Two years down, two years to go! After four semesters of
numerous sleepless nights, countless hours in the labs, and more
fast food than a human being should consume, we are finally
upperclassmen! The summertime transition from 2VM to 3VM is an
interesting one. Due to the 12-month curriculum for 4VM clinical
rotations, this is the last, "free" summer many of us will ever
have as students. Some students find enjoyment in sharpening the
knowledge we've acquired over the past couple of years in the
classroom, and look forward to applying it in a clinical or
laboratory setting throughout our break. On the other hand, some of
my classmates cringe at the fact of doing anything vet school
related during our last summer of freedom! Either way, we are all
ecstatic to begin our year of comprehensive medicine courses and
electives!
After a miserable week of six finals in five days, I packed up
and made my way to San Antonio, TX to begin a 10-week internship
program at a high-volume small animal hospital. Although the
thought of relaxing all summer long sounds appealing at first, I
know I would go crazy within a matter of days. Like many in our
profession, I am a sucker for punishment.
Due to a year's worth of pathology, infectious diseases,
parasitology, toxicology, public health, etc., it took a few days
to transition back to the "real-world". After the first few
patients I had seen with my mentor veterinarian, I had to remind
myself that not every patient that comes through the door is going
to have a life-threatening, flesh-eating disease capable of being
transmitted to humans. For the most part, many of the patients I've
seen are very healthy, or only have mild cases of disease or
discomfort. Regardless, it's truly amazing what sticks with you
from the classroom. From time to time, all of us think, "there is
no way I am ever going to remember all of this material!"
Surprisingly enough, a lot of it starts coming together even after
just two, short years! For all of the aspiring vet students out
there shadowing and volunteering at your respective clinics, always
remember that common things happen commonly, so if you hear hooves,
think horses, not zebra.
Finally, and most importantly, I have the privilege of marrying
the woman of my dreams, next month! I cannot wait to spend the rest
of my life with my best friend. I love you, Brianne!