.

You will only have boring days if you allow them to be boring. You will often get dirty but there is soap and water! You will often work beyond normal work hours but it will come back to you in

gratuity. .although not so much so now as before (evolution of emergency critical care centers)

You will generally receive admiration from friends, family and most all, your furred, feathered, and hooved friends!

Thank you