The health and wellbeing of our animals is a critical element in our responsibility to care for our country. Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp has been leading Australia’s national response to emergency and animal disease incursions since 2011, but he’s been destined for a career with animals since he was young.
‘My father played a big role in steering me towards a career in veterinary science, I had other career options in mind but he thought being a veterinarian would be good for me!,’ Dr Schipp says.
‘I wanted to be a forest ranger, having a deep appreciation for the quiet openness of nature and thinking that being alone in the forest would suit my introvert personality. Fortunately, I found out that forest rangers also have to talk to people, just like veterinarians.’
For Dr Schipp it was the impact and the lifestyle the Australian Public Service (APS) offered that attracted him to our workforce.
‘After graduating as a veterinarian, I immediately went into the APS as I could see that I was not well suited to clinical veterinary practice (too much talking to people!). I soon learnt that working in the public service is an enormous privilege and responsibility. The decisions we make and actions we take affect the lives of all Australians, and have real impacts upon the economy, security and our natural environment,’ Dr Schipp said.
The future of veterinary science will play a critical role in safeguarding the health of our wildlife, environment and our communities.
‘Veterinarians are uniquely placed to support and advocate for One Health approaches which seek to ensure we have healthy animals, a healthy environment and healthy humans. Veterinarians contribute to all of these, not just the well-being of companion animals and livestock.’
If you’re interested in a veterinarian career with impact, Dr Schipp has a few words of advice for you.
‘Learn as much as you can within your present role and look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or to pick up additional skills.’