Tell us Something About Yourself?
My name is Mark J Tenenbaum – Vet Student with an idea. I am 23 years old and I am from Melbourne, Australia. As a current Vet student, finding spare time for work can be challenging, but fortunately, The Vet Society (which will be discussed later) has enabled me to both build a brand and support me through my Vet schooling journey.
Why did you Decide to Become a Vet?
I have always had a passion for biology and understanding the mechanics of how everything works. I originally considered a career in engineering many years ago. I have a Spoodle named Skye and she is my real inspiration for my veterinary journey. Combined with my passion of medicine and my love for not only my dog, but all animals, it seemed like Veterinary Medicine was a good path to take.
Where did you Study?
I currently study at The University of Melbourne (UoM). About five years ago, My university changed the structure of the course to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) which is internationally recognized and enables graduates to work all over the world (so that’s exciting). The course is very hands-on and begins teaching students how to be Veterinarians from day one.
Obviously, the course is challenging and there are times where motivation is difficult to find, but with the small cohort (120-130 people) and the strong friendships made, everyone supports each other and is there to help each other.
I would definitely recommend studying the DVM at the UoM and here is a link for more information about my journey: http://discover.fvas.unimelb.edu.au/veterinary-medicine/veterinarian-in-training-watch-this-space
What’s the Most Exciting Thing in your Career/Placements?
I find orthopedic surgery really interesting! The ability to first localize the problem to a specific bone or joint (without being able to ask the patient) then using additional diagnostics (e.g. radiographs) to help confirm diagnoses and then having to determine if either conservative management or surgical interventions is required is fascinating.
Whilst on placement a dog came in with significant lameness in his hind limb (non-weight bearing). The Head vet determined it to be a cranial cruciate ligament rupture (like an ACL injury in humans), which is quite a common orthopedic issue. The vet had to then determine which type of surgery was going to be both cost-effective, but also provide a secure joint long-term. I was fortunate to be involved in the surgery where the vet used the tight-rope approach.
What do you do in your Free Time? If you have any 🙂
Even though the workload is high, I still manage to find time for socializing/going out, exercise, and family. I am a big brunch (café)-lover, so I always try to fit in going out to a café at least once a week with friends – Favorite dish is the smashed avo! But otherwise, I am working on some projects within the pet industry and working with other brands (so that keeps me busy too).
Do you have a Pet?
As previously mentioned, I have a beautiful chocolate Spoodle named Skye. I got her as a puppy when I was 12 and had to strongly convince my mother to allow me to get her. She always keeps me company when I am studying and lets me practice my clinical examinations on her.
What are your Plans/ Goals for the Future?
Once I finish my DVM degree in 2018 (next year) I intend to work for an experienced Veterinarian in a smaller (dogs and cats) vet hospital. Even though we learn both theoretical and clinical skills whilst at university, the majority of my clinical skills will be developed once I am out in practice and dealing with real patients (and clients).
What happens next, I am still not sure about, but I do have a small little road map set out for my future as a Veterinarian.
What is the Project “The Vet Society” About?
The Vet Society was founded in the first year of my DVM course. The aim was to share the veterinary medicine journey via Instagram/Facebook and provide insight to the public about what is involved in becoming a Veterinarian. The Vet Society has grown, so too has its goals and purpose, as now we work with different brands and sell a variety of products that we believe are unique and beneficial to pet owners. The Vet Society is constantly evolving and I am interested to see what will become of it in the next few years.
Website: www.thevetsociety.com
Instagram: @thevetsociety
Do you Have any Advice for our Readers?
For any students considering the DVM, I definitely recommend it and believe that if you are really passionate about animals and want to provide them with the best quality of life, then you should pursue your dreams.
One piece of advice I give to DVM students is that balance is key. There is a need to balance study, going out, socializing, family, nutrition, health, and all other aspects of life. I believe it is this mentality that has helped me achieve what I have so far and I intend to apply this principle to my future endeavors.
Would you like to read more interesting stories? Go here.
