I chose to shadow Dr. Angela Shelton from French Town Veterinarian Clinic in my hometown along the Ohio River. Dr. Shelton has been my family pets’ veterinarian for some time now, and I have worked under her for several other projects. Through this time, I have seen her handle extremely stressful situations such as an overflowing clinic and even very somber scenarios such as putting down very young kittens. I have observed her doing many surgeries and just as many “routine” procedures from vaccinations to check-ups. She has managed to juggle her personal life and a very demanding job and through this, has not only inspired me but has also given me a great deal of hope for myself and my future.
As I have witnessed most of the things that deter people from veterinary medicine, such as euthanasia and surgeries, firsthand, I am confident that this path is what I want to choose for my lifetime career. All of my experience with Dr. Shelton, including this most recent experience, has taught me that being a vet is a stressful, hard job that takes continuous learning and quick decisions. Dr. Shelton continues to read and keep accurate records of each experience so that she may refer back to it later. One of the hardest parts of the job, I have realized, is working with each client to provide timely satisfactory results. It is rather difficult to be the bearer of bad news when most families love their pets as though they are children. In those situations, I have witnessed Dr. Shelton keep a calm and sincere sense of professionalism about her.
She has expanded the knowledge I have about the veterinarian medicine field a vast amount and gave me plenty of opportunities to work hands-on whether it be by seeing how her very own vet clinic was run, or by animal experience. Under supervision, I have done things from routine grooming procedures, sanitizing the clinic, providing dosing information, dispensing medicine, and drawing blood on Dr. Shelton’s own dog solely for the experience.
It was recommended by Dr. Shelton to not only continue my studies at OSU but to continue expanding my knowledge on veterinary medicine as it can only prepare me better for vet school. She also instilled in me the need for a backup plan, as things do not always go as intended. Dr. Shelton has proven to me that dream of building my very own vet clinic and operating it successfully is not too far-fetched, as she has done so for many years. The attached photo was taken during my shadowing experience and further proves the need for continued knowledge, even after you’ve gotten the job. Dr. Shelton keeps many books pertaining to her practice and procedures in order to provide the best service to her clients.
Every shadowing experience I have with animals further deepens my desire to become a veterinarian as I see animals that are constantly in need and so few people to help them in some areas, like my hometown. Aside from this experience with Dr. Shelton, I have worked with local organizations such as our shelters and our local Spay and Neuter Assitance programs to raise awareness to problems such as overpopulation and have also interviewed other veterinarians and prominent people in areas such as Animal Welfare. Dr. Shelton and her staff were extremely helpful in developing some of these connections with these people that have helped broaden my knowledge from not only a veterinarians side but also a concerned citizen standpoint. Not only the animals deepen my desires, but seeing the people who give so much time, effort, and money to make a difference truly inspires me to continue down my path no matter how hard it may get. I truly believe I am on the path I was destined to travel down because of those who have guided me along the way.
This quote further explains how I feel about my chosen path, in ways that I could not say myself:
“It’s like Forrest Gump said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates.’ Your career is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. But everything you get is going to teach you something along the way and make you the person you are today. That’s the exciting part – it’s an adventure in itself.” -Nick Carter
I have dreamt for years to have an adventurous life and a successful career. Having them both intermingled seems like the perfect explanation to me.
Dr. Angela Shelton’s work area as she furthers her knowledge in her field.