Here’s a brief list of what Veterinary Surgeons do:

• Surgical Consultation: Assessing animal patients and consulting with pet owners to discuss surgical treatment options and risks.

• Surgical Planning: Developing surgical plans, including anesthesia protocols, surgical techniques, and post-operative care plans tailored to each patient.

• Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical procedures such as soft tissue surgeries (e.g., tumor removal, abdominal surgery), orthopedic surgeries (e.g., fracture repair, joint surgery), and neurosurgery (e.g., spinal surgery).

• Anesthesia Management: Administering anesthesia and monitoring patients' vital signs during surgery to ensure their safety and comfort.

• Post-operative Care: Providing intensive care and monitoring animals during the immediate post-operative period, managing pain, and ensuring proper wound care.

• Emergency Surgery: Responding to emergencies and performing urgent surgical procedures to address acute injuries or life-threatening conditions.

• Collaboration: Working closely with veterinary technicians, nurses, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care for surgical patients.

• Follow-up Care: Monitoring patients' recovery progress, conducting follow-up examinations, and adjusting treatment plans as needed.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Education Requirements:

• Undergraduate Education: Begin with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While specific majors are not always required, coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and animal sciences is recommended. Maintaining a high GPA and gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work in veterinary settings is beneficial.

2. Veterinary School Admission:

• Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT): Similar to the MCAT for medical school, the VCAT is required for admission to most veterinary schools.

• Application Process: Apply to accredited veterinary schools. Admission is competitive and typically involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes an interview.

3. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program:

• Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited veterinary school. This program usually takes four years to complete.

• Curriculum: The DVM program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, and other related subjects. Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in veterinary practice.

4. Gain Licensure:

• After graduating from a DVM program, veterinarians must obtain licensure to practice. This usually involves passing a licensing examination specific to the country or region where you intend to practice.

5. Gain Experience in General Practice:

• Before specializing in surgery, gain experience in general veterinary practice to develop foundational skills in animal care, diagnosis, and treatment.

6. Specialize in Veterinary Surgery:

• Residency Program: Pursue a residency program in veterinary surgery accredited by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) or your country's equivalent accrediting body. Residency programs typically last 3-4 years and involve intensive training under the supervision of experienced veterinary surgeons.

• Board Certification: After completing a residency program, veterinarians can become board-certified by passing the examination administered by the ACVS or other specialty boards. Board certification demonstrates expertise and competence in veterinary surgery.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!