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Veterinarian
Veterinarians, or doctors of veterinary medicine
(D.V.M.s), protect the health and welfare of all animals and therefore society
as a whole. They diagnose and control animal diseases, treat sick animals,
prevent the transmission of animal diseases to people, and advise owners on
proper care of pets and livestock.
Veterinarians ensure a safe food supply by maintaining the
health of livestock. They also protect the public from the residues of
herbicides, pesticides, and antibiotics that may be found in livestock. They
are involved in wildlife preservation and conservation, and use their knowledge
to increase food production through genetics, animal feed production, and
preventative medicine.
Work Environment
Veterinarians may work in private practice or as part of
a veterinary health team. Those who treat pets and livestock usually work in
veterinary clinics and hospitals. Those in large-animal practice may also work
out of specially equipped trucks or cars and may drive considerable distances
to farms and ranches. Veterinarians may work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
Veterinarians are also employed in various branches of federal, state, county,
and city governments. Some veterinarians are employed in management, technical
sales and services, and marketing in agribusiness, pet food companies, and
pharmaceutical companies. The chief risk for veterinarians is injury by
animals. Modern tranquilizers and technology have made it much easier for women
and men to work on all types of animals.
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Job Outlook
The employment outlook for veterinarians with specialty
training is good. Demand for specialists in toxicology, pathology, internal
medicine, and surgery is expected to increase. Prospects for veterinarians who
concentrate on environmental and public health issues, aquaculture, and
food-animal practice appear to be excellent because of increased needs in these
areas of veterinary medicine.
Length of Training/
Requirements
The doctor of veterinary medicine degree requires a
minimum of six years of college, with at least two years of preveterinary study
that emphasizes physical and biological sciences and a four-year veterinary
medicine program.
Salary
Salary depends on animal speciality, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $42,000 - $100,000+.
Educational Programs
Texas A&M College
of Veterinary Medicine
Professional Associations
American Veterinary
Medical Association
1931 North Meachum Rd., Ste. 100
Schaumburg, IL
60173-4360
800/248-2862
Association of American
Veterinary Medical Colleges/National Association of Federal Veterinarians
1100
Vermont Ave. NW, Ste. 710
Washington, DC 20005-3521
202/371-9195
Texas
State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
1946 IH 35 South, Ste. 306
Austin, TX 78704
512/447-1183
Fax: 512/442-3443
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