2023 Scholarship Winner

Eden Ivey Van Landeghem

Midwest Institute

Essay topic: What does the "Vet Tech Oath" mean to you, and how will you honor it during your career?

"The "Vet Tech Oath" requires a commitment to the well-being and care of animals, a guiding principle that resonates with me as a future veterinary technician. My natural inclination to serve the health needs of animals makes this career a fitting choice. This oath is not just a set of words or a pledge, but a moral and ethical code that should guide every decision made in daily practice.

The "Vet Tech Oath" prioritizes the well-being of animals as the goal. As veterinary technicians, we do everything within our power to alleviate the pain and suffering of animals, whether conducting a routine exam or administering life-saving treatments during a surgical procedure.

The "Vet Tech Oath" highlights the importance of ethical and professional behavior. Veterinary technicians, entrusted with the health and safety of animals, must always act in their best interests. Professional integrity should be maintained, even when faced with difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas.

The "Vet Tech Oath" acts as a reminder of the incredible responsibility that comes with our profession. Every day, veterinary technicians can make a difference in the lives of animals. This responsibility should be taken seriously. Every aspect of our work, from providing compassionate care to effective communication with clients, is crucial to ensuring that animals receive the best possible care.

As a veterinary technician, I plan to honor the "Vet Tech Oath" every day. The well-being of animals will always be my top priority, even when working with difficult patients or collaborating with other veterinary team members. Maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics is my responsibility to both our patients and clients.

Compassion, another core value of the "Vet Tech Oath," reminds us that each animal deserves empathy, understanding, and respect. When animals are under our care, we must alleviate their pain, provide comfort, and promote their well-being. As their advocates, their needs, interests, and welfare should always come first.

Integrity in all professional dealings is another core principle of the "Vet Tech Oath." Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct is vital in interactions with clients, colleagues, and animals. Guidelines set forth by veterinary teams and regulatory authorities should be followed. Confidentiality should be respected, and trust placed in veterinary technicians by pet owners and the veterinary community should not be broken. Upholding integrity involves working diligently to maintain the trust of colleagues and clients, never compromising the welfare or best interests of animals.

Effective communication is vital in any veterinary setting. The "Vet Tech Oath" reminds veterinary technicians of their responsibility to communicate clearly and concisely, promoting effective teamwork, client education, and accurate transmission of vital information. Developing excellent communication skills ensures that pet owners are well-informed about their pets' conditions and treatment plans, promoting their active participation in their animals' care.

Empathy and understanding should be extended to clients and colleagues. In the veterinary practice, emotions often run high. Veterinary technicians should strive to provide support and comfort to pet owners and the veterinary team. Each interaction should be approached with empathy and professionalism, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

As a veterinary technician, I am committed to honoring the "Vet Tech Oath" throughout my career by embodying its principles. Continuous learning and diligent care for animals will be my priorities. I will work to advocate for their well-being while fostering a compassionate and empathetic environment that benefits animals, clients, and colleagues. Veterinary technicians’ shoulder immense responsibility, and I am excited to become part of this field, not just as a job rather, as a profession and a calling."