Being a veterinarian goes beyond a love for animals. According to Prof Dr Malaika Watanabe, students should know three key truths before entering veterinary school: it involves tough decisions like euthanasia, it is academically and emotionally demanding, and it requires strong people skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy.

Interested in this career? Learn more about these three key truths at Three Truths Before Vet School (The Star, 14 September, 2025).