Why veterinary medicine?

Why This Question Is Important

This question is common in veterinary medicine interviews, so having a plan of what to say is important. The interviewers are assessing your values, your awareness of the profession and what experiences you have had that lead you down this path.

What You Must Demonstrate

You must be able to demonstrate that you understand what it means to be a veterinary surgeon and what the role includes.

You must be able to demonstrate why veterinary medicine is the best-suited career path for you and what experiences you have had to solidify this decision.

Suggested Structure

What initially sparked your interest in becoming a veterinarian?

Include personal experiences that may have initiated your interest in this field.

You may wish to use an example with your own animals.

Previous veterinary experiences and how they inspired you.

AVOID saying ‘I’ve always loved animals’; this is too generic and does not make you stand out.

What did you do to explore the profession?

This could be a book you read, a lambing placement, a clinical practice experience or anything else relevant.

Reflect on what you learnt. Stating you went on a placement is invaluable; reflecting is much more impressive. Talk about what you noticed, what surprised you, how you were challenged, and how it increased your understanding of what it means to be a vet.

Still provide a brief context of the scenario.

What aspects of vet med appeal the most to you?

Link your previous experience to aspects of the veterinary profession. This could be animal welfare, surgery, problem solving, public health, a variety of the profession or anything else.

Explain why they appeal to you.

What would you like to do in the future

How would you like to contribute to the profession?

What skills are you looking to develop?

Areas you are excited to explore.

Mistakes to Avoid

Some things should be avoided at all costs in this question, and these are mistakes people commonly make in interviews:

AVOID saying anything too generic, such as ‘I love animals.’

AVOID saying you don’t like working with people (the veterinary profession includes a large role of communicating with people).

AVOID romanticising the profession, make it clear that you understand the challenges.