My Biggest Regret About Veterinary School: Dr. Andrew Jones Shares His Story
What Drove Me to Choose Veterinary Medicine?
Thirty years ago, with a heart full of passion for animals, I embarked on a journey into veterinary medicine. My dream was not just a career, but a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals. I believed, naively perhaps, that this field was purely about saving and nurturing animals, a notion that many of my peers shared.
Was Veterinary School What I Expected?
As a veterinary student, I quickly realized that the idealistic view of the profession I held was not entirely in sync with the reality of our education. The assumption that our professors and the curriculum would perfectly align with our love for animals was soon challenged. This dissonance between expectation and reality became the backdrop for my greatest regret.
What Happened in the Physiology Lab?
The incident that still haunts me unfolded in a physiology lab. Here, we were supposed to learn about the impact of certain drugs on the cardiovascular system. The lesson took a grim turn when we were introduced to young, healthy dogs, anesthetized for the purpose of our learning. These dogs, whose fate was sealed to never wake up again, were used to demonstrate the effects of drugs like epinephrine and atropine. This experience was far removed from the educational value it was supposed to provide.
Why Do I Regret My Silence?
My deepest regret from that day is not just the unnecessary loss of innocent lives, but my silence in the face of it. The use of these dogs for such a demonstration, which offered no real educational benefit over textbook learning, was a practice I internally questioned but never vocally opposed.
What Else Do I Wish I Had Questioned?
Beyond this specific incident, there were other aspects of veterinary education that I now reflect on with a critical eye. The influence of pet industry giants on our education, the focus on production medicine at the expense of animal welfare, and the lack of exposure to alternative veterinary medicine are areas where I wish I had been more questioning and vocal.
How Has Veterinary Education Changed Since Then?
Fortunately, the aspect of veterinary education that allowed for the use of live animals in such a manner has evolved. Today’s students are more aware and vocal against such practices. Reflecting on my time, I regret not being a voice for change and ethical practice.
My Message to Future Veterinarians
In closing, I share this story as a lesson in ethics and advocacy within the veterinary profession. To those aspiring to enter this field, I urge you to stay true to your passion for animals and to never hesitate in standing up for what is ethically right. The future of veterinary medicine depends on voices that dare to speak for those who cannot.
