In your opinion what do you see as the least appealing part of a career within veterinary medicine?
This is often a difficult question to answer during an interview as the interviewer is asking you to provide a negative answer. It is better to focus on a task-based answer, rather than company politics or people. Consider making a list of tasks you think may be difficult for vets to complete (e.g putting an animal to sleep) and prepare yourself for this question.
"I've given this question some thought, and overall I think a career in Veterinary Medicine will be really enjoyable. If I had to think of one area I think may be challenging I would have to say the administrative tasks that follow as a result of surgery. Because working with people is my strength, I imagine the paperwork could be challenging."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
The least appealing part of being a veterinarian is the cases that do not necessarily have a happy ending. However, I understand that success stories outweigh these cases. My strengths lie in compassion for others, so I know I could care for the people and animals that I would come into contact with.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your passion for this career really shines through here, and you answered this question very well.
Anonymous Answer
I feel the worst part of being a vet is the outcome of some cases being out of your control. For example, being unable to provide treatment due to the owners' financial issues, not being able to make an animal healthy again despite your best efforts, and euthanizing a healthy animal due to various reasons. Overall having a lack of control over the outcome of a case would be difficult. I would remove my feelings from the situation and remind myself of my role within the task at hand.
Rachelle's Feedback
These would be tough challenges to encounter, for sure. It's great that you would address this by removing yourself emotionally from the situation. Are there tools available to students in the medical field that help to form this type of emotional intelligence?
Anonymous Answer
I would find the business end of veterinary practice not one of my strengths. My thoughts and interest are more around improving medical care or contributing to research than building business plans.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is honest and very fair! You give the interviewer a helpful idea of where your strengths are.
Anonymous Answer
I've given this question some thought, and overall I think a career in Veterinary Medicine will be gratifying. If I had to think of one, it would be the owners' reactions when you can no longer help their pet, and euthanasia is the kindest option for the animal. I think people may prefer to prolong their pet's life even if it is not the best for the animal.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a well thought out answer. You come from a place of empathy, which any interviewer should appreciate.
Anonymous Answer
I feel that cost can be a prohibiting factor within veterinary medicine. Many veterinarians may not be able to use all of the diagnostic or treatment tools available to them because the owner of the animal either does not want to pay or cannot afford it. I feel like this can be a very frustrating aspect of a career within veterinary medicine.
Rachelle's Feedback
This would be a frustrating circumstance as a veterinarian. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions on what you could/will do to overcome situations like this?
Anonymous Answer
An area that I have discussed with my vet, and I imagine it would be very difficult to put a healthy animal down for the benefit of the owners, such as financial reasons. It is a controversial topic, and I think that some other steps or options should be considered before reaching this conclusion.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's great that you recognize there are other options available to you, as a veterinarian. The research you have done, speaking with your own vet, shows a lot of interest and insight. Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
Although I see a veterinary career as being very rewarding, one aspect I have noticed that would be most challenging is facing legal charges. Pet ownership is highly emotionally charged, and some client's reactions to losing a pet under the veterinarian's care are litigation. The only way I can see for defending from this is by keeping accurate records of care given and of all communications with the client.
Rachelle's Feedback
This would be a challenge to face, indeed. What is important is that you seem highly aware of this potential situation and know how to protect yourself from this happening in the future.
Anonymous Answer
Having worked in a veterinary clinic, I have been introduced to the hardships that are faced by veterinarians. I would say the most challenging part of veterinary medicine would be losing a patient during surgery and having to make contact with the owner.
Rachelle's Feedback
That would be very difficult. Do you have any suggestions on how you plan to handle this type of scenario as a veterinarian?
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