What do Pamela Anderson, John Abraham and Celina Jaitley have in common? Except for being famous, the common thread that links them is the love for animals. You too can turn this love to a promising and fulfilling profession of veterinary sciences. Veterinary science is a branch of medicine that deals with animal health care. The discipline involves study of animal physiology, treatment and prevention of diseases. The basic principles of the subject remain similar to human medical sciences but the role differs.A veterinarian is tutored and oriented to perform varied functions related to the treatment and prevention of diseases, animal husbandry and animal breed improvement by scientific processes such as selective breeding and artificial insemination. It also extends to being responsible for providing vaccination against the diseases threatening the society and economy along with poultry and livestock management, wildlife conservation and rural development. "With the boundaries of science rapidly getting faint the future for veterinarians does not only confine to tackling health issues of animals but also taking care of human welfare at large to meet the growing demands of the population around the globe," says Dr Hema Tripathi, senior scientist, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh.With the progressing times there is a fear of extinction of some species of animals and thus there is a need for veterinary professionals who can play an active role in captive breeding of wild animals that are feared to get extinct. "The field is witnessing the use of sophisticated technology and advanced professional skills and a veterinarian needs to assure welfare of animals at a micro and a macro level," says Dr Sariput, assistant professor, department of extinction, Bombay Veterinary College. Other areas of functioning include disseminating information on animal nutrition, giving vaccinations, scientific breeding using methods such as artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilisation. An applicant who aspires to be a veterinary doctor must pass 10+2 with biology, chemistry, physics and English. One can then take the national-level exam organised by Veterinary Council of India to get in to a five-year bachelors degree in veterinary and animal husbandry. Some universities conduct entrance exams for their respective colleges. There are approximately thirty-four government colleges that are under the council and follow the same guidelines.A student of veterinary sciences learns about the disciplines that include basics such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry along with clinical subjects such as surgery, radiology and obstetrics. There are eighteen disciplines in the undergraduate course for the students who can then start practicing or specialise in one of these areas. For admission to the postgraduate degree universities have their own criteria, and Indian Institute of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts an all India examination. The masters course includes a specialised study that spans over two years in various subjects such as medicine, surgery, gynaecology etc. Bombay Veterinary College also offers similar disciplines. The Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur, is the only private college that offers undergraduate degree. Veterinarians can also look at doing a PhD for further research.Under the VCI Act 1984, every graduate needs to obtain a registration from the Veterinary Council of India to start practicing. After obtaining the registration, a doctor can choose from a range of career options available. One can work with a hospital, laboratory or start a private practice. Providing vaccinations, surgeries and treatment along with deciding on euthanasia in extreme cases of torment form the essentials of a practice.The scope for entrepreneurial ventures is on the rise as the options are aplenty. Canine and feline care in cosmopolitan cities, establishment of dairy and poultry industries, milk and meat processing venture, establishment of livestock business etc. have gained momentum over a period of time. Veterinarians can also choose to work with large animals in stables or farms, or can work with wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and zoos.Working with NGOs is another domain. "Working through self-help groups in rural areas in the field of dairy development and animal care is satisfying for veterinarians who want to stay associated to a non-profitable cause," says Dr N. Akila, associate professor, Madras Veterinary College. Owing to the commercialisation, the demand for veterinary professionals has also risen in the food manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies.
There is a major difference between practicing in a rural and urban set up and the professionals have to accordingly decide where their interest lies. "In rural areas we work without any facilities such as blood test or X-rays and at times there is nobody to consult, therefore the entire onus of the diagnosis and treatment lies on one's analytical abilities. The doctor has to be compassionate, analytical and should have a thorough knowledge of the profession to be successful," says Dr Mrigesh Chaudhary, veterinary officer in Kichha. While a conventional career option such as teaching is also open to a veterinary graduate, getting into research can also be fruitful. Also, over the years the number of female veterinary graduates has increased especially in the big cities and veterinary science is proving to be an attractive career for women.Apart from being an animal lover and possessing the right educational qualifications, one must also possess other vital attributes such as good observation skills, presence of mind and ability to look into intricate details. The person should be able to adapt to different kinds of environments and not get emotionally disturbed if they see an animal in pain. Therefore, one needs to be patient and even-tempered while putting in long hours of work.Remuneration for a veterinary doctor depends on a variety of factors. Private practitioners make lesser money compared to those who work in a government sector. Veterinaries working in urban areas earn more than the ones in rural areas. The salaries can be around Rs 25, 000 to Rs 80,000 per month.
Expert speak
Geeta SharmaVeterinary doctor, DelhiThe veterinary profession over the years has armed itself with more professional skills and advanced techniques, expanding the potential to contribute scientifically to the care and treatment of the animals. The responsibility of a veterinary doctor is immense as he/she is responsible for the well-being of animals. The doctor should be able to gauge the symptoms shown by the animals. It is crucial to understand the need of the patients and the concerns of the owners. I would like to bust a common notion that men are more suitable for this profession.This is totally false as there are enough opportunities for women as well. Women are working in veterinary labs, academic area, government as well as private sectors. The female veterinarians who are working in the rural areas don't get to be frontrunners in this profession because of family commitments and less exposure to technology.Nevertheless, gender is not a barrier in this profession. Right from working in hospitals to setting up private clinics, there is a vast scope. Though this field is quite challenging, it is a profession that makes you feel empowered with a sense of goodness.
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