On March 23, 2025, I received my white coat. This signifies the completion of the academic portion of my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and transition into clinical rotations, where I will apply everything I have learned over the past three years. Over the next 14 months, my classmates and I will go through 26 blocks of rotations, both here at the veterinary school and off-campus, as well as six weeks of professional development.
A Long-awaited Moment
I have waited for this moment since the start of veterinary school and anticipated it even more as it got closer and closer. The excitement quickly turned to anxiety when I finished my last test and realized what lay ahead. I’m prepared that any schedule I have built, any plans I have for the next year, and my sleep schedule will now be up in the air as I prioritize my learning and patient care.
I feel confident in my ability to recall my “didactic” learning skills, but how will that translate to clinical practice? All of what we practice in our clinical year is under the “safety net” of residents and faculty, but now is our chance to act like doctors.
‘Think Like a Doctor’
It is a totally different way of thinking when learning about different drugs turns into formulating a sedation plan for a patient. Or learning about surgical options versus actually observing and assisting in the surgery. Or learning about a specific disease versus diagnosing the disease based on clinical signs and diagnostics.
It’s definitely a learning curve, but the more I do it, the more I am learning to think like a doctor.
Now that I’ve been in clinics for a few months, I’ve really started to understand the flow of things and feel comfortable presenting my decisions. One of my proudest moments, that’s such a small thing, is choosing medications and dosages for a specific case. My choice ended up being exactly what the doctor wanted! I’ve also learned a lot about client communication and felt more comfortable asking questions and relaying important information.
The Year Ahead
I won’t lie: It still feels intimidating knowing I am supposed to “know everything” by now. But now I know that there is much yet to learn and even doctors in practice for years and years never “know everything.”
I hope to continue to keep an open mind as I walk into this year of the unknown and be willing to always learn. I’m excited to see what this year has to offer; I’m sure I will look back in a couple of years and wonder why I was so afraid.
By Annie Marlowe, Class of 2026
