Veterinary college grad overcomes adversity on the road to new career

Switching careers after more than a decade was a daunting undertaking for Melissa Walsh. 

Her career change from social work to veterinary medicine involved four years of classes, labs, clinical rotations — and more. 

"As an older student, I was … basically everyone's mom, age-wise," Walsh told CBC Mainstreet host Steve Bruce. 

"There was a little hesitation, but at the same time it sounded like a great adventure and I wanted to try it."

Jumping back into a rigorous educational environment after not being in school for many years was challenging, Walsh said. But academics weren't the only thing she had to overcome.

Walsh faced a series of serious health issues that affected her life in significant ways. 

"There were definitely moments I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish the program, but there [were] also moments I wasn't sure I was going to make it… to live," she said. 

Walsh graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College earlier this month. 

During her second year in the program, Walsh broke her ankle and foot.

She said she spent about nine months on a scooter trying to participate in anatomy labs and other classes. 

In her fourth year, Walsh developed an intestinal infection which led to other complications. 

"Because I got sick, I couldn't take my normal medications, and I ended up getting blood clots in my lungs," she said, adding that one of her lungs collapsed. 

Walsh said that resulted in her having to drop a rotation because she physically could not get out of bed. 

After meeting with the dean, Walsh said she was able to rebuild her schedule and take on rotations that were not as physically challenging.