What Kind of Jobs Do People with an MD and a DVM Have?
The traditional career paths for medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of veterinary medicine (DVMs) often take them into specialized fields. However, there are exceptions to this norm, as evidenced by the unique paths taken by individuals like Greg Melkonian and the anecdote about a friend who carved out an unconventional career.
Breaking Traditions: Unconventional Careers
In 1952, an aspiring physician faced a daunting challenge: medical schools in the U.S. were fully enrolled, and academic rejection seemed inevitable. This was the situation for one of the author's friends, a 3.8 GPA student who applied to every medical school she could find. Despite her academic merits, she was universally rejected, illuminating a key insight: she preferred animals to humans.
Undeterred, this friend decided to pursued a degree in veterinary medicine as a gap year. Once she completed a DVM, she resumed her application process, this time applying to medical schools. While this step may seem counterintuitive, it highlights the versatility of having both an MD and a DVM. In the end, she was accepted and completed her MD at McGill University in Montreal.
Greg Melkonian: A True Pioneer
Gregory J. Melkonian, DVM MD, stands as a remarkable example of an individual who bridged the gap between veterinary medicine and human medicine in unconventional ways. His journey is detailed in an article that showcases the diverse career paths available to those with combined MD and DVM degrees.
One might wonder about the feasibility of Melkonian's lifestyle and the practicality of treating 'mermaids, centaurs, and minotaurs' (a fictional combination of mythical creatures). While such roles appear fantastical, they symbolize the idea of merging disciplines and specializations to create unique career paths.
Interdisciplinary Specializations
A career that combines both MD and DVM degrees offers numerous possibilities beyond the traditional medical and veterinary fields. Here are a few potential paths:
Equine Medicine: For those who have a passion for both human and equine health, equine medicine offers a unique blend of the two disciplines. This field requires a deep understanding of both human and animal anatomy and physiology, as well as a specialized knowledge of equine diseases and treatment. Translational Research: Combining the knowledge from both fields, these professionals conduct research that translates between human and animal health. This can lead to breakthroughs in understanding diseases that affect both species. Mixed Practice: Both MDs and DVMs can work in mixed practices, where they diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in both humans and animals, using their unique combined skill set.Conclusion: Embracing Unconventional Choices
The story of the friend and Greg Melkonian illustrates the strength of pursuing a path that suits an individual's passions and skills. Their backgrounds in both human and veterinary medicine serve as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning and enable them to find unique and fulfilling careers.
Whether it's through equine medicine, translational research, or mixed practice, individuals with both MD and DVM degrees can carve out pioneering careers that contribute to both human and animal well-being. These unique roles not only broaden the scope of their professional contributions but also enrich the fields they work in.
In conclusion, if you have both an MD and a DVM, the world of potential careers is vast and diverse. Embrace the unconventional, explore the interdisciplinary possibilities, and open doors to innovative and fulfilling paths in both human and veterinary medicine.