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.

AVMA Government Relations Externship: Bailey Goff

Submitted by Bailey Goff, Iowa State University

"All Good Things Come to an End"

Although my time in Washington D.C. has not concluded, my time as an AVMA GRD extern has.  For the past three weeks, I have auspiciously embraced the experiences afforded by the Government Relations Division and their team. I’ll be finishing out two more weeks in another policy-based position in D.C. before returning back to Iowa State University for graduation (less than 50 days away)!

Why did I choose to apply for the AVMA GRD externship?

The externship website touts impressive activities – all that I had the pleasure to engage with during my time in DuPont Circle. “It’s an opportunity to learn a facet of the profession that you won’t find in school…”  During the normal veterinary school curriculum, interacting with the “non-traditional” aspects of the profession – organized medicine, public policy, advocacy – are frustratingly minimal to none.  Serving as an AVMA GRD extern fundamentally fostered these skills while in the learning spaces as a student.  “As an extern, you’ll work firsthand on issues that affect the veterinary profession…”  Throughout the past three weeks, I have had the unique opportunity to engage in the legislative activities surrounding xylazine scheduling – an issue deeply relevant to large animal practitioners, zoo personnel, and livestock producers across the United States. Watching the AVMA GRD team work diligently on making this work for veterinary uses of xylazine highlights how combined voices advance the needs of the profession.  Continued work on the Healthy Dog Importation Act, Farm Bill, and Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act showcased these abilities, too.

“Externs are asked to problem solve, collaborate, adapt to daily changes in priorities, and influence others…”  Navigating schedule changes on the fly, accommodating virtual meetings and in-person engagements across the D.C. area, attending meetings and note-taking on relevant topics, and assisting with legislative-based tasks have provided an avenue to gain these tangible skills. I have to extend my deepest appreciation to my externship-mate, Marie Cozzarelli.  There’s no other person I’d rather get lost with and attempt to ride scooters to the Smithsonian Zoo, then end the afternoon with the messiest scoop of gelato on the hottest spring day in the District yet. While this externship excites my professional interests, I sincerely look forward to what Marie does in this early stage of her career.  By the end of this externship, we joked that we could act as the other with ease – introducing background, experiences, and passions areas. I was lucky to share this externship with an impressive colleague. “It’s a chance to take your learning from veterinary school and apply it outside of the clinical setting – and have a great time doing it.”  I can say I had an incredible time, indeed.

What are my next steps after graduation? Oh boy. With less than two months until I walk across the stage, I reluctantly say I am still unsure. What this externship has built, however, is a level of confidence in choosing my early career path, no matter the timeline. I’ll be continuing my education with a Master’s degree and (likely) moving to the Washington D.C. area in the coming months. While I decide between clinical practice vs. other “non-traditional” jobs, I take with me the wide array of experiences and invaluable skillset attained while serving as an AVMA GRD extern.

Cutest Pet

Submitted by Kimberly Hom, Iowa State University

"Boxing"

AVMA Government Relations Externship: Marie Cozzarelli

Submitted by Maria Cozzarelli, Mississippi State University

"Jack of All Trades, Master of None"

It has been another busy, but exciting week on the Hill. As an MPH and DVM student very close to graduation, it can be easy to forget that there is only a month left of my time as a student. Progressing from student doctor to doctor means my clients and technicians will turn to me for my expertise on a wide variety of topics. This experience was something I discussed over coffee with a veterinarian working on Capitol Hill this week. Working in Congress requires the "jack of all trades, but the master of none" approach to shaping policy. The phrase “I am not sure, but I’ll ask the doctor,” has come out of probably every veterinary student’s mouth. But working on Capitol Hill and in the clinic means you ARE the doctor – so the phrase now becomes “I am not sure, but I’ll find out”. The key difference to working on Capitol Hill versus in clinical practice in this scenario is that veterinarians working in Congress can engage in conversations with any scientific or health related background, while clinical practice is limited to veterinary medicine. This may sound daunting, but to me it is exciting! 

Another important lesson learned this week was that there are so many transferrable skills clinically trained veterinarians can bring to advocacy. Before coming to Washington with the AVMA, I was asked by one of my veterinary mentors how I knew how to engage with policy-makers on these huge topics like the Farm Bill or FY 2023 Budget appropriations. I explained it this way: as a veterinarian we are using negotiation, budgeting, and scientific communication skills to get a pet owner onboard with a treatment plan. The same principles apply when advocating for a pet’s health or funding for veterinary-related programs in the Farm Bill. 

Because I have been enjoying my time in Washington, DC working on policy issues at the federal level, I am already looking for ways to stay involved when I return home to Mississippi. One great option I would like to remind all veterinary students and veterinarians about is getting involved with your local veterinary medical association. These meetings are a great opportunity to network with veterinarians in your area, gain CE credit, and keep up to date on current issues. Connecting with your local state representatives is another great way to advocate for science and veterinary medicine at the local level. Joining your preferred specialty organization, whether that be the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) or the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), is another great way to stay informed on ways to get involved in shaping policy. Lastly, staying involved with the AVMA or SAVMA is a great way to make sure your valuable input as a clinician is incorporated into policy that will impact your work and the animals you treat. 

As soon as I found out I would be in Washington, DC during the month of March, I have been diligently counting down the days until the cherry blossoms bloomed. This upcoming weekend is my last weekend before returning to Mississippi State University for graduation, but more importantly it is the weekend the flowers are finally blooming. I don’t think there is a better place to take a break in between studying for my biostatistics exam or filling out my Tennessee veterinary licensing application.

Creative Corner

Submitted by Angelle Danos, Louisiana State University

"Fetch"