The University of Queensland Veterinary Medical Centre is proving to be a hub for both superior animal health care, and training for the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Fifth year Bachelor of Veterinary Science student Philip Kowalski discovered the Centre was perfectly geared towards teaching students based on its focus on premier animal health standards and unequalled facilities.
“The Veterinary Medical Centre staff had a very positive attitude towards teaching Vet students, and access to the student library when we weren’t busy meant I could research the current cases,” Mr Kowalski said.
“I have a particular interest in exotics and birds, so it was great to work with UQ’s bird specialist Dr Bob Doneley.
"He made sure I was involved in and was able to learn as much as possible."
“To top it all off the facilities are top notch; I would walk around with my mouth open in amazement because everything was so new and sophisticated.”
Like Mr Kowalski, UQ Bachelor of Veterinary Science students spend nine weeks in a practical placement between the end of their fourth year and the beginning of their fifth and final year of study.
Their experience includes a combination of large and small animals, from treating wounds through to assisting with the birth of farm animals.
Mr Kowalski worked amongst birds, with mobile vets and even spent time at a dairy in Warrnambool, Victoria during his placement over the summer holidays.
While Mr Kowalski will graduate at the end of 2011 as a veterinarian, he won’t be leaving UQ with the same career plan as the day he started.
“When I started veterinary science I wanted to be a horse vet, but now having experienced so much during the four years of my program, my ideas have changed,” Mr Kowalski said.
“I’d like to enter a mixed practice so I can work with a range of animals - one minute a bird could come through the door, and the next, a cow or a cat.”
Students commencing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at UQ this week can join the UQ Veterinary Science Student Association. With a vibrant social program the Association will give members the opportunity to meet other Vet students at varying stages in their program.
Students should visit the Market Day stall on Thursday 24 February between 12 noon and 2pm on the Central Walkway at the UQ Gatton Campus.
Media: Erin Pearl, 07 54601 209.
