http://www.niftykeen.net Tales of a veterinary student Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:41:59 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In stark contrast to my undergraduate experience at UC Davis, the program at the Dick Vet runs more akin to my primary school experience: students move through the year in a single class, and if you fail to pass a subject, you are required to repeat the course and effectively ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=292 I've resolved - especially after two weeks spent solidly planted on my bum, except for the brief walk to and from the library - to take many long walks over my remaining summer break. The weather has been hideous all week, but today the forecast suggested a break in the ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=289 I was at Summerhall to drop off some library books today, when I realized that the new class of GEPs are matriculating and having orientation this week. And then I realized that I'm halfway through my time at the Dick, and it's been two years since I moved to Edinburgh. ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=286 I've just finished my first week of EMS here in my hometown, at a busy and well-equipped 7-vet practice with forty staff members. It's been quite a change from my UK experience, where there were three vets, four staff, and only a very small surgery with fairly minimal equipment. Aside ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=277 I just finished this pullover, and just in time, too! It's knit in baby alpaca, making it far too warm to wear in California, so it will stay in the closet until I return. Oh well, at least it will be something to look forward to. I'm really pleased with it. ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=274 My exam is done, which is such a relief. For the week leading up to the event, I usually alternate between confidence and begging for just a few more days, until about 24 hours before, when I resign myself to destiny. This time, unfortunately, I spent just about every minute ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=271 'The uterus is the only Y-shaped organ in the body. It's also the only one with ovaries at either end of it.' Spoke by someone who has obviously (patiently) helped many-a student with their first bitch spay. http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=268 For any vet school wannabes out there, here is a taste of what you're in for: On Friday, I'm going to sit an exam with a few dozen multiple choice questions and four essays, pulled from five months of lectures. PS My GI and Neuro notes are in a separate folder. http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=266 I have an 'assessment' on food health and safety tomorrow (causing me to skip my knitting group tonight, boo!) I'm not particularly jazzed about the topic, which makes studying even more tedious. Veterinarians play a crucial role in providing safe animal products for the consumer, acting as an early notification system ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=262 How on earth (a) did break end, and (b) am I almost finished with the first week back? Exams are in a few weeks time, and I don't know how I'll learn all the new material and review the old stuff in the meanwhile! The perennial problem for the student, ... http://www.niftykeen.net/?p=257