CAREER ADVICE

 Animal Lovers 

Those who choose to become veterinarians usually do so out of a love of animals or a strong interest in medicine.  Some decide to study veterinary medicine after the first trip to the family vet with their pet, or later in life as they develop an aptitude towards science.  Regardless of when you become interested in the field, It is important to know that becoming a vet is not just a career choice, it is a lifestyle. 

Dr. Jenn Berger decided to become a vet as a child, combining a strong love for medicine and animals with a need to fix things.  She received a doctorate degree and now owns her own practice, Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails, outside of Iowa City, Iowa.  Dr. Berger and her husband, who is also a vet, began making house calls in 1998 and opened their business to appointments in late 1999. 

According to Dr. Berger, high school students interested in becoming a vet should concentrate on math and science courses to help them in college.  She also stressed the importance of taking business classes, especially if someone is considering opening their own practice.   Dr. Berger also pointed out that communication skills are key to the industry.  Good communication improves the care, which is the ultimate good for both the client and the doctor.  Vets and their staff depend on the clients to teach them about the pet, from current symptoms to past history.  Clear communication helps the vet determine the correct course of action and quickest remedy.  Compassion and empathy are also important to this career type.   

Dr. Berger said that students can major in anything they want as an undergraduate, provided they meet the pre-requirements for the veterinary school they choose to attend.   Vets do not stop learning after veterinary school.  Not only do they learn in their day-to-day work, they are required by the state to take a certain number of hours of continuing education to remain licensed. 

There are no ‘typical’ days in the life of a vet.  “You go to work when the phone rings,” said Dr. Berger with a smile. “There are a lot of emergencies.  I can have up to 20 emergencies on a weekend.”  She said that amount would likely be typical of any practice that offers emergency service. 

To the youth considering the veterinary career path Dr. Berger warns, “Don’t go into it for the money, it’s a lifestyle choice.” 

But when you see Dr. Berger with animals and know what a difference she makes in the lives of so many, the position is priceless and the hours are worthwhile.  Our community is lucky to have dedicated and caring vets like Dr. Berger and hope other compassionate people will join the industry. 

Statistics from The American Veterinary Medical Association 

• Approximately 50% of veterinarians are self-employed practice owners. The remainder are employees of private practices, industry, governmental agencies, or schools and universities. Generally, the veterinary medical profession is growing approximately 3% per year

• Employment and practice ownership opportunities for veterinarians are expected to grow similarly to those for all occupations through the year 2005. The number of pets is expected remain stable. Rising incomes and education and the movement of baby boomers into the 34- to 59-year age group, in which pet ownership has been associated, is expected to offset slight declines in the percent of households that own pets. Single adults and senior citizens also have come to appreciate animal companionship. Seemingly, pet owners may be willing to pay for more elective and intensive care than they have in the past. In addition, emphasis on scientific methods of breeding and raising livestock, poultry, and fish and continued support for public health and disease control programs will contribute to the demand for veterinarians.

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