Veterinarians are the only physicians in the medical profession who are educated and trained for the protection and care of the health of animals and humans. They strive endlessly to address the needs for good health and welfare of every animal species. Veterinarians also play a fundamental role in the protection of the environment, public health, food safety, and research.
If you are interested in basic veterinary medicine and wish to learn how veterinarians make a difference in society, and how you can too, then read this article.
Private or corporate clinical practice
Nearly 2/3rds of all vets in the US work either in private clinics or go for corporate clinical practice where they offer veterinary care for multiple species. Some vets treat only traditional companion pets like cats, dogs, and birds, or even small animals like guinea pigs, hamsters, fish and reptiles. There are some veterinarians who work exclusively with horses , while others are comfortable with a combination of different species. Some veterinarians keep their practice limited to the care of ranch or farm animals and in advising their owners on their protection and good health.
Research and Academia
Veterinarians working in the academic sector are responsible for teaching and instructing veterinary students, scientists and other medical professionals. Faculty members of schools conduct research programs, teach, as well as practice in vet teaching hospitals. They continue developing educational programs that help vets upgrade their skills and remain up-to-date.
Research veterinarians who work at colleges, universities and governmental agencies are responsible for finding newer and more efficient ways of diagnosing, treating, and preventing animal health disorders. These vets have contributed tremendously to the wellbeing of the entire human race. For instance, vets’ discoveries helped the world fight malicious diseases like yellow fever and malaria, and many other life-threatening diseases.
Veterinarians are also hired by state and federal regulatory bodies to inspect and quarantine animals that are brought into the country. This measure is performed for the control of foreign diseases. These vets oversee and supervise the interstate and international shipments of animals. They test them for diseases that could pose a threat to animal or human health and disrupt our food supply. Such veterinarians also manage campaigns for the prevention of and complete eradication of diseases like rabies and tuberculosis.
Some veterinarians are employed at the department of agriculture and food safety – etc. to ensure that only healthy animals are entering the human food supply chain. They oversee that the poultry, eggs, and meat products that are coming to the market for human consumption are carefully monitored and inspected following all protocols.
Public health
In the public health sector, veterinarians make huge differences by working as epidemiologists for different state or federal agencies conducting infestation on human and animal diseases and their outbreaks, understanding food-borne diseases, and other lethal conditions like rabies and influenza. These vets ensure the safety standards of the food processing plants, water supplies etc.
Vets who work in the environmental protection segment like the EPA are responsible for studying the effects of industrial pollutants, contaminants, and pesticides on animal health and people alike. At the FDA, food and drug administration, vets evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicines and medicinal products, food additives used in the market, as well as pet foods.
Join a veterinary program at a reputed institute today and explore the glorious possibilities you can experience as you fulfill the dream of becoming a veterinarian.
