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Register for access to exclusive discounts. Vetstart members also receive 75% off Vetstream services.

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Alison writes about her inspiration for becoming a vet and a visit by Noel Fitzpatrick (‘The Bionic Vet’)

Inspiration can come in many forms, and my inspiration for today was Noel Fitzpatrick, better known as ‘The Bionic Vet’. We had a lecture from him this morning for our Business and Enterprise module to tell us about his experiences setting up his own practice and his innovating techniques.

He told us today we could be whatever we wanted to be, even though our current goal is to pass our exams, get out of uni we can still choose our own path for our future. We are the lucky ones to be entering a profession that can be so rewarding where we can make a difference.

I sometimes forget the struggle I had to get to this point – the exams, the interviews, the financing, the relocating to London – and forget how lucky I am to be here. I got into a course that had one of the highest number of applicants per place in the UK. I forget this when the stress of revision, exams and studying gets on top of me and I wish I had got a job after my first degree but Noel Fitzpatrick gave me a reality check today. I remembered I’m doing this because I love it.

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SFS quiz pits the public against students

Speaking For Spot have started a lighthearted quiz to test pet owners’ knowledge.

If you’re not sick of tests and exams take part in Are You Smarter Than a Vet Student on SpeakingForSpot.com.

Answers will be available soon.

You’ve done so many now, but exams will never stop being stressful

Veterinary courses are some of the hardest, most demanding courses in the world. Becoming a vet means show determination, intelligence and, of course, passing many, many exams. Exams never stop being stressful, and finding ways to manage that stress are incredibly important for both passing and maintaining your sanity.

One of the key causes of anxiety, especially in vet students, is a fear of failure. If you don’t manage stress it will affect your performance; there’s no shame in venting, speaking to people or finding tips to help you. Mind have an excellent article for dealing with exam stress.

Good luck to everyone revising and taking their exams!

Receive discounts by registering for BEVA early

Registration for British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) congress is available. Students who register before August can attend the whole scientific programme for £70 or for free if they are BEVA members.

BEVA congress is the largest equine veterinary event in the UK and BEVA 2012 boasts five in-depth science programmes spread over 12-15th September in Birmingham’s ICC centre.

For more details visit BEVA.

School of Veterinary Medicine and Science shortlisted for Times Higher Education award

Nottingham University’s veterinary department is shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2012 in the Outstanding Departmental Administration Team category.

The university recently received accreditation from the RCVS and has since implemented new administrative models that give academics more time to research, teach and respond to students.

The university has also been commended for its student experience and modern IT-department. As e-learning becomes ever more important technology plays an increasingly important role in veterinary school.

What exactly do you need to get into veterinary school?

The Veterinary News Network has posted an interesting summary of what it takes to make it as a vet in the US. Whilst the video is specific to Americans, there are many challenges identified that all potential vets have to overcome.

Alison writes about procrastinating and what you give up in life to be a vet student

I’ve started the immense task of revision but it’s not been going very well, I’m feeling a bit bogged down with the amount of material and two and a half weeks to learn it all. Scary thought that the exams are so soon, but even this isn’t helping with regards to procrastination.

I hate the feeling of impending doom, it’s not very pleasant having it hanging over you and this holidays it has hit me that most of my friends my age are moving on with their lives; getting mortgages, getting married and starting families while working full time, and I’m still at uni working myself very hard.

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Vetstart at BSAVA 2012

The congress saw a number of announcements including the news that Mark Johnston is to be the next BSAVA president.

One Health was an issue of particular importance. We attended the press conference chaired by Michael J Day (One Health chairman) with input from SAVSNET (Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network) head Alan Radford.

Vets need to make the first move to engage the human medical community, and human doctors need to be aware of the importance pets have on their patients. Antibiotic overuse, rabies in deprived countries and obesity still play a major part in both human and animal health. More details will follow on One Health which will hopefully get more attention throughout the year.

Amongst other things, we saw Hills staff on segways, mini golf at Petplan and people dressed in full orange suits for the Vet Charity Challenge.

For a full list of pictures of BSAVA 2012 please visit Vetstream on Facebook.

Come and meet us at stand 419

Vetstart will be at BSAVA in Birmingham from 12-15th April. We’ll be at the Vetstream stand 419.

BSAVA Congress 2012 is one of the biggest veterinary events of the year. For more details and a full list of exhibitors visit the BSAVA website.

Advice and career management from Dr. John Sheridan

The Veterinary Business Briefing section of the site has been updated to include the two most recent articles: Becoming a Practice Leader and the Importance of First Impressions.

Veterinary Business Briefing is aimed at graduates or students who want to plan ahead, and is designed to provide tips once you start in practice.