Are you considering WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine? Our student ambassadors are available to provide insight into our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Third-year student Courtney Durfee is proof there are many paths – and plenty that are unconventional – to #WSUVetMed.
“I hear frequently that undergrads think community college is looked down upon – I did two years of community college before transferring to the University of Arizona, and I think that’s one of the best decisions I’ve made about school. I like to encourage students to take that route if they’re interested,” she said. “I also did not go straight from undergrad into vet school since I took about a year or two off to get clinical/work experience. I also like to encourage people to do this if it’s something they are thinking about!”
Courtney said there are many things that make WSU’s program great, but atop the list is the sense of community that can’t be found at other veterinary schools.
“The professors care about how well you do – they will go out of their way to help with any subjects or topics you might struggle with or find a way to help accommodate you if you ever run into issues. They will also go to great extents to get you extra opportunities that you might be seeking, such as letting you work in their lab or follow them in the hospital,” she said. “So, no matter how stressed you may be about school or how much you may feel you are lacking, your fellow students and your professors will always find a way to help pull you through.”
Courtney’s interests include small animal and equine. She is a member of the Dental Club and works timeslip in Radiology.
FUN FACT: “I have moderate tremors. I struggle sometimes with performing certain surgical skills, and it can be discouraging. The surgery professors have been incredible, encouraging me that I can still do these skills with practice and showing me some techniques that can help. Some of them also deal with tremors, so it’s nice to have people I can look to.”