Alumni Profiles
Andrew Hagner
RVC Graduate 2010
Following graduation from the RVC, I am now working in Newport News at a Banfield Hospital doing consults, and general surgery as part of a 4 doctor practice.
Studying at the RVC was kismet. I was on contract at UPENN doing research and my grant money abruptly disappeared in the spring (after the application deadlines for US vet schools had passed). The day I found out about this, I had a letter waiting for me when I got home from the RVC inviting applications. I got in and never looked back.
During my time at the RVC, I really enjoyed the EMS and research opportunities I had at the College. I was lucky enough to find a great base practice in Somerset where I saw really interesting cases in a great environment. In addition, as leader of the RVC Undergraduate Research Team I was able to travel to Zanzibar for my research project, which was an amazing, albeit challenging experience I could not have had at any other vet school.
My time on EMS and my time in the Queen Mother Hospital at the RVC has prepared me for small animal practice. I always get compliments on my practical skills in particular when I am in US vet hospitals because on the 4 year US vet courses, they don't get as much hands-on experience as we got at the RVC and on EMS.
The advice I would give someone considering studying veterinary medicine in the UK would be to be flexible and open-minded. As a student from overseas, you will be exposed to countless new places, experiences, and people. If you try to be too rigid to your routines and don't venture outside your comfort zone, you will struggle. But if you "go with the flow" and enjoy the differences, you will have a great experience.
Read about Andrew's experiences in Zanzibar in 2009 on the RVC Undergraduate Research Team blog.
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Winner of the Times Higher Education 'Most Improved Student Experience' Award 2011
