Pre-veterinary medicine?

Question
Hello. Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. Now, I am a sophomore in college and trying to decide what I am going to do with my future. I love the idea of being a veterinarian and have throughly researched what it entails. I have been speaking with several veterinarians. I am aware of the debt to income ratio that veterinarians face, the long hours, issue that can arise with clients, and the possibility of having trouble finding a job when I graduate. However, after knowing all of this, I am still very attracted to the idea of becoming a veterinarian. I want to be able to have a great family life one day, and I feel that I can really work hard to balance my work and family life. I guess what I am asking is if you recommend becoming a veterinarian. I have talked to some veterinarians who say that the majority of veterinarians are unsatisfied with their jobs. I just really do not want to put all of my heart into something to have it not work out!

Thanks!

Answer
You are right that many veterinarians are not happy. However, most holistically trained veterinarians who have truly adopted the integrative approach and keep working on their own growth and happiness (email me at Healthyanimals@aol.com to get a copy of talks I've given on this) are happy and fulfilled with their practices and often practice till they die of old age because they love the work so much. They do not make a lot of money, though, so student can certainly be an issue.

There used to be (and I think still are) programs you can find that will pay most of your veterinary school expenses if you work on an Indian Reservation, or abroad, or in public heath, , etc, for a few years. There may even be shelters, humane society, etc., who would help. Just put the word out.

If you can see having an interest in holistic approaches (email me where you live and I'll send names of some nice holistic vets) you can put your whole heart into it. contact the Holistic chapters of the AVHMA.org. these are excited students who are pursuing the wide range of holistic approaches while in conventional vet school. Western - in LA - allows you to do holistic internships.

I have been a holistic veterinarian for 30 years and love what I do.

Call or email for more conversation about this.
Read my general posts here at allexperts to learn about some modalities you can begin learning now.
Dr. christina Chambreau