Veterinarian
Leesha McKenny
Working as an animal medic means talking to pet owners much of the time. Leesha McKenny reports.
Working as a vet in a busy clinic brings Megan Clisby in contact with all sorts of personalities and temperaments — human as well as animal.
“A lot of people think vet science is about working with animals, and it is — but 90 per cent of your job is about talking to the owners,” Clisby says.
“They know how the animal usually behaves, and can tell us about what’s been happening.”
But variety can become an occupational hazard when the patient list ranges from dogs and cats to ferrets and possums.
“Every day is challenging. It’s fun and exciting,” Clisby says. Based at the Cherrybrook Veterinary Hospital, Clisby, 23, began work after completing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Sydney University.
“The last year of study is spent out in vet practice, so you have a pretty good idea what you’re in for,” she says.
“But it’s a lot more fun than I expected. I thought I’d be a lot more stressed. “It’s a job you can really sink your teeth into and get a lot out of.”
As many as 40 animals are brought in for treatment each day. Clisby warns those interested in becoming vets that although the rewards are high, the hours are long. “I start at eight and finish at seven,” she says.
“In most clinics, you’ll have (to do) the after-hours, so you’ll be on call at least once a week. “It involves weekend work too, and you don’t get overtime.”
A long-standing interest in animals means that, more often than not, Clisby brings her job home with her — as does her flatmate, who is also a vet. “I think if we had our choice, (our home) would be a menagerie, but it’s hard because we’re in a rental property and you’re not allowed a lot of animals.
“Because of the long hours, I couldn’t have a dog; I wouldn’t be able to walk it. But we’ve always got random animals in our house that are in need of homes.”
The scene may change in the future, however, as Clisby anticipates a big move.
“I want to go overseas and work in Britain, and see where that takes me,” she says. “But at the moment, I’m really happy.”
“I once went to the shops with my work shirt on, and one of the shop assistants started asking me about her cat,” she says. “I don’t mind. I think it’s fun.”
Clisby says she’s working at becoming even more of a “people person” so that she can communicate even better with her clients.
By Leesha McKenny, The Sunday Telegraph, February 12 2006.
Veterinary Science courses
University of Melbourne
http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/
Murdoch University – Perth
http://www.vetbiomed.murdoch.edu.au/
