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Expert: - 10/10/2011


Question
Hi. I'm 16, and I've know that I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was in the 6th grade. I just want to know how was you road to becoming a veterinarian. Was it hard? Please provide as many details as possible to help to foresee what it is that I am going into

Answer
The two most important keys to success in becoming a veterinarian are to work at a veterinary clinic a lot (or with a veterinarian in any setting) and to be very very resourceful. Visit the veterinary college closest to you. (I visited CA, COLO, OHIO and 2 zoos on a cross country trip when I was 13). By the time I was 18 I had visited 10 veterinary colleges, read 100 books on veterinary medicine and animal care, had worked for veterinarians for 7 years and was keeping my grade point average very high.

If I were your adviser, I would not suggest you ask a busy practicing veterinarian every detail to becoming a veterinarian. I would suggest you do a lot of your own independent research on the internet and in the library. Then write up all your information and formulate additional questions you would like answered by specific people Read my bio on all experts to see the area I specialize in (holistic approaches) and ask me about those areas (again -research first, then ask me specific questions).

There are many people who will help you if you are specific and show that you have been resourceful, educated yourself already on the issues.

Also, begin now to carefully edit your questions for proper grammar as that will be critical to being accepted to veterinary college.

Good luck - we need more wonderful and caring veterinarians.

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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