Do you ever wonder why some people in medical school seem to have such tight schedules and have to rush home at the end of a day full of classes? Most of the time it is because they have a child (hats off to all the parents in medical school!!!) or a needy dog (like me), often times the two coincide. As much as I love my 65lb, 7 year old, Black Labrador, he does NOT seem to understand or even care that I am a first-year medical student struggling with this new schedule!! He is very well trained and has successfully been potty-trained so there are never any accidents in my house. However, the amount of time I spend walking, feeding, engaging, and playing with him can add up and as a medical student, time is a precious commodity. I sometimes envy my non-pet owner classmates with twice as much time on their hands to study, go out to eat and drink right after a long day of classes, or just relax after getting home from school. I simply do not have these luxuries!! It might seem as though I resent my precious pup, but this is quite the contrary. The excitement in his eyes after I come home from being at school all day (usually from 8am-5pm), and the companionship I receive with him always by my side outweighs all of the setbacks I may have taking care of him while I am a medical student. The positive aspects of having a pet in medical school are that you are always on a timed schedule, you are never alone, and at least have someone that appreciates you even if they can’t say it! Even though he can’t express how he feels, I will always know he loves me. Nothing can compare to the unconditional love from a pet…..well maybe a parent’s unconditional love and in that regard….I am glad he can’t talk back!!!!
Avid pet owner,
Student Dr. Washington-Plaskett
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