VETERINARY MEDICINE, A NOBLE PROFESSION. A WORTHWHILE JOURNEY

A LITTLE BIOGRAPHY OF DR. OLUSHOLA MACBENNY AWOBAJO

DR. OLUSHOLA MACBENNY AWOBAJO WAS BORN ON THE 13TH OF JANUARY 1970 TO THE FAMILY OF MR & MRS OLUSHOGA AND ESTHER AWOBAJO. HE COMPLETED HIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EDUCATION IN 1982 AT ALIMOSHO PRIMARY SCHOOL, AND HAD HIS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IN 1998 AT ALIMOSHO GRAMMAR SCHOOL LAGOS NIGERIA IN THE WEST PART OF AFRICA. HE DECIDED TO CHOOSE THE MEDICAL FIELD AS HIS LINE OF CAREER ESPECIALLY FOR HIS LOVE OF ANIMALS; HE DECIDED TO PURSUE VETERINARY MEDICINE IN THE PRESITIGIOUS PREMIER UNIVERSITY (UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN) IN OYO STATE OF NIGERIA. HE GRADUATED FROM THE VETERINARY SCHOOL IN 1998 AND BECAME A VETERINARY SURGEON. DR. AWOBAJO DECIDED TO OPEN HIS VETERINARY CLINICS IN THE HEARTH OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA WHERE HE PRACTICE AS A SMALL ANIMAL CLINICIAN/SURGEON UNTIL HE MOVED TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN IN 2001 IN PURSUIT OF AMERICAN DREAM. HE MET THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE WHO HAPPENED COME ALSO FROM NIGERIA HERE IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND GOT MARRIED IN AUGUST 2007 IN THE CITY OF NEWARK NEW JERSEY; HE IS BLESSED WITH 3 CHILDREN. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

WHAT DOES VETERINARIANS DO? Vets prevent and treat illnesses and injuries in animals. They might specialize in a type of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, and/or a group of animals, such as horses, dogs, poultry or wildlife.

DUTIES OF VETERINARIANS Diagnosing Animal patients, prescribing medications, performing surgery, giving vaccinations, and providing health care recommendations to pet owners. Veterinarians may also conduct research in areas such as biomedical sciences. They often work very long hours, and many make themselves available for emergency situations.

GOOD QUALITIES OF A VETERINARIAN Passion for Animals A great veterinarian is passionate about animals and committed to providing them the best care. Compassion A great veterinarian is very compassionate, both to animals and their owners. They are able to put animals and their owners at ease during a visit. Dedication A great veterinarian has an excellent sense of dedication to the profession and the hours of study it requires, both in college and in continuing education courses. Communication Skills A great veterinarian has excellent communication skills and can talk effectively with pet owners to determine exactly what the animal needs, as well as explain clearly to the owner what the diagnosis is and what the treatment will be. Business Acumen A great veterinarian has sharp business skills and can manage finances and other requirements a veterinary clinic demands.

HOW DO I BECOME A VETERINARIAN? Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program Most schools of veterinary medicine require or prefer applicants to have a bachelor's degree. While many students earn their degree in a biological science, most veterinary schools don't have a preferred major as long as certain science courses are taken. These courses typically include general biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Some schools may require some more advanced science courses, such as mammalogy, biochemistry, or animal behavior. Step 2: Earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Each successive year in a program of veterinary medicine builds upon the previous year's curriculum. The first year or two may focus on science subjects like animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and virology. These and related courses lay the basic framework for understanding veterinary medicine. Some courses might be specific to an animal group. The third year may focus on clinical studies in which students come in contact with living animals and practice using the knowledge and skills they've gained in the previous two years to make diagnoses and recommend possible treatments. The fourth year is usually spent participating in applied experiences, such as practicum or externships. Step 3: Become Licensed Graduates of accredited programs of veterinary medicine must be licensed to practice in the field. All states require that graduates successfully pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam; additional state-specific exams may also be required. Step 4: Gain Experience After becoming licensed, one might choose to gain further practical and specialized experience in the field by interning for a year before applying for a more permanent position. The majority of veterinarians work with small companion animals in private clinics. A smaller percentage of veterinarians choose to specialize in working with equines or other large animals, exotic animals, Research organization or zoo animals.

YOU CAN ACHIEVE WHATEVER YOU SET YOUR MIND TO DO. I WISH YOU ALL SUCCESS IN YOUR LIVES JOURNIES.