Student profiles
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and have some fascinating stories to tell. We hope the following will give you some insight and inspiration.
5th Year of 5 year BVM&S – Canada
What made you decide to apply to Edinburgh’s Vet School?
I am from Ontario, Canada. My plan before I learned about studying in the UK was to eventually apply for the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in Guelph. At the time I heard about Edinburgh, I had completed 1 year of my undergraduate degree. I learned that I could use my secondary school qualifications to apply for veterinary school in the UK and expedite my veterinary journey. I also learned that several veterinary schools in the UK were accredited with the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and I would be able to practise when I returned home.
What stands out in your mind from your experience of studying Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh?
Living in the city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a beautiful city that is interspersed with both nature and culture. There are many activities to choose from ranging from outdoor sporting activities to indoor arts activities. Many aspects of this city also make it a wonderful place for students. The public transportation system is excellent, and the University has great facilities for students to use, including the library and gym. Another thing that stands out is the veterinary teaching campus. The teaching hospital facilities and teaching farms are all very near and accessible. There are excellent facilities for both our practical and lecture-based teaching, and plenty of spaces for students to study, socialise and relax.
How has R(D)SVS contribute to your career choices?
I feel that at the R(D)SVS I have had a good exposure to the different fields open to veterinary graduates based on their interests, from public health to pathology, from research to clinical practice. I received practical experience with many of these extensions of the career, which gave me an understanding of what each one entails. I also experienced a good balance between learning about small animal medicine, exotic medicine, equine medicine, and farm animal medicine. I feel that after my degree I would be prepared to enter any of these branches with the right mentorship based on the foundational knowledge I have been equipped with.
Did your EMS placements help you in determining the field of veterinary medicine you want to pursue professionally?
Yes, definitely. I never thought I would be interested in exotic animal medicine, but my EMS experiences changed my mind! I really enjoyed working with small mammals and reptiles. I especially liked being able to help so many exotic pets whose husbandry was affecting their health.
Do you know what area of veterinary medicine you will go into after graduation?
Yes, I plan to work in a general practice in small animal and exotic medicine.
Did Edinburgh become your home away from home?
Yes, definitely. I made close friends and discovered the best places in the city. I will miss Edinburgh a lot and would love to come back and visit again once I graduate.
What activities did you get involved in outside of your studies?
A few of the activities were University associated: I joined the university’s Exmoor Trekking Society which was an amazing experience. I also joined the CVMA Society to connect with other Canadian students, and the Animal Welfare and Ethics Society because my passions lie there as well. Outside of the University I joined a kickboxing group and did a huge amount of hiking in the Pentland hills, I absolutely fell in love with them during my degree.
Can you tell us of any personal or professional achievements during your studies?
I completed a beginner’s Arabic language course while doing my degree. I also completed the Edinburgh Award during my last year under the Student Ambassador Scheme.
If you could offer some advice to prospective students thinking of studying vet med at Edinburgh in the future what would it be?
I would advise students to give the application a go! Even the application process taught me a lot about the school and my options for the future.
3rd Year of 5 year BVM&S - UK
What made you decide to apply to Edinburgh’s Vet School?
I was so sure that I wanted to apply to Edinburgh that I applied even though I couldn’t make an open day! As well as the city itself, the aspects which appealed to me most were the structure of the course and how well recognised the degree is.
What stands out in your mind from your experience of studying Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh?
Definitely the practicals - we have practical animal handling sessions right from the beginning of first year which is fantastic for getting everyone comfortable with animals that they may not have worked with before. The staff are all very patient and you can also get in touch with them if you need further support with any species which is fantastic. We also started anatomy practicals almost immediately after joining which was a fantastic way to get stuck in and embrace our new lives as vet students.
How has R(D)SVS contribute to your career choices?
The teaching at R(D)SVS has definitely helped me discover new areas of veterinary medicine which I find interesting and that I want to get more experience in - who knows, maybe I’ll even end up pursuing one of these at a higher level!
Did your EMS placements help you in determining the field of veterinary medicine you want to pursue professionally?
Pre-clinical EMS helped me realise that I enjoy working with large animals a lot more than I had expected. In terms of clinical EMS, I’ve only done small animal work so far – I know I really enjoy this but don’t yet know if I will want to combine it with larger animals once I graduate. The great thing about EMS is that I can explore different types of practice and decide accordingly.
Do you know what area of veterinary medicine you will go into after graduation?
I’m not sure yet – I definitely want to work with small animals and I am quite keen on exotics. However, I could see myself in a mixed practice. I guess time will tell!
Did Edinburgh become your home away from home?
I love Edinburgh – it is such a fantastic city and so rich in culture. There is always something to keep you busy. It is definitely a place I can consider home.
What activities did you get involved in outside of your studies?
The main activities/societies I’m involved in are the RDVC Netball Club, the Edinburgh Veterinary Zoological Society, and All4Paws (a fantastic student-led charity).
Can you tell us of any personal or professional achievements during your studies?
As part of my role on the All4Paws committee, I organised a charity auction and ceilidh which helped us raise over £2,600! It was an incredible opportunity to raise money for such a great charity, and also an amazing learning experience.
If you could offer some advice to prospective students thinking of studying vet med at Edinburgh in the future what would it be?
Make the most of any reading and work experience you do – be curious and ask questions! Getting into vet school is no easy task but it is 100% worth it!