r/veterinarians

Hello. I am starting vet school next fall. I have been preparing for this my whole life, but I have been having doubts that maybe I am not good enough to do it.

I started working at an animal shelter at 17 and there were dogs there that were aggressive in the kennels. It made me nervous to leash them and take them outside. Some of them were too aggressive that I did not handle them at all and would just release them into the yards from there outdoor kennels. Someone had made an undirected comment at a meeting that if you are scared of the dogs maybe you shouldn't work there. I felt a little bit like it was directed at me.

After that job, I worked as a vet assistant only once a week as I was still in highschool and it was part of my curriculum. So learning the ropes of the clinic took a long time and the environment was not the most positive. There was a doctor there that did not like me and would make comments under her breath. She would ignore me sometimes and even after a whole year she called me by the wrong name after I came and helped her in a room. I felt that I was never taught things just told to do and when I didn't do it right because I didn't know how, I was shamed. It got to the point where I would cry before I would go into work and I was so scared of making a mistake that I was too scared to try anything. That was 3 years ago.

Flash forward I am now working at a new clinic where the atmosphere is incredibly positive and they are teaching me in a kind manner. I don't feel embarassed to ask questions or say I don't know how to do things. However, I think I am getting into my head too much. When an aggressive animal comes in, I am nervous to help because I don't want to make a mistake and get someone else or myself hurt. The other day a large dog came in and I already had a weird feeling about him. We started to get blood from the jugular, but we couldn't get it so we moved to the leg and then he wasn't happy anymore. I was holding and I waited until the other assistant and tech were out of the way before i let go of his head and held on by the collar and leash to get myself away from his face. He showed all of his teeth and he was very strong. I asked the tech how I did after that situation because I wanted to make sure that I am doing the best I can and she said I did nothing wrong however, I am still doubting myself. I get a little nervous around the aggressive animals and I don't want to cause more trouble for the team.

I am scaring myself into thinking that if I can't do this, how am I going to be a good veterinarian? I get nervous before my shifts sometimes because all I can think about is what if an aggressive animal comes in and I don't do a good job handling it? I've never seen other vet students have trouble with this so I am doubting myself. Has anyone else ever felt this way before school?

Hi all- new grad (F low/mid 20s) vet here working in the very deep south in upper mid class area. Due to my age and being a woman, I would like everyone’s input on some sort of white coat – maybe even a white athletic jacket with my name/title embroidered to avoid the classic “you’re to young to be the doctor? where’s the doctor?” or the classic only complying/listening if the doctor is someone (age/sex/appearance) “worthy”.

in an ideal world I wouldn’t need to wear one but after speaking to mentors who worked in similar areas, being the only female DVM at this practice, and knowing my demographic — I was wondering if anyone had any input, especially on the athletic jacket, turned white coat idea? plz help :)