The “Vet- School” Scam

As a veterinarian passionate about practical veterinary education and student debt, I have supported the brand new Midwestern University’s Veterinary College that opened this Fall in my backyard of Glendale, AZ. A piece of me, however, is apprehensive about the future of this student class (annual tuition is $52, 400 excluding living expenses) and this new generation of practitioners, as we try to navigate the seas of exorbitant student debt coupled with stagnant salaries. Even scarier, is that these challenges could be heightened by research that indicates we may not need an ever-increasing number of veterinarians.

In Atlantic’s September 2014 Education Issue, “The Law School Scam,“ examines the crisis in legal graduate education. My jaw dropped as I read this article and realized that this is not a veterinary or law school issue; this is a graduate education in America issue. However, if the legal profession (where I wrongly assumed everyone makes six figures) is burdened, where does that leave veterinary medicine, the lowest paid health profession?

Not An Original, But An Opportunity

For most people reading this, you are probably aware of the tragic news of Dr. Sophia Yin’s death. This is truly a tragic loss for our profession on multiple levels. While many others who knew her better have written powerful tributes, I could not help but document how this event has affected me.

How to greet a dog- Sophia Yin

Interview Series: Vetgirl’s Justine Lee’s Veterinary Career Morsels

Part 2 of Interview with Vetgirl’s Justine Lee: Veterinary Career Morsels…yummy!

1. Any survival tips for those struggling through vet school or residencies/internships.

• When in doubt, work hard; play hard (that’s her mantra!)
• Find something that makes you passionate about what you do.
• Find your escape (for both of us it is running/hiking)
• Reach out for support and exercise.
• Take the time to care for yourself.