Many veterinarians choose to continue their education after obtaining their D.V.M., taking Masters and Ph.D. degrees at veterinary colleges in Canada, the US. or abroad. They also serve clinical residencies at veterinary teaching hospitals, specializing in areas such as surgery or anesthesiology.

Further post-secondary qualifications can include becoming "Board Certified" as a specialist. After a minimum of four years post-graduate work, completion of an internship and residency under the direction of a specialist, and the publication of research work, the veterinarian is eligible to sit the Board exams. Says Dr. Dan French, one of two board-certified equine surgeons in the province: "It takes six months to a year to prepare for the board exams. Looking back, however, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything."

The field of veterinary medicine is rapidly changing. New diagnostic and surgical procedures are constantly being developed; there are new breakthroughs in pharmaceutical treatment; reproductive technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. Today’s veterinarian is constantly learning.

Keeping up with new developments can take the form of reading journals and consulting with colleagues - locally, nationally, and around the world -- through conferences or even computer networks. Membership in national and international associations can also help veterinarians maintain their knowledge of advances in their fields. Says Dr. Cornelia Kreplin: "Obtaining your DVM is just the beginning. There is always something new to learn in the practice of veterinary medicine."