List of veterinarians

Veterinarians

Occupation
Occupation type	Profession
Activity sectors	Veterinary medicine, Animal care, Public health, Biomedical research
Specialty	{{#statements:P1995}}
Description
Competencies	Medical knowledge, surgical skills, critical thinking, empathy, communication
Education required	Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Fields of employment	Veterinary clinics, hospitals, research labs, wildlife sanctuaries, zoos
Related jobs	Veterinary technician, Zoologist, Biomedical researcher

Veterinarians are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in animals. They play a crucial role in animal health, public health, and food safety. Veterinarians work in various settings including private clinics, hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and wildlife parks.

Roles and Responsibilities

Veterinarians are responsible for:

• Diagnosing animal health problems
• Vaccinating against diseases
• Medicating animals suffering from infections or illnesses
• Treating and dressing wounds
• Setting fractures
• Performing surgery
• Advising owners on animal feeding, behavior, and breeding
• Euthanizing animals

Education and Training

To become a veterinarian, one must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college. This is typically preceded by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Veterinary education covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and surgery.

Specializations

Veterinarians may specialize in a particular type of treatment, such as surgery or dermatology, or they may focus on specific animal categories such as:

• Small animals (e.g., dogs, cats)
• Large animals (e.g., horses, cattle)
• Exotic animals (e.g., reptiles, birds)
• Wildlife

Notable Veterinarians

• James Herriot - Renowned British veterinarian and author known for his books detailing his experiences as a vet in Yorkshire.
• Mary Knight Dunlap - Founder of the American Association of Women Veterinarians.
• Buster Lloyd-Jones - Noted for his contributions to veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation in the UK.

Challenges and Outlook

The field of veterinary medicine faces several challenges including the management of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Veterinarians are at the forefront of efforts to monitor and control these diseases. The outlook for the profession is positive, with increasing demand for veterinary services driven by the growing pet ownership and the need for food safety.

See Also

• Veterinary nurse
• Animal welfare
• Zoonosis