MySpace-February 21, 2007-I’m not a vet, I’m a doctor…of veterinary medicine

So the other day in class, our old Romanian anatomy professor, Dr. C, went into a rant about how he hates the word vet, how we must strive to press upon our clients that we are doctors of veterinary medicine. Everyone knows that an MD is doctor, he says, you're going to be doctors too.
And while, this was partially the ravings of an old man, he's right. In addition to everyone sharing the 'you're in vet school, what's wrong with my animal' stories, all of us can relate to the following because its surely happened at one point or another:
'Oh, you're in vet school? That's like a two year program right?'
'No, its four years like med school.'
'Oh. But you won't be like a doctor or anything.'
'Umm, yeah, I'm going to be a doctor, just of animals.'
Then they think to themselves 'That's not impressive, its just animals. I could do that'. And you see it all over their face so you respond-
'Actually, its harder to get into vet school than med school. And I have to learn more than one species.'
And they probably are either really impressed or not at all and walk away thinking that you're stupid for spending four years learning how to clean out kennels.
But wait! I am going to be doctor! You only wish that your doctor knew as much stuff as I did. When they went to med school, they dissected one animal! I've dissected a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a rat, a cow, a pony and eventually a chicken and a pig. They probably specialize in one area. Even your general practiceners don't do everything. Even if I don't specialize in one area, I will be a general practicener, an OB/GYN, a gastroenterologist, a orthopedic specialist, a pediatritian, (a horrible speller), a dermotologist and a nutrtionist! That;s everything I'll be as a dairy vet!
And doctors only have two letters behind their name. I'll have three.
Bottom line-Doctors of Veterinary Medicine are far, far superior to MDs. If I was dumb, I'd just be a people doctor. And we need to be recognized as such.

[EDIT-Orginially published to Blogger on February 22, 2011.]