Saturday, October 23, 2010

Veterinarian's Oath

"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health and the advancement of medical knowledge.


I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.


I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence."


In approximately 7 months, this is the oath that I will take when I graduate from vet school.  It's amazing to me that this journey of veterinary school is almost complete.  I remember the day I sat in Jimmy John's and told my mom that I wanted to change my major like it was yesterday.  Now I'm suppose to be entering the real world with a knowledge base that allows me to be a practicing veterinarian.  I'm not so sure that I'm ready for that responsibility.  Hopefully the next 7 months will make me feel much more competent than I currently feel.


Don't get me wrong, I am excited.  I'm not just a bundle of nerves.  I am looking forward to living on my own, in my own house without wheels, with my dogs.  I am looking forward to a routine that doesn't change every 2 weeks.  I'm looking forward to making decisions for my patients based on my research and not someone else's knowledge.  When my mind starts running a million miles per hour with all the things I'll need to know and do and how much I will be depended on -- I remind myself that I will have to take it day by day, case by case and that Iowa State HAS provided me with a knowledge base that allows me to be a practicing veterinarian.  


If all else fails, I can just google it, right?  Wikipedia anyone?

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