As I mentioned in my last post, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) visited our school this week. I was one of three members from my class selected to talk with the council that was invited to our school. I think, overall, the talk went really well and if it is any indication of how the reaccreditation process will go then, I am hopeful. I think there were a few minor concerns about some things but overall they seemed really impressed by the student support system and the interaction between the students and staff. They also seemed impressed at the ability of the staff to listen to student concerns and make accommodations when necessary. According to our dean, the exit interview was, "very positive, insightful, and detailed." We should have a response to our reaccreditation between March and September.
For anyone who may be reading this as a hopeful UCD veterinary student, I want you to know that one of the many reasons I chose this school was because of what I had heard about the student body. Everyone is really supportive, all of the upper years answer any questions you have ( and they don't make you feel like you are wasting their time). Your class is encouraged to be supportive of one another. It is made very clear that by this point we are all the same, we've all made the grades to get into school, and we're all smart individuals. Competition between us isn't encouraged (Although I cannot deny, it will always exist somewhat), our class has bonded really well, and we're always there to help each other out. Even the professors are so willing to help you with anything from academics to personal struggles. It is a really good environment to be in, especially when it is so easy to get stressed out.
For anyone who may be reading this as a hopeful UCD veterinary student, I want you to know that one of the many reasons I chose this school was because of what I had heard about the student body. Everyone is really supportive, all of the upper years answer any questions you have ( and they don't make you feel like you are wasting their time). Your class is encouraged to be supportive of one another. It is made very clear that by this point we are all the same, we've all made the grades to get into school, and we're all smart individuals. Competition between us isn't encouraged (Although I cannot deny, it will always exist somewhat), our class has bonded really well, and we're always there to help each other out. Even the professors are so willing to help you with anything from academics to personal struggles. It is a really good environment to be in, especially when it is so easy to get stressed out.
Seriously, if you're a prospective vet student and you are thinking about coming to UCD don't be afraid to contact me. I'll tell you as much as I can.
Exciting happening number two was the introduction of a VBMA (Veterinary Business Management Association) chapter to our school. This is a club with a very important goal. It was founded in 2001 by a student at the University of Pennsylvania who believed," in order to practice quality medicine, veterinarians need to posses subsidiary skills to enhance client compliance and personal success." By 2004, the club was national and in 16 veterinary schools. Today, the VBMA can be found at all of the American vet schools, 2 caribbean schools, and 3 European schools (including UCD). The club hosts discussions and lectures that provide credit hours towards a VBMA business certificate. Some of the topics include personal finance, budgeting, exam room skills, communication (with clients and coworkers), business plan, bookkeeping, etc... It is something that is really great to have. Not to mention, it looks awesome on a resume. At the first meeting (a talk about inventory management) there were 100 students. I plan on participating in this since I believe it will make me a better veterinarian in the future.
The third exciting thing that was going on this week at school was Vet RAG week. RAG stands for raise and give. Events raised money for donation. There was a pantomime performance where some of our students shared their best acting abilities, a silent auction, tonight there is a pub run (or pub crawl as we like to call them back home), and tomorrow there is a Romeo and Juliet night (you get the name of one person from a famous couple, then have to find your other half). During the VBMA meeting one student shared his performance from the pantomime which made me a little bummed that I didn't go but, now I know next year to make sure I attend because it was really funny and a nice break from taking everything so seriously.
Now, to wrap things up. I'm ready for the upcoming week. I should have some interesting adventures including horseback riding and playing with calves.
The third exciting thing that was going on this week at school was Vet RAG week. RAG stands for raise and give. Events raised money for donation. There was a pantomime performance where some of our students shared their best acting abilities, a silent auction, tonight there is a pub run (or pub crawl as we like to call them back home), and tomorrow there is a Romeo and Juliet night (you get the name of one person from a famous couple, then have to find your other half). During the VBMA meeting one student shared his performance from the pantomime which made me a little bummed that I didn't go but, now I know next year to make sure I attend because it was really funny and a nice break from taking everything so seriously.
Now, to wrap things up. I'm ready for the upcoming week. I should have some interesting adventures including horseback riding and playing with calves.
Here's a picture of me relieved to be leaving the rectal palpation area.
