Deciding to pursue an internship is a big decision and one that veterinary students are probably in the middle of debating about right at this very moment. Applications for the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program open on October 15th. If your school is like my school then there is a lot of pressure to apply. It’s a difficult decision for several reasons, you are most likely significantly in debt, sick and tired of being a student, and ready to go out and practice medicine! Theys don’t pay well and it is another year of being the lowest man on the totem pole. However, Theys do at least pay a small sum of money and the experience that you gain is invaluable.
The first year of practice is hard for most veterinarians. The transition from student to being the brain in charge of life or death situations is difficult. It’s a different level of stress and responsibility. The skills and habits that you learn in that first year are critical to your future level of practice.