AVMS: Preparing 600level students for outside Veterinary Medical School
In less than four months, the 600-level students will be ready to bid farewell to the faculty and then subsequently getting inducted into the veterinary profession. In order to prepare them for the outside reality, the Association of Veterinary Medical Students(AVMS), UI, in conjunction with Dr Anifowose has organised a day program titled: Transitioning from a Veterinary Student to a Practicing Veterinarian; Tips and Strategies.
The event took place on Saturday, 15th April, in the faculty auditorium and had two guest speakers, Dr Adeoye Tolulope from Petcare and Dr Awotunde Fiyinfoluwa from FIVOT Farms who happened to have passed through the same system here in UI.
Speaking on the topic, Dr Adeoye Tolulope, one of the alumni of the faculty and a specialist in small animal medicine at pet care, admonished the students to position themselves strategically outside. Clinical practice is a serious business that one needs to understand before venturing into it. Dr stressed how significant clinical pathology that many run away from as undergraduates is a basis of clinical practice. Students were implored to relearn clinical pathology as it will be needed critically outside the vet school.
Furthermore, he exposed the benefits associated with joining Veterinary associations like VCN, NVMA and especially SAVAN for those interested in practising small animal medicine."Being a member of an association is an excellent advantage as it exposes you to the latest information and opportunities".
Additionally, the first speaker encouraged students to know what they understand and want outside of school. He said very few skills are taught here in vet school. This is the reason students have to know what they want outside Vet school and work extra hours to equip themselves with the necessary skills. Also, he challenged the faculty to work more on standardizing the practical aspects of the profession.
The small animal specialist also shared his experiences on how mentorship has helped him to know what he was totally ignorant of when in Vet school and challenged the students to also look for a good mentor that can show them what they need to know in the field they have chosen.
Speaking on poultry practice after graduation, Dr Awotunde Fiyinfoluwa, CEO/MD of FIWOT farms shared what students should look for in themselves and any business before venturing into it: Lucrative, know/how, interest, effort and commitment.
The poultry specialist also encouraged students to save during their service years. The Dr said, "As we prepare for our service year, let us keep a substantial amount because it will prove useful at the end of the service year".
He stressed how significant marketing is in any production before venturing into it and that also in business, there is no need to spend money if the cost exceeds the profit. Maximizing productivity is not synonymous with maximising profitability.
Career opportunities in poultry include: Egg production, breeder farming, hatchery operation, feedmilling, Vet input production, Diagnostic consultancy, Produce marketing, Laboratory services etc. 'Never pick just one, but two or more so that when one flops, another flourishes' Dr Fiyin added.
The CEO concluded by encouraging the students to only have a brand for themselves if and only if they already have a level of great consistency as any flop or mistake afterwards can mar the brand.
Dr Anifowose, faculty lecturer and one of the organizers of the program shared his experience as a practising Vet and lecturer. He, however advised students to follow their passion, and be aware of what is within their strength and their interest. He advised students not to have one source of income, "even if you're in academia, develop clinical confidence and make cash in two ways."
Present at the event were the Dean of the faculty, Prof Olufunke Ola-Davies, and Subdean undergraduate, Dr O. A Ogundijo. They both thanked the organizers specifically, Dr Anifowose and the guests for giving back to their alma mata and for the event taking place at the right time.
The AVMS president, Fasiku Oluwatobi gave closing remarks by saluting the guests for honouring the invitation despite their busy schedule. The event ended at some minutes to two with group pictures and networking.
Comments
Post a Comment