ANASTASIA LOBAS: HOW MY IMPRESSIONS OF STUDYING AT THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CHANGED
ANASTASIA LOBAS: HOW MY IMPRESSIONS OF STUDYING AT THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CHANGED
September 24, 2024
My name is Anastasiia Lobas and I am currently a 4th year student, group 7, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The process of studying at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a kind of journey that becomes more interesting and intense with each course. The first years, when most students are just beginning to learn the basics of veterinary medicine, may seem difficult and abstract. However, in the senior years, the study of clinical disciplines becomes an exciting process closely related to the specialty.
The first years: basic knowledge and fundamental disciplinesThe first two years of study at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine are often perceived as a period of general familiarization with veterinary science. Many higher education students note that at first they have to study a large number of fundamental disciplines, the importance of which they are not always able to fully appreciate for mastering their future profession. These are subjects such as anatomy, physiology, cytology, and biochemistry, which are, in fact, the foundation for understanding how a living organism is structured and functions and lay the groundwork for further understanding of veterinary practice.It is only in the senior years that we realize the importance of fundamental disciplines, because they are the basis for further mastering more complex processes in the animal body, especially in the development of diseases. There are also subjects that we studied for general development, such as the history of veterinary medicine and philosophy.The third year is a transitional stage to the study of clinical disciplines, and it is also the first year when I was able to fully acquire knowledge in person at the university, in the circle of my classmates. In the third year, the perception of the curriculum changed. There were subjects that were more closely related to veterinary practice. For example, parasitology became one of the key disciplines. This subject opens up new horizons for future specialists, helping them to understand how various parasites affect the health of animals and even humans. The study of pathogens, their life cycle, and methods of treating infected animals is the knowledge that veterinarians will use in their daily practice.
Fourth year: real veterinary medicine is on the horizon
The fourth year of study becomes even more interesting, as new clinical disciplines closely related to the future profession of a veterinarian appear. For example, clinical biochemistry, which teaches us to use various biochemical methods to study the clinical condition of animals, the specifics of their application in the study of individual organs and systems to clarify the diagnosis and determine the effectiveness of treatment and prevention methods. We also consider biochemical tests and symptoms of metabolic disorders. This discipline is quite interesting, because we have the opportunity to conduct various experiments in small groups in pairs, which allows us to learn how to work in a team, formulate conclusions together and achieve the desired results. In addition, obstetrics is a new important discipline. The study of animal reproduction, pregnancy management, and assistance in childbirth are becoming one of the key practical skills of a veterinarian. Future specialists are beginning to understand how closely these disciplines are related to the real problems they will face in practice.
What is different about studying in the senior yearsBy the fourth year of study, veterinary students already have a good understanding of the importance of fundamental disciplines in the formation of a veterinarian. What seemed abstract in the first years of study becomes the foundation for an in-depth understanding of specific clinical cases in veterinary medicine. More and more attention is paid to the development of practical skills, including treatment, diagnosis, surgery and animal care. Students begin to perceive themselves as future professionals ready for real challenges. This is the period when a real interest and passion for the chosen profession appears. As a student with 3 years of experience, I would like to note that it is very important to realize the value of fundamental disciplines from the very beginning. Although they may seem unrelated to practice, this knowledge is the basis for studying applied topics.Studying at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a constantly evolving process. At first, it seems that a large amount of theoretical knowledge is excessive, but over time, we begin to realize its importance and value. Each subsequent course makes learning more interesting, because the disciplines become closer to the specialty, when the future profession no longer seems like a distant dream.
Good luck with your studies! Glory to Ukraine!Prepared by: Anastasia Lobas, head of group 7, 4th year and Victoria Gryshchenko, professor of the Department of Biochemistry named after Academician M.F. Gulyi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
