A veterinary pathologist plays an essential role in animal healthcare. These specialists study almost all aspects of diseases that can affect any mammal, fish, or reptile.
What makes veterinary pathologist distinct is their investigative skills.
It is their job to investigate and diagnose an animal before it is given treatment. Job sites such as Jooble collect important jobs for those with the right skillset. As with any medical career, becoming a pathologist is a long and arduous ride. Follow these essential steps when you start your journey in learning to become one.
Job Definition
Multiple tasks make up this profession. They work in various sectors:
- Disease surveillance
- Prevention
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Most animal diseases have been discovered thanks to the work of pathologists. They must conduct extensive reviews and assessments to work out the issues. It is through their research that many medicinal solutions have been created. These efforts are rewarded with the safeguarding and protection of all animal life within any part of the world.
There are two main types of veterinary pathologists. Both of which will require knowledge in multiple medicinal fields. You will be training under an extensive educational background. Learn all there is to be known in animal sciences and research. All of this knowledge will help you in the required duties. Also, this includes learning other skills like leadership and communication.
Most often, you will be working with a team of professionals to help with animal care and treatment. Working in a team also applies to a primary vet. Depending on which of the two main types you will go into may include specific requirements.
The Two Sides
The first side of being a veterinary pathologist is being an anatomical pathologist. The main duties of this path are the likes of autopsies and biopsies. They primarily work with body tissues and the body itself. They will be examining the animals up close to see the cause of the disease, or if the animal is deceased, what is the cause of death. Take a closer look at the organs and body parts to see what reacts to different chemicals. These parts will be tested in a laboratory with various examinations. The correct analysis can determine the source of any problem.
The second path to choose is the clinical pathologist. Their primary duty is to examine the chemical makeup and body fluids of the animal they are testing on. This is needed to reach a proper diagnosis. Seeing how the body reacts to different chemicals will be the cornerstone in creating a cure for a possible illness. Examples include blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes or looking at abnormal blood cells that need replacing. Both of these paths work in tandem to help in the medical care of animals.
An Average Day
You will be expected to cover a range of species to take care of. This will mean that your day-to-day work life could be almost entirely different each time. One moment you will be asked to inspect a dog that has unfortunately passed. Another day will be to find treatment for an ill chameleon. Most of your tasks will be performed in a laboratory. Sometimes you may be asked to work in other sites, including actual hospitals or vet practices, should the job demand it. You may be asked to perform duties at a wildlife reserve outdoors.
A veterinary pathologist may also work in more official roles in the political field. For example, you could be completing duties for the UK’s Environmental Department. Any pharmaceutical or agricultural companies may need your assistance in helping the animals under their watch. There are so many animal companions that perform essential jobs for different companies. Their treatment will fall under your watch, no matter what kind of environment they are in. If you have time in your career, you may also teach future pathologists about their duties once they receive the job.
Key Work Skills
As mentioned earlier, the critical work skills you need are three essential traits. With veterinary education aside, these skills can also prove helpful in other areas. Don’t hesitate to focus on your leadership skill as they will be important when working in a team. They will always be directed to the approval of a pathologist as they lead the investigation. Make sure that you can effectively communicate what you have learned. This can be in the form of presentations or reports you give to your department. Always be ready to respond to any emergency. Your job requires flexibility, as you may never know where you are needed next.
Main Educational Starting Point
When you begin your journey to become a veterinary pathologist, choose the proper education. You will certainly need a degree in veterinary science or surgical involvement. Be sure to take time to gain work experience while learning. Find entry-level positions with the help of job sites like Jooble.