Wednesday Wisdom

As we really get into the swing of the most unique semester of veterinary school, I would like to share some words of wisdom delivered by our very own National SAVMA President, Mrs. Marie Bucko!  A helpful reminder that no matter what stage of life you are moving into, taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing is of utmost importance:

WOW – is this really happening? Who would have thought we'd be heading into a new academic year amidst a pandemic during vet school?! Whether you are carrying out didactics or clinics – it's a new season and I hope you can take a moment to pause and soak this in. Look what you have accomplished just by being in veterinary medical school!

This semester is unlike any other and how you move through it is entirely up to YOU. Life can present us with a lot of distractions (cough…pandemic…cough), but you are the captain of YOUR vet school journey.  Meaning, do you, friend.  Sure you may find yourself questioning your study habits ("am I doing enough?" or "should I be studying like they are?"), you may play that comparison game or struggle to find a school-life balance-it happens to so many of us.  But I'm here to tell you – YOU ARE DOING THIS RIGHT. Read that again. Stay focused on what works for you even if you have to discover that through trial and error (it's ok to give yourself permission to make mistakes).

We all move through vet school in our own way – focus on you, unapologetically.  Take that extra 15-minute break, or heck take that day off if that's what you think you need.  Vet school is a marathon! It can get very tiring in many ways. In flights (remember those big aluminum tubes that bring us to world-wide destinations), they tell you to put your air mask on first before you can help others. If you meet your needs first, everything around you will then get your best self. That's how we make this world a better place.

I'll leave you with a quote shared with me on my 1^st day of vet school: "Don't let your education get in the way of your learning".  You are in that seat for a reason and gosh, our profession is so fortunate to have you.  I'm here for you & our SAVMA is here for you.  You got this friend-don't forget that. *fist bump*
-MB

Thank you for always lifting us higher Marie!

Best Advice Essay Contest (Again)

Here's the submission from the runner-up in the SAVMA Education, Licensure and Professional Development Committee's Best Advice Essay Contest. This is some good advice to remember as February 14th is coming up soon.

“Don’t date any professors-or clinicians-or residents-or interns-or classmates”

By: Jacqueline Devoto

University of Tennessee, Class of 2013

Prior to beginning veterinary school, I worked at an eight doctor small animal practice in west Tennessee. Like most southern veterinarians—and I can say this because I’m an aspiring-veterinarian from the south—each one thought their way was the right way and wanted to everyone to hear about it. Don’t misunderstand me—they are an amazing team who compliment each other superbly, each with their own, unique style and methodology. However, one piece of advice I received was unanimous across the board, which truly was a miracle in itself; and this is why I find it necessary to share it with you all today.

Click to read more ...

Best Advice Essay Contest Winner

Earlier this year SAVMA's Education, Licensure and Professional Development Committee held a contest where you sent in the best advice you have received on how to get through vet school. Below we have the entry by the winner of the contest. Just remember the advice she received as the first round of spring midterms comes around the corner.

"Your Career is Not Your Life"

By: Heather Burrowes

Cornell University, Class of 2012

I clearly remember that summer before my senior year of college—peak vet school application season. I was working in overdrive, trying desperately to impress admissions committees in the final stretch before applications were due. By day I spent hours writing essays and collecting transcripts; by night I immersed myself in veterinary life, moonlighting as an assistant at a nearby emergency clinic. I was convinced that there was some magic formula to get into vet school and I was going to ensure that every variable reached its maximum potential before plugging it in to the great VMCAS application machine.

Weeks went by and I finally got around to requesting the all-important Letters of Recommendation from assorted doctors and professors. Signed, sealed and shipped off to the appropriate address, most of the letters were fairly straightforward, except for one.

Click to read more ...

Best Advice Essay Contest

Here's a shot at some free money and a chance to put your thoughts into words. SAVMA's Education and Professional Development Committee presents the Best Advice Essay Contest 2010.

The question is: "What is the best piece of advice you have gathered from a mentor/teacher for getting through veterinary school, the profession, or clinics and why?"

These essays should be no longer than 500 words and we are looking for:
- a brief synopsis of when and how the advice was given
- who gave you the advice
- how it has affected you in your veterinary career

In addition, please provide us with a title that either summarizes the advice or is the advice itself.

The winner will receive $100 and the runner-up will receive $50. Your submission will also be published here on The Vet Gazette. 

Best Advice Essays should be submitted electronically to joannemh@vt.edu by Monday, October 25^th, 2010.  Submissions will be reviewed by the EPDC and announced before the end of the fall semester.

Please be sure to include you name, email address, and school on your submission, and have “EPDC Best Advice” in the subject heading.

Any questions can be directed to joannemh@vt.edu.

Thanks for participating!