Student Experiences: A Tale of Two Vet Students

Submitted by Rachael Lahar, University of Illinois

I met my best friend, Molly Freeman, when we were in our undergraduate careers; we both wanted to become veterinarians. When the time came, we both applied to veterinary schools. However, we were accepted to two different schools. Now Molly is in her third year at Oklahoma State University and I am a third year at the University of Illinois.

During a phone call while we were catching up, we discovered we had the same time off for spring break, something that did not happen the previous year. In previous conversations, we had discussed the similarities and differences in our veterinary school education. There were many commonalities in our education except for one key element: a Clinical Skills Learning Center (CSLC). Oklahoma State University is in the process of having one built; however, the facility won’t be done until Molly will be a fourth year. She wanted to have the ability to practice some of the skills she was being taught in her veterinary school curriculum.

Molly, after hearing about the CSLC and the laundry list of expertise I had gained from it, wanted to experience it for herself. After gaining the necessary permission, the plan fell into place. Molly was visiting me for spring break not only for us to see each other, but in order to learn the skills from me she had not yet had the chance to practice.

During the first day Molly was visiting me we spent all day in the CSLC, starting early in the morning to late in the afternoon. Molly and I have been close friends for years. However, in a professional setting we had never had the chance to work together. We had an amazing time. From my perspective, I had to know all the techniques backward and forwards, not only to teach Molly the skills but also to be able to answer the myriad of questions that popped up. The day flew by in a flurry of placing catheters, bandaging, venipuncture, the marathon of surgical preparation, and more.

For two days, Molly mastered numerous suture patterns, drain placement, and hand ties, and performed a mock spay via the three-clamp method on a balloon and pom-pom uterus setup. I was absolutely astonished by Molly’s drive and persistence in mastering all the skills.

The whole spring break wasn’t solely focused on clinical skills. Molly and I also had a day trip over to Allerton and the picturesque town of Monticello. During this time, we hiked eight miles with the last three of them unfortunately being through the mud. We also birdwatched, took countless photographs, and explored the not-yet blooming gardens at Allerton in the chilly weather. After our hiking adventure, we visited Monticello and met kind people there, and shopped at lovely boutiques/artisan shops.

Overall, spring break flew by and was a unique opportunity for us as veterinary students to collaborate, teach, learn, and most importantly have fun as friends.