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Practice Partners: A Great Way To Network

By Alyssa H.

Hoping to get a job when you graduate from veterinary school? Yeah, me too. Veterinary students are frequently told about the shortage of veterinarians and the need for new graduates to fill positions in the field, but how does one begin to find these opportunities?

Thankfully, the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) makes that very simple for students.

Practice Partners, a program organized by the Texas A&M Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Chapter, helps connect current veterinary students with job opportunities. Students can find out about participating veterinary practices in several ways, including the monthly Practice Partner Digest email.

Practice Partners also hosts an exhibition in the fall semester, during which veterinary clinics from all around Texas — and beyond — come and speak with current veterinary students. Students have the opportunity to engage with these clinicians and practice managers through both presentations and social events.

This year, 43 organizations from all over the country attended, wanting to speak directly with students about what they have to offer. Whether you are looking for a summer externship, a post-graduation internship, or a full-time job, presenters had it all.

They also provided fun, informal social events for students to attend, including happy hour at restaurants around town and dinner at places like Big Shots, a golf range with virtual games. This provided an opportunity for students and veterinary professionals to interact in a non-academic setting and spend more time getting to know each other.

These informal events are a huge benefit for students because they allow us to get to know our potential colleagues on a personal level. These interactions also create an environment for students to see the culture of the clinic in action, which is a crucial component of deciding where to work. Since connecting with potential co-workers on a professional and personal level is important for job satisfaction, these social events are a great opportunity to see where you’ll best fit in.

Regardless of your year in the veterinary program, Practice Partners is a unique, fun way to build your veterinary network and expose yourself to new and exciting experiences that may result in that coveted job at the end of your degree.

Starting My Second Year Of Vet School

By Abbie

Five women and one man gathered around a large bronze sheep statue outdoors.

Transitioning from working dairy cattle in 100-degree heat to ferociously typing notes on hematopoiesis (the production of blood cells and plasma) can seem like quite a shock as the school year starts. Yet, the room seems to buzz with excitement as we share details of our amazing externships and summer plans.

A few of my classmates just returned from presenting their research in Puerto Rico, while others tell wild stories of treating a rhino in South Africa. When it’s my turn, I get to share the highlights of my internship with the USDA Veterinary Services, which included going to the U.S.-Mexico border for a week and learning the veterinary care involved in importing cattle and horses into the United States.

Eventually, the room settles down as we begin our new classes. The professors congratulate us on surviving Anatomy and Physiology, and we move on to concepts in Public Health, Pathology, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine.

As an officer for Wildlife Disease Association (WDA), my lunch is spent recruiting first-year and graduate students to join during a joint extra-curricular interest meeting with Honeybee Vets, Green Vets, and Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife (ZEW). Texas A&M has a variety of clubs within the veterinary school targeted toward any passion you have — from cows, horses, pigs, and chickens to surgery, ophthalmology, shelter medicine, and business.

Each group hosts monthly meetings with industry veterinarians and semesterly labs to practice unique, hands-on skills. For WDA, I will be organizing our dart gun lab (dart guns are used to anesthetize wildlife so veterinarians can examine the animals) and assisting with the Chronic Wasting Disease Postmortem Sample Collector certification lab.  

Following lunch, lectures resume with Pharmacology, and then my class splits for our electives (courses we choose to take based on our desired veterinary specialties), which for me is Wild Game — my first elective as a veterinary student.

During the fall of our second year, we get to choose two electives. The options include: Wild Game, Introduction to Exotics, Concepts in Herd and Population Management, Research & Discovery, Small Animal Rehabilitation, Veterinary Legislative Advocacy, and VetMed 2030. My second elective, Introduction to Exotics, will be on Thursdays.

When my first day is over at 4 p.m., it is time for a little taste of summer — heading to the pool for a cardio water class!  

Veterinary school has a very rigorous class schedule. Most days, we are in class close to eight hours a day. The rest of my week looks like this: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are split up lectures in the morning, and labs in the afternoon. Thursdays are lectures and electives, and I round out the school week with two labs — Professional Skills then Clinical Skills.

A large crowd of people sitting at tables in a spacious rustic banquet hall.

We typically have tests every Monday and Friday at 8 a.m., but since we don’t have a test on the first week, I get to sleep in a bit, before heading to do the daily tour as a VMBS Ambassador.

After a very eventful first week, I meet my first-year mentee for dinner at ModPizza, checking in to see how she is transitioning at veterinary school and offering advice based on my experience. The second week seems to fly by, as I get back into study mode and spend time in the Clinical Skills Lab practicing suture patterns. On Friday, it’s time to kick back and have a little fun at the Blue on Blue School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences BBQ!

Looking back on myself almost exactly one year ago, I can still feel the nerves of walking into the veterinary school for the very first time as a student. Today, that nervousness is replaced with excitement, knowing that I have grown enormously, both intellectually and personally.  In just a few short weeks, I have learned so many new skills that are each a stepping stone on the way to becoming a veterinarian.

Bustin’ Myths About Pet Ownership In Vet School

By Morgan M.

It’s a common saying in veterinary school that if you don’t start off vet school with a pet, you will graduate with one. Most of us chose this career with a love for animals in mind, so it seems fitting that many of us want to welcome pets into our own homes, if we haven’t already.

After completing my first year of veterinary school, I found myself trying to decide if I could balance owning a dog with my school commitments. After talking to many of my classmates about the pros and cons, I made the leap and adopted a dog. As his first “adoption birthday” approaches, I find myself looking back on the past year and all the benefit pet ownership has added to my life as a veterinary student. For those of you worried about bringing your pet to veterinary school or any current veterinary students considering adding one to your family, I have compiled my personal list of pet ownership in vet school myths.

  • MYTH: Owning a pet while in veterinary school will make me more stressed.

My Experience: Caring for a pet has helped decrease my stress and improved personal balance and time management. Owning a dog has forced me to set aside time every day after class to give him attention and exercise. While this obviously benefits him, it also has forced me to give myself a relaxing “brain break” after a long day of classes (a brain break I did not used to take on my own). 

  • MYTH: It is hard for college students to afford and access veterinary care.

My Experience: High-quality veterinary care is easily accessible to veterinary students. The Texas A&M Small and Large Animal Teaching Hospitals are a short, five-minute walk from our veterinary school and offer primary care services (vaccines, wellness exams, dental cleanings), board-certified specialty care (surgery, radiographs, emergency services), and emerging clinical research trials. In addition, Texas A&M students receive a generous student discount on veterinary services and can schedule their pets for drop-off appointments to fit veterinary care into our busy class schedules.

In addition, students receive discounts on food and other pet products. As Texas A&M students, we are lucky to be supported by a wide variety of veterinary producers. Students can apply for heavily discounted pet food, laboratory tests, supplements, and preventatives. Sponsors at student events, knowing our love for animals, often bring pet-themed giveaways such as leashes, toys, treats, and pet supply coupons.

  • MYTH: I won’t have any time for my pet with the busy class schedule.

My Experience: Scheduled breaks during the day allow students to go home in between classes. All veterinary students have a lunch hour from noon to 1 p.m. Students are welcome to leave campus and have lunch at home with their pets before returning for afternoon classes and labs.

In addition, “vet school pets” get to participate in our veterinary education. The veterinary program at Texas A&M has a strong focus on hands-on-learning, so every semester, there are opportunities for “bring-your-pet-to-lab” days. Friendly, well-behaved pets are invited to join their owners in class and help the students learn about physical exams, dental exams, rehabilitation techniques, and ultrasound, just to name a few!

  • MYTH: If class runs late or I need to leave town for an externship, I won’t have anyone to help take care of my pet.

My Experience: Veterinary school provides an easily accessible support network for pet owners. Before adopting my dog, I was worried about finding care for him if I had to leave town. However, I quickly learned that my class is full of other animal lovers like myself who are willing to help out with pet care if I need assistance. As my third-year classmates and I look forward to our fourth-year clinics, we have already started preparing a group schedule to make sure everyone’s pets will be looked after if their owners pursue educational opportunities outside of College Station.

Every vet student’s vet school experience is different. While for some, pet ownership may add another obligation to an already busy schedule, I personally have no regrets about adopting a dog during veterinary school. Texas A&M provides an accommodating schedule, easily accessible high-quality veterinary care, and a great community of other animal lovers who have helped me continue to succeed as a veterinary student with my dog by my side.

A young woman kneels beside a brown dog with a sign celebrating her countdown to graduation from vet school.
Morgan with her dog, Jovi.

The Best Running Trails in Bryan-College Station

When we were sitting in veterinary orientation, we were told many times that the healthy habits we form now — in the intense and busy environment of veterinary school — are the ones we will maintain in our intense and busy lives as veterinarians. Veterinary medicine is a challenging and demanding career, so it is important to find routines that allow us to keep our minds and bodies healthy.

I have always believed that exercise is a great form of stress relief; the physical exertion gives my brain a break from thinking and forces some of the pent-up energy out of my body. As I prepared for my first semester of veterinary school this past fall, I wanted to make sure that I made time in my schedule for physical activity, especially running. 

I was nervous about finding scenic, outdoor running loops close to school, but after a semester of thorough exploration, I have located multiple scenic, easily accessible trails, neighborhoods, and parks. For all my current and prospective veterinary school classmates looking to spend some time outside, I have compiled a list of five 3-4 mile loops within 20 minutes of the veterinary school that are easily adjustable for all activity levels. 

Lake Bryan – 16 minutes away 

Lake Bryan and surrounding trails are utilized for a wide variety of activities including walking, running, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, boating, and camping. 

After pulling through the main gate, park in the gravel lot on the left side. Trail heads start on both sides of the road. The main walking / running trail is a gravel path that surrounds the entire perimeter of the lake. There are many small mountain bike trails off the main trail that are open to foot-traffic, but pedestrians need to carefully watch for cyclists. The full circle of the main trail is about 11 miles, but there are many options for shorter out-and-back routes.

Pros: waterfront views, well-maintained trails, lots of parking

Cons: $5 fee to enter property, only accessible during specific hours (usually 9am-8pm), farther from school

Lake Bryan map

Lake bryan view

Traditions – 5 minutes away

The golf course, club house, and Stella Hotel are centrally located and surrounded by many neighborhoods. 

There are two main options for parking. If you are coming from F&B Road, park at the public lots outside the Stella hotel (A below). You can route up the roads around the Traditions sky tower and lake walk, past the club house, and through some of the surrounding neighborhoods. If you are coming from Villa Maria Road, park at the small lot on the right just beyond the Traditions sign and entrance. 

Pros: lots of different potential loops, lots to see – fancy houses, ponds, bridges, well-maintained sidewalks

Cons: popular – lots of other walkers & runners
Traditions map view

Traditions map 2 view

running trail traditions

Wolf Pen Creek Park – 10 minutes away

Wolf Pen Creek is a 63 acre park and trail system in downtown College Station. The trail system is split into two sections, but the majority of the park, including the pond and amphitheater, is in the north half. 

There are three established parking areas, one at each end of the trail system and one in the middle off Colgate drive. Wide paved sidewalks follow the creek and ponds throughout the park.

Pros: well-maintained sidewalks, very scenic pond, great green space in an otherwise developed area

Cons: very close to major roads and strip malls, very busy if there are events at the park

Wolf Pen Creek Park running trail

Lick Creek State Park – 20 minutes away 

Lick Creek State Park is a 500-acre state park that boasts about 5 miles of horseback riding, biking, and walking trails, a nature center, and an outdoor amphitheater. 

I recommend parking at the main lot next to the nature center. Most of the trailheads begin behind the nature center and there is a large map for route planning. The wide gravel trails loop through meadows, forest sections, and over small creeks.

Pros: really feels like you are out in nature

Cons: definitely farther from vet school, very busy on the weekends when the weather is nice

Lick Creek State Park running trail

Research Park at Texas A&M

Research Park is a 40-acre park located in between the George Bush Presidential Library and the veterinary school. The park includes several interconnected ponds, plenty of green space, over a mile and a half of walking/running paths, and an 18-hole disc golf course. 

Research Park is within walking distance of the veterinary school, so it is an excellent option for workouts during study breaks or before or after school. It is also home to our Vet School Purina Run / Walk Club that gets together after school every Tuesday!

Pros: scenic ponds and bridges, super close to school!

Cons: few route options, have to cross University Road to get to Research Park from school

running trail Research Park

‘Final’ Motivation

It’s that time of the semester! The time where class days are dwindling and stress levels are growing.

Madelaine and an alpaca at a Pre-Vet Society event
Madelaine and an alpaca at a Pre-Vet Society event

Finals can be a little overwhelming, but the excitement of summer is a great source of motivation. My summer plans will be keeping me very busy; I’m really looking forward to all the different opportunities ahead of me.

Among those opportunities, I will be participating in a study abroad program through which I will spend four weeks in Thailand. I am beyond excited!

We will spend each week in a different region of Thailand as we gain a better understanding of how animal, human, and environmental health interact. I will have the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian at an elephant sanctuary, explore a new culture, and help with coral reef restoration.

This trip is going to be something I will never forget, and I am so excited to gain a broader view of veterinary medicine.

When I get back from my trip abroad, reality will settle in and it will be time to apply to veterinary school.

It is both exciting and terrifying to think about. I can’t believe how quickly my time at A&M has flown by.

The pre-veterinary resources here at A&M have already helped me so much in this process.

Recently I attended an application workshop that gave me a better understanding of the online application.

Fender smiles for the camera.
Fender smiles for the camera.

The TAMU Pre-Vet Society also has given me very unique animal experience that I never expected to receive. For example, I have been able to volunteer at alpaca farms, attend equine clinics, and help in the exotics room at Vet School Open House.

I’m very thankful that I am not going through this process alone. Applying to vet school is going to be nerve racking but I am excited to see where it takes me.

But before I can step into summer I have to face my final exams.

I am trying my best to be diligent and finish this semester strong. Things that keep me grounded include my friends, family and, especially, my dog, Fender.

Although the stress of finals is upon me, I know there is an end in sight, and I am hopeful that all of this hard work will be worth it.

Transitions

If you’ve been following along at home, you’ve likely noticed that as springtime hits the CVM, our ambassadors have lots to say about the upcoming summer and year ahead.

Chelsea and boots celebrate her receiving her Aggie Ring.
Chelsea and boots celebrate her receiving her Aggie Ring.

Our BIMS students are excited to attend study abroad and internship programs. Our first-year veterinary students (1VM) have their eyes set on some well-deserved rest and relaxation after enduring the most rigorous year of schooling of their lives. Many of our second-year veterinary students (2VM) will try out different clinical externships to help flesh out their career goals. And, finally, our third-year veterinary students (myself included) have a major space-occupying lesion in our mind—fourth-year clinics.

You’ve heard it before—this is our final year of veterinary school, during which we become immersed in the activity of A&M’s elite referral large and small animal hospitals.  If you’ve attended one of our tours, you’ve likely seen current fourth-year veterinary students (4VM) dashing about in white or green coats.  Our job in the fourth-year is to work alongside board-certified specialists to help guide clients through the diagnosis and treatment of their animals’ medical conditions.

I have several friends in the current 4VM class who are now solidifying job offers and planning their move from veterinary student to veterinary practitioner. This process also includes acquiring appropriate licenses and insurance policies necessary to practice.

As you can imagine, summer is a time of transitions, and we are all excited and anxious to step into our new roles.

Recently, I had the great honor to receive my Aggie Ring. Most veterinary students, if they didn’t attend A&M as an undergraduate, apply to receive their ring in the middle of our 2VM year, around the same time as our White Coat ceremony.

I waited until my third year because I decided that it would be nice to have another milestone right before I head into clinics and also because it was a great opportunity to see my parents, since it’s going to be several months before I return home.

Group making gig'em signs and showing their Aggie ring On Aggie Ring Day, we had a lovely dinner at Madden’s in Bryan (definitely recommend), and three of my close friends joined us for my ring ceremony. The evening was filled with love, support, and pride for all of the hard work that underscores the journey to receive one of these rings.

I received my first Balfour ring when I graduated Bucknell University in 2013, and it seems fitting to have a second one to commemorate my time as an Aggie veterinary student.  I’m not one for a ton of jewelry in the first place (it all has to come off for surgery!), but I do love what these rings represent and cherish the education I’ve received from both institutions.

Another important milestone to consider is that I have to say goodbye to my time as a CVM Ambassador.  I have worked in this program since 2015 and have held the position of lead ambassador for the past two years, managing the logistics of providing tours of the VBEC and our teaching hospitals.

It’s been a great honor to hold this leadership position—I’ve worked with some wonderful students with so much passion for the A&M community. Furthermore, with the incredible support of a dedicated supervisor, I have gained many skills in communication and team management.

Chelsea, as a child, with her mother and her horse Sparkle.
Chelsea, as a child, with her mother and her horse Sparkle. Horses have always been a big part of Chelsea’s life and are part of the reason she pursued veterinary medicine.

The next generation of this program is going to have so many exciting features for our future guests, and I can’t wait to see our new lead ambassador walking through the hospitals training new guides!

As I wrap up my swan song, I’m inclined to think about when I was about 8 years old, visiting Texas A&M for the first time—it was the first veterinary school I had ever seen.

While my pony was being treated for a soft tissue injury, my mom and I were given a tour of the newly built Large Animal Hospital, and, in only the way that a child can, I declared something of a premonition—this is where I would become a veterinarian.

Shortly after that time, my family moved to England, and I wasn’t sure when or if I would be returning to the States. I haven’t the space to thank everyone who has played a role in my journey back to this school, but as I transition into my final year as a veterinary student, I think of them daily and am so grateful to be here, watching my childhood ambitions mature into a promising career as a DVM.