Embracing Diverse Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine by Ava

Embracing Diverse Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine by Ava - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my time volunteering at a veterinary clinic and participating in vet skills contests I encountered numerous instances where collaboration with individuals holding contrasting perspectives became important. These encounters not only broadened my understanding of veterinary medicine but also opened the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Within the veterinary clinic, diverse perspectives arise in many situations. For example, appropriate animal care, surgical techniques, or prescribed prescription. As I have learned there are many ways to go about one problem. From the veterinarians to the technicians, each member of the team possesses a unique perspective through which they view and approach animal care. Initially, navigating these distinct viewpoints seemed intimidating, but it soon became evident that the differences between those perspectives contributed to having a more complete understanding of veterinary medicine.

One memorable experience involved collaborating closely with a peer whose approach to diagnosis and treatment in our vet skills contest contrasted with mine. In the contest, we are given a scenario and must determine the best course of action. While I leaned towards conservative treatment methods, prioritizing the minimization of interventions, my friend favored a more aggressive approach, advocating for extensive diagnostic testing and intervention. Initially, our conflicting viewpoints led to friction, as we debated the most appropriate course of action for the patients.

However, as we conversated deeper and exchanged insights, I began to appreciate the value in our differences. Through our collaboration, I gained a new understanding of the importance of balancing risk and benefit in veterinary medicine. I learned to acknowledge instances where there may be different ways to approach problems that could also work.

Moreover, working closely with individuals holding diverse perspectives broadened my exposure to various approaches and treatment methods. Now while volunteering at a local vet clinic, I see each member of the veterinary medicine team possess a unique set of skills and experiences, which enabled me to explore alternative ideas and expand my clinical knowledge. Volunteering at the clinic has been fantastic because it's always booming with different ideas and practices, fostering an environment perfect for learning.

As I continue on my journey in the field of veterinary medicine, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned and the transformative impact of embracing diversity in all its forms. Different ideas are a good thing and as I have learned shouldn't just be pushed away. There may be more than one effective approach and we should think outside the box if need be!