A Veterinary Student Way of Life

Why do I love Crossfit??  Exhibit A

You might be a vet if (by Alex Molldrem)

Alonzo Bodden - I'm Going to the Vet (by Alonzo Bodden)

Help me raise money by donating anything here: https://register.toughmudder.com/fundraising/donate.aspx?event=7406&fundraiser=r9078518

Response to the recent NY Times article.

These researchers did a great job at designing their study.  Solid research.  Thus I am posting. :)

This article sheds light on a truly serious issue. I attend an AVMA, CVMA and UK Royal Surgeons accredited veterinary college in Canada; this article speaks the truth. My passion and love for this field is immeasurable. In light of this truth I still wouldn't change my pursuit of becoming a veterinarian. The love I have for veterinary medicine and all that a DVM stands for is deep and to my core. My colleagues all across North America and I are aware of the sticker price of our education. To pursue our dreams there are no other options, but to accept the cost and put in the work. The fact that new veterinary colleges might be established just boggles my mind given our current situation with tuition costs and supply/demand. There's a reason why it is extremely difficult to get into veterinary school and the competition is high... We only have this one life. For this reason I chose to earn a degree which will continue to bring meaning to my life and allow me to pursue a career I am proud of. The problem is not myself and my colleagues who work hard to achieve our dreams and goals, it is those that exploit our passions to gain profit. Change needs to occur and I will do my part to make this happen. Thank you for listening.

Click Here to download the Environmental Needs Guidelines. Note: This link will take you to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery website where you can view these guidelines for free. To print, hover your mouse near the bottom of the page. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) have released the Environmental Needs Guidelines, which have been published in the March issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. These Guidelines, organized around five primary concepts that provide the framework for a healthy feline environment regardless of the cat’s lifestyle, were established to address the needs of pet cats in any environment, including home, veterinary hospital and shelter. Although cats often do not express overt signs of stress and anxiety, they do experience stress and this is frequently caused by their needs not being met, usually inadvertently, because of a lack of understanding of those needs. When cats’ needs are not met, there is an increase in abnormal behavior, or normal behavior considered undesirable by the owner. It is vitally important to meet cats’ needs and allow them to express their natural behaviors, to prevent stress, unfavorable behaviors and to improve feline health and welfare. By incorporating these Guidelines into the veterinary practice and home life, veterinarians and cat owners can help reduce unwanted behaviors, illness and feline stress, and improve their relationships with their cats. Incorporating these Guidelines into shelters can increase feline adoption rates by providing an environment where cats are more active and less fearful. The panel members include Sarah L. H. Ellis, BSc (Hons), Dip CABC, PhD, Co-Chair; Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-Chair; Hazel C. Carney, DVM, MS, DABVP; Sarah Heath, BVSc, Dip ECAWBM (BM), CCAB, MRCVS, European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioral Medicine (Companion Animals); Irene Rochlitz, BVSc, MSc, PhD, MRCVS; Lorinda D. Shearburn, DVM; Eliza Sundahl, DVM, DABVP (Feline); Jodi L. Westropp, DVM, PhD, DACVIM.

Let’s face it, nothing beats the ‘90s! And just because you were born a decade or so ago, doesn’t mean you embraced all of its perks. Here’s a list of what you absolutely must remember to consider yourself a ’90s kid.