Ask Dr. Fling

Q: I'm interested in becoming a veterinarian, I'm still in high school and want to be prepared for vet school. What advise would you have for me?

A: If you're thinking about a career in veterinary medicine, you should "buckle down" on your studies, concentrating on math and science. A serious academic attitude in high school can help you prepare for college and get the grades you'll need to be accepted to a veterinary medical program. It's also a good idea to make sure a career in veterinary medicine is really what you think is. I recommend anyone considering the field spend time volunteering or working at an animal hospital. Some people who love animals and think veterinary medicine is the "career for them" are surprised at the high level of emotion, full of life and death decisions, long hours and hard work. In addition, situations such as surgery, may cause some people to feel squeamish. For THIS veterinarian however, the career has been the best choice I could have made. It's never boring. Some days I am an dentist, a surgeon and a grief counselor. This variety and the wonderful pets and people I see every day keep me going.