Open day for aspiring veterinarians
Press release
26 February 2008
Have you always had an interest and passion for animals, and want to take that next step in finding out what it would like to be a veterinarian? Then why not join us at the University of Melbourne’s veterinary open day held at the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital in Werribee?
The popular annual open day is on Sunday 13 April from 10:00am through to 4:00pm, and will provide a behind-the-scenes look for aspiring veterinarians and interested pet owners.
Top University of Melbourne veterinary student from 2007 and now fully qualified veterinarian, Kim Johnson recommends attending the open day. “The open day at Werribee is a must as you get to meet current students, veterinary staff, and you also get a chance to tour the clinic and hospital, which is amazing.
“At the open day you learn about the academic side of the course – getting in, what you need to do during the course, work experience, but also the non-academic side - living in the on-campus accommodation, social functions and the strong feeling of friendship and comradeship that exists between veterinary science students.
“Animal lovers also have the chance to view interactive displays on wildlife, agricultural animals and pet care, including worming, flea treatments and micro-chipping.”
Kim decided she wanted to be a vet when she was still in primary school. She always loved horses, as most young girls do, and used to take riding lessons, then in her later years worked at a stable. “I always loved animals, when I was young I was always happy wherever we went as long as there was an animal to talk to,” said Kim. “That love persisted into my teenage years and I decided to pursue my childhood dream of being a vet, and focused on getting into Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne.”
Kim who now works at a mixed practice in Lilydale says that she loves being a vet. “I love my job. I enjoy the variety – consulting, surgery, large animal work (especially working with horses) and wildlife. Every day is different, there is a constant challenge. Working can sometimes be difficult and frustrating, but it is also very rewarding. There is nothing quite like the feeling that you have helped somebody and their pet, that you have actually made a difference.”
The University of Melbourne is the only institution in Victoria to offer a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree. The open day will be held at the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital in Werribee, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria. For more information call (3) 8344 7844 or register online.
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au