This may have been an accurate portrayal of how vet school was for her, but I don't think it's an accurate portrayal of how it is for most people. She's right about financial stress, having huge amounts of info thrown at you, and having to study a whole lot and give up a lot of your social life. But my profs are by and large friendly, I don't study every free minute, and half my class is married, engaged, or partnered, including me! I still find time for the important people in my life and most of us generally get a reasonable amount of sleep!

She emphasizes the negatives and leaves out the positives. I think vet school have changed since her day, at least the one I'm at. And the veterinary profession is changing too. So -- don't assume that your experience will be like hers.


I Loved This Book!   September 27, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

There is so much to this little book. I laughed, I cried, I squirmed, I was inspired. Loretta Gage tells the truth about what a student must go through in order to become a vet - especially what is involved in learning to work with living animals. These are things most of us don't think about when we consider our vets' educations. I have a new respect for both my large and small animal vets from having read this book, and I recommend it to friends who are considering this profession. This book also shows that the only real obstacles to changing course in midstream are the ones we put there ourselves.


a source of great inspiration for mature students   July 28, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

as a 40-plus student hoping to gain entry into veterinary medicine, this book has provided great inspiration. I hope I won't encounter the same problems that the author did but if I do then I shall be better prepared after reading this book.


compelling and real   July 14, 2001
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

As a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years I view this book as the most honest and courageous to address this profession. It breaks the rules and debunks the simplistic mythology that pervades the profession. By shattering the illusions that many cling to in their unrealistic and romantic views of the complex relationships with our pets and the educational process, she understandably will offend some. That simplistic dream world needs breaking. This book was given to me by clients as a token of appreciation after a gruelling situation ultimately resulted in the euthanasia of their dog. This gift moved me greatly and reinforced my strength to face new challenges. Rather than finding the truth telling depressing it heartened me to find a veterinarian brave enough to reveal that we are as human as anyone, have lives with ambiguities, doubts, personal tragedies and diversions, like anyone else, and yet continue to face uncertain days regularly with committment, hope, dedication, and optimism.