This summer, working with a local mixed animal practitioner, I was privileged to meet many clients and patients. Most of my veterinary experience before vet school had been working in a small animal clinic and with avian wildlife. Therefore, it was somewhat shocking to me that I ended up falling in love with large animal medicine once I came to Davis.
It has been a work in progress adapting to the world of livestock and equine medicine. I have learned quickly that it’s more important to admit that I don’t know something and ask for help than to bumble through on my own and risk getting kicked or injuring myself or the animal in the process.
As proud as I am about how my experience and knowledge has grown over the past year and a half, I know there is still much more to learn. This is simultaneously exhilerating and daunting. As a member of FARM club, I have the opportunity to continue to gain large animal skills beyond the classroom. Last weekend, I attended a knot-tying and suturing wet lab.
It was fun to be able to learn and apply new skills that will be absolutely imperative as I continue my education. I felt completely out of my element and was kindly guided by the resident, clinician, and upperclassmen present. And although I know that I am definitely “knot” an expert yet, I am so grateful for the opportunity to expand my skill set every single day.
