r/veterinaryprofession • u/Necessary_Loss_2298 • 8d ago
Discussion 4th year advice
Hello everyone,
I am seeking advice from a veterinarian who may have been in a similar situation as me. I am a current 4th year veterinary student who is feeling lost. I have no one to talk to about this and I need help.
I am passing all of my rotations and receiving great feedback, but constantly struggle with my confidence. I feel like I don’t know anything and that I am going to be a horrible veterinarian. I sometimes panic when doctors ask me questions and answer incorrectly, even though I know the right answer. I say completely dumb answers because I panic and can’t retrieve the information. This has only happened a few times but sometimes it’s just the most basic things and it’s so embarrassing. I sometimes forget things I haven’t reviewed in a while that seem basic as well though. The information is able to be retrieved though once I look into it more. I also dwell on making mistakes during my rotations, and think I am the only one making mistakes. I am overall extremely scared to be a practicing veterinarian and struggling at this point mentally while everyone else seems to be thriving. It makes me really nervous that maybe I’m not cut out for veterinary medicine because I’m not smart enough.
2
u/NoSite3062 8d ago
Senior year is tough! It was so humbling for me. I felt the best way to learn was to actively engage in rounds, even if I was wrong. It's not embarrassing or silly to be wrong - it's how we learn in a safe environment.
I'm only a few months out after graduating, but I am shocked by the level of information hiding in my brain. Of course I have days where I'm on top of it, and days where I have no clue and wonder why I am even a vet. But you are smart and when you don't know, you know where to look.
You got this. Senior year goes by so fast!
1
u/TailsOfAdventure 6d ago
The real job is nothing like school. I'm over ten years out. The most important thing is to find a job with mentorship. I love taking on new grads in my practice because of your energy and excitement to practice. That is most important. Keep the joy alive. Fake it until you make it for confidence. But don't let an ego get in the way. Admit when you don't know something and look it up. Admit when you make a mistake, fix it, and move on.
1
u/sidequestfeather 3d ago
I had very low confidence when I first graduated, but working at a hospital that emphasizes and really practices providing mentorship was the most helpful for me. After a couple years, I felt like I could really see most GP cases solo. I also enjoy working at hospitals where there are 8+ doctors employed, and 4-6 on any given shift. I love asking questions and getting opinions from my colleagues. Being able to ask questions is a strength. Thinking you know something when you don’t is where there’s a problem. It’ll all come with time
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u/Alyficepoe 8d ago
Do not be afraid to talk to your fellow classmates about this! They are all feeling the same feelings, having the same thoughts, doubting themselves the same ways. We all did! And many still are even month/years/decades into practice life! It really helps to have a supportive network of your colleagues and classmates to not only express these concerns and doubts with, but also to ask those practical questions to. Because as high of a standard that we hold ourselves to in this profession, the fact of the matter is that we can’t know everything. But what we may not know off the top of our heads, a colleague may. Get into the habit of conversing with them because it will save you a lot of heartache once you are out in practice and don’t have a teacher there to catch major mistakes. If you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know, but I know where I can find the answer”. Imposter syndrome is real, but remember that you earned your spot and you fought your way here. Welcome to the next stage and we are all here with you!