I have been searching for a Veterinarian to interview and finally landed one! Thank you to Dr. Hoyt! Sometimes, all you have to do is ask!!
Q: What is the title of your profession?
A: Veterinarian in a small animal practice
Q: What do you do?
A: I work with owners to help them keep their pets healthy, and I treat injured and sick pets.
Q: Have you always worked in this field?
A: Yes, I started working toward my goal of becoming a veterinarian when I was 11 years 
old. I have also worked with zoo animals and farm animals during my training.
Q: Why did you choose this profession?
A: I felt it was a calling. Something inside me directed me to this vocation.
Q: How would you define your profession?
A: Very demanding physically and emotionally but equally satisfying. I LOVE what I do-everyday.
Q: Did you go to college or a trade school for this profession?
A: Yes, I went to college for eight years beyond high school. I first got my undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College (4 years) and then I went to U. of Wisconsin for my doctorate degree (4 more years)
Q: What was your degree in?
A: Veterinary Medicine
Q: Do you use your degree in your job?
A: Yes, I use what I learned in school every day-but I also use the lessons I have learned from experience.
Q: Can your degree be used as a basis for any other professions?
A: Yes, veterinarians can be astronauts, food inspectors, research scientists and crime scene investigators. I have treated everything from a 4 oz bat to a 4 ton elephant! Our degree is a wonderful stepping stone for many exciting careers.
Q: Does your job require continued education?
A: Yes, we are required by law to complete 24 hours of continuing education (lecture and lab) every 2 years.
Q: Does your job require a certification or board testing?
A: Yes, first in the country and then for each state where one will be working.
Q: What is a day in the life of your job?
A: My work is never boring. When I wake up in the morning I never know where I might
Q: What makes a person successful in this career?
A: One must be calm, focused and love challenges. Because our patients can not speak, we are often solving mysteries.
Q: Does your profession require travel?
A: Some veterinarians stay in one location. Others, like me, make house calls. Some travel to other countries to see exotic pets such as koi or snow leopards.
Q: What are the typical schedule/hours?
A: Most veterinarians work very long days-10-16 hours- but the time flies because we love what we do!
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Seeing the beauty of the human-animal bond!
Q: What do you dislike about your job?
A: When I witness people abusing or neglecting animals.
Q: What advice would you give to a child/student that is considering this profession?
A: Only follow this dream if you feel it in your heart. Do not listen to those who will discourage you because of some hardship you must endure to complete the training. Study math and science as much as you can.
Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you choose the same profession?
A: Absolutely!
Q: Are you having fun?
A: Yes
Q: Do you receive a pension or have a company sponsored 401k?
A: No. Many veterinarians are self-employed or work for small companies which do not offer 401k’s.
this is an excellent resource! i wish it was available 30 years ago when the only career i was exposed to was teaching. thank you, and keep up the good work!
I like reading your post. It reminds me of my school days in Vet School. Keep it up. Thank you.