Niya, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, was nervous to take a gap year. However, the experience she gained during this period has equipped her to become a better veterinarian!
Niya spent her gap year working for a medical device company, Enova Illumination, where she learned the importance of ergonomic medical equipment and how it contributes to a healthier lifestyle as a veterinarian.
During her gap year, Niya increased her professional skills and learned how to speak confidently in front of large audiences, all skills that have aided her as she has begun her career in veterinary medicine.
Natalie, a senior animal science major and VMBS ambassador, traveled to Costa Rica to partake in a unique veterinary mission.
Under the supervision of a local veterinarian, Natalie and 10 other pre-vet students from across the U.S. assisted in running a 3-day, no cost spay and neuter clinic for local cats and dogs. She was able to learn clinical skills and shadow surgeries, in addition to participating in labs and lectures.
Natalie also visited a cattle and water buffalo farm, took a wildlife boat tour, and explored a sloth sanctuary!
“I learned how to work as a team with people I just met and create genuine bonds,” Natalie said. “I also gained a sense of independence, as well as a broader perspective of the world of veterinary medicine and life in general.”
Katie, a third-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, reflects on the unique opportunities that externships provide for traveling and experiencing differences in medicine across the states!
Katie participated in two externships in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Denver, Colorado. Traveling between the two locations allowed Katie to visit 5 National Parks and 3 State Parks in a short 7 days!
In addition to the scenic views, Katie was able to network with veterinarians and learn about regional differences that impact animal health. She also got to further develop her clinical skills and practice effective communication with clients.
Grace, a second-year veterinary student, has found a passion for equine dentistry through her involvement with the Equine Practitioner club.
During an immersive three-day workshop, Grace learned about the tools and technique needed to float horses’ teeth. Horses can’t naturally file down their teeth, so floating, a specialized dental procedure, helps smooth down sharp and uneven edges.
“This training didn’t just fill my mind with information; it ignited a passion for helping horses in my community,” Grace said.
Following the training, Grace has partnered with a local stable to help float horses’ teeth and put these skills into action during an externship!
Seth, a first-year veterinary student, has enjoyed the start of his academic journey at the VMBS! He has met peers in his courses that share the same passion and love for veterinary medicine, and he is eager for what the future holds.
“Each day brings something new, engaging lectures, hands-on labs, and moments that remind me why I chose this path,” Seth said. “I’m excited to take in every experience, build lifelong friendships, and grow into the veterinarian I aspire to be.”
Caleb, a sophomore animal science and poultry science student and VMBS ambassador, holds leadership roles that have opened countless doors for him at Texas A&M.
Caleb serves as the Executive Director of MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow, where he has built lasting friendships, developed leadership skills, served the community, and helped freshmen find their place at Texas A&M.
“I always encourage new and prospective students to find something they’re truly passionate about and stick with it, rather than joining organizations or teams they feel they ‘should’ be a part of,” Caleb said. “Focusing on what genuinely excites you can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling experience.”
Allie, a first-year veterinary student, supported her peers by volunteering at the Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Equine Wet Lab.
Allie worked in the Emergency and Critical Care area, where she was able to learn about life-saving procedures in critical situations. She also attended a job fair that featured more than 50 equine practices from across the country.
Priya, a first-year veterinary student, has found that a strong community is an important foundation for transitioning into vet school.
When beginning her first year of vet school, Priya was excited yet nervous for the unknown she was facing. But she soon found a community of friends, faculty, and staff at the college who encouraged her every step of the way — both inside and outside the classroom.
“The wisdom of others is invaluable,” Priya said. “I encourage anyone who has a dream to reach out to people who have gone before them and to soak in their advice.
“These are people I know that I’ll be in touch with after we graduate, and that is something I’ll be grateful for forever.”
For Adrienne, a biomedical sciences major and VMBS ambassador, vacationing with her friends in Colorado was the perfect way to relax after several weeks focused on dental school applications.
Adrienne enjoyed decompressing in Colorado by hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, and visiting a mountaintop amusement park.
By Priya A. ’24, B.S. in Biomedical Sciences student
While visiting Dinokeng Game Reserve, we transported five nyala (a type of antelope) from one side of the property to another about 30 minutes away. This is the animal I watched and monitored. The nyala is sedated.
In June 2023, I studied abroad in South Africa for two-and-a-half weeks through the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences with Dr. James Derr, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. The name of the course was African Wildlife Medicine, and we partnered with South African veterinarians each day to serve their clients. The purpose of the trip was to gain experience working with African wildlife and knowledge in topics that arise with these animals, such as poaching. This course is unique because it includes both undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students.
In South Africa, lions, rhinos, cape buffalo, elephants, and leopards are some of the most ecologically and economically important animals. We saw and worked with some of these species, as well as others. There were two days in particular that were my favorite — the days we worked with white rhinos and giraffes.
On our first day, we worked with 11 white rhinos. Some of us rode in a helicopter with a local veterinarian while others took DNA samples, gave sedatives, and microchipped the rhinos, which helps keep track of rhinos since poaching is a major concern in South Africa. We learned how to be a team, which carried us all the way through our two weeks.
These are the first two giraffes we captured and transported. They are fully awake, but blindfolded and have earplugs to reduce any stress. I’m standing on the trailer that pulled the giraffes.
Later in the trip, we captured and transported three giraffes in order to help relocate them safely. This was the most physically exhausting day of the entire trip! Each of us had a particular role to ensure that both the giraffes and our team were safe.
Over the course of our trip, we worked directly with five South African veterinarians and their clients. They challenged us in our critical thinking, clinical, and communication skills. Personally, one of the coolest parts about networking with them was the possibility of getting to return for an externship with them during my fourth year of veterinary school.
As an undergraduate student, I found this experience beneficial and eye-opening as I applied to veterinary school and thought about what type of veterinary medicine I want to pursue. Those of us who were undergrads had opportunities to ask the current DVM students questions and get advice for the application process. If anyone is wanting to get more diverse veterinary experience for their vet school application, I highly recommend applying for this study abroad experience. You never know what new passions might arise!
