Going to School…with Dogs

Imagine leaving an exam (it could have gone well but perhaps it was more difficult than you had anticipated) and as you walk out the door kicking yourself for not studying hard enough, you are greeted by furry creatures with wagging tails. I don’t care what you say, but no matter how bad the exam Read More …

5 Exams, 2 Weeks: Getting Motivated & Maintaining Work-Life Balance

We’re about half way through the Fall term of second year and to mark the occasion, we have 5 exams (3 exams, 2 finals) within 2 weeks. That is uncharacteristically brutal compared to the normal 1 test per week that we have been accustomed to thus far in vet school. Regardless of the seemingly chaotic Read More …

Applying First Year Knowledge in Second Year

My first year farm animal nursing session was a pretty dismal experience. There were practically no patients but the barn nurse who was in charge of showing us around and getting us involved insisted on giving us a 2.5 hour tour during which she asked very specific and detailed questions of us regarding large animal Read More …

While You’re Waiting…

So it’s official, VMCAS has been submitted and you’re probably finishing up your supplemental applications if you haven’t already. So, now what? While you’re waiting to hear back from schools, don’t just sit around thinking that your fate was sealed the moment you clicked the submit button; put your time to good use! I know Read More …

Welcome to the UCD SVM Class of 2014

Apparently I’ve been so busy with First Year Orientation, and starting second year of vet school that I neglected to provide an official welcome to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2014. Welcome! I had the opportunity to meet and get to know many of you during orientation and, though I apologize Read More …

A First Year’s Guide to UCD SVM: Things I Wish I Knew Sooner

Things I wish I knew sooner: Keys. You can go into the small building that is located between Valley and the VMTH by the VMTH parking lot to get keys to the VMTH. Bring your ID Badge and let them know what keys you want (I’d start with just getting the key to the front Read More …

What’s Stopping YOU From Pursuing Your Vet Dreams?

We all have our excuses — what’s yours? And why are you letting it stop you? Let me tell you my story. Back in 2007 I had a B.A. degree in Psychology, a cushy job that I hated, and plans already set to return to grad school in Psychology. I volunteered at the Pasadena Humane Read More …

My First Vet School Summer: What I Did

To be honest, I didn’t truly have a plan for this summer. During the winter and spring terms I made some plans. I applied for a research fellowship, expecting not to get it and made back up plans which included: An externship at the San Francisco SPCA Summer clinics in Neurology, Dermatology, and Oncology at Read More …

A First Year’s Guide to UCD SVM: Orientation

Rumor has it that Dr. Don Klingborg is no longer leading Orientation for incoming first year vet students. Pretty sad if it’s true as he was a lot of fun. (Catch a spoof that the Class of 2013 made called The Campus to roast Dr. Klingborg and Orientation at the Turkey Roast in 2009 on Read More …

A First Year’s Guide to UCD SVM: Supplies for First Year

You may be wondering what sorts if items you will need for your first year of vet school. Below is a list of important things that come to mind. I will be sure to amend this list if something else comes to mind. NOTE: no books are listed here; that does not mean that you Read More …