Several vets enjoy working closely with farmers and improve animal health.
Receiving gratitude, spending time with peers and further developing their skill, are all factors that make veterinarians feel good at work, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Adelaide. In the study published by Vet Record, researchers investigated the positive side of veterinary work and specifically what brings vets pleasure in their job.
Lead author Madeleine Clise, a psychologist and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide’s School of Psychology says, “It’s important to focus on what can be done to retain those in the profession and attract more people to the field.” By focusing on what contributes to vets experiencing positive emotions, we must understand how to improve the well-being of those who care for our beloved pets, livestock and wildlife. “Vets, just like all of us, feel good when they are shown trust and respect. And a simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way,” the study mentions. Other findings from the study suggest that having opportunities to use and develop their specialised skills is highly pleasurable for veterinarians in practice. A positive workplace culture, successful outcomes with patients and opportunities to collaborate with other vets were also highlighted.
As Dr P Selvaraj, Professor of Clinical Medicine, TANUVAS, Chennai says, “We humans evolved from animals and lived in their land and ecosystems for millions of years. Today, we dominate nearly 15,000 species of animals. It’s time to help the animals and give them the best of care, wherever possible. That’s how my veterinary career of over last 30 years has been fulfilling. The practice spreads across essential medical services like day-to-day medical care for family pets and farm animals, sometimes sniffer dogs of national and regional security agencies, at time wild animals, backyard birds and small non-domestic animals and of course, marine species. Meanwhile, educating the next generation has also made me feel fulfilled.” Helping animals and contributing to scientific progress brings a sense of fulfilment that inspires veterinary professionals.
Several vets enjoy working closely with farmers and developing practical solutions that can improve productivity and animal health. Professor Dr Abdul Samad, former Dean and Director of Instructions and founder of the Veterinary Nuclear Medicine Centre at Bombay Veterinary College is also one of them. He reflects on a career that spans more than five decades.
Dr Samad says, “My initial work on molecular basis of phosphorus deficiency haemoglobinuria using radio-tracers to understand why and how red cells breakdowns, earned me Canadian Commonwealth scholarship.” After completing his studies abroad, Dr Samad chose to return to India, believing that his work could make a greater impact in his home country.
“I was fortunate to be posted later in Bombay Veterinary College, where I established veterinary nuclear medicine facility to enable work on targeted drug delivery systems and nano-technology. We got several breakthroughs in nano drug delivery specially to treat tuberculosis, theileriosis, paratuberculosis, brucellosis, in animals,“ says Dr Samad.
Looking back on his long journey, Dr Samad acknowledges the support of countless colleagues and mentors and encourages young professionals to collaborate widely, step beyond their comfort zones and build partnerships across disciplines.
Several vets consider their work as a form of service. Dr G S Bedi, a renowned veterinary doctor and former Director of the Punjab Animal Husbandry Department, is one of them. He views veterinary medicine as a calling rather than merely a profession. “I never took it just as a means of livelihood. I took it as a task assigned to me by the Almighty and I enjoyed that task. By the grace of God and my devotion to my profession, my name figured in Limca book of records for a particular achievement of mine,” says Dr Bedi.
Other findings from the study suggest having opportunities to use and develop their specialised skill sets is highly pleasurable for veterinarians in practice. Dr Bedi accepts this, “Apart from being a member of many welfare organisations, I had been the President of PFA, Punjab chapter, Jalandhar unit where I am still serving actively.
It’s here that I learnt to develop a good rapport with people and connect with them.” For Dr Abhay Tilak, a well-known vet from Bareilly, veterinary medicine is deeply meaningful because it allows him to care for animals while also protecting human health. One of the areas he feels particularly passionate about is educating people about zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can spread from animals to humans.
“Diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis are serious public health concerns,” says Dr Tilak. He believes that raising awareness about them helps safeguard animals and communities. It is a major form of service for both humans and animals. By educating people about prevention and early treatment, veterinarians can play a crucial role inprotecting society.
Dr Tilak also emphasizes the emotional dimension of veterinary work. “Animals cannot communicate their pain or discomfort through words, which makes the veterinarian’s role both challenging and compassionate. Diagnosing andtreating these silent patients requires patience, empathy and careful observation,” he added.
For Dr Tilak, providing relief and care to these voiceless creatures is not just a professional duty but a privilege. Each day in veterinary practice offers an opportunity to make a difference—whether by healing an animal, guiding a pet owner, or educating the public. This sense of purpose is what makes the profession so rewarding for him.
A positive workplace culture, successful outcomes with patients all add to the enticement for the profession. One aspect of Dr Bedi’s career that he values deeply is the energy the profession gave him. Unlike many occupations that can feel exhausting, veterinary practice constantly motivated and energized him. Each day began with enthusiasm and ended with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. As Dr Selvraj also adds, “Advancing animal medical care and improving the lives of animal patients—while leading hospital service delivery for over 400 animals daily at the 122-year-old Madras Veterinary College Hospital, one of the busiest in the world—is profoundly fulfilling. Contributing to cutting-edge clinical research and development that benefits both animal and human medicine is, to me, the highest calling. What more could I ask for? This work is deeply soul-satisfying— and I will continue striving for advanced care and medicine for our forebears: the animals.”
A Shared Commitment to Animals and Society
Although their journeys and experiences differ, the stories of all these four veterinarians highlight a common theme — most vets have an unwavering commitment to animal welfare and scientific progress. Whether through groundbreaking research, clinical practice, administrative leadership, or public education, each of them has contributed significantly to the advancement of veterinary science.
Their experiences demonstrate that veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals. It is about compassion, innovation and service to both animals and humanity.
