What Is the Difference Between a Regular Veterinarian & a Veterinarian Specialist?
- A veterinarian typically works as a general animal care practitioner. Many veterinarians focus on small or companion animals, such as dogs, cats and birds. Other veterinarians focus on farm animals such as cows, pigs and sheep. Veterinarian specialists typically specialize in a specific area of veterinary medicine. For example, a veterinarian specialist may develop preventative medications for animals or complete complicated surgeries. Other veterinary specialists focus on areas such as toxicology, diagnostics or microbiology.
- A general veterinarian must see to the overall wellness of animals. This includes performing wellness screenings, providing immunizations and treating both minor and major health problems. General veterinarians working in emergency clinics often treat animals with serious illnesses or animals that have been in an accident. Veterinarian specialists typically focus on projects. This can include laboratory testing, research and reporting. Some specialists also do field work, which can involve researching areas prone to illness outbreaks or surveying animals in their natural habitat. others focus on one aspect of veterinary medicine such as ophthalmology
- General veterinarians that work with small companion animals often work long hours in a private office. These veterinarians see patients throughout the day. Often, the veterinarians have to deal with upset pet owners and frightened animals. Farm veterinarians travel frequently to visit patients. Farm veterinarians often work long hours and have to perform checkups and emergency surgeries or procedures on location.
Many specialist veterinarians also work in clinics. Some provide treatments for specific problems and diseases, others focus on specific types of animals such as reptiles, birds or other exotic pets, offering both general care and specialized treatments.
A few specialist veterinarians work in laboratories, developing medicines and treatments for illnesses. - Both general and specialist veterinarians can start their careers working as interns at private facilities or clinics. As a general veterinarian advances, he can open his own animal clinic. Opening a private clinic may offer better salary opportunities. Veterinarian specialists can obtain higher-ranking positions or become a member of the management staff as they progress in their careers.
