For Dale D. Boyle, DVM, MPH, a degree in veterinary medicine has been a ticket to more stimulating career than he could have ever imagined. "The decision to become a veterinarian was the single most important factor in determining the direction my life would take," he says. According to Dr. Boyle, veterinary medicine pushed him to work hard in college and taught him to "collaborate, communicate and cooperate" with some very bright people. "It opened lots of doors which would have otherwise been closed."

 

Dr. Boyle also credits veterinary medicine with giving him the solid foundation of knowledge that has helped his career succeed. According to Dr. Boyle, "Understanding the principles that keep an animal healthy has broad application in a variety of fields. The knowledge gained with a degree in veterinary medicine is a terrific starting point for an outstanding career."

 

Dr. Boyle spent 25 years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps; he is currently retired from that service. While in the Veterinary Corps Dr. Boyle continually acquired skills beyond those he studied in veterinary college, including an understanding of military tactics and organization to assist him in his work with soldiers, sailors and marines.  In addition, he remembers, "I was constantly being thrown in 'over my head' into jobs I was clearly not ready to take-and I did extremely well." This made it possible for him to master an assortment of important subjects-food safety, infectious disease epidemiology, and animal welfare, to name only a few. As a result, Dr. Boyle has attained a working knowledge of most of the more than 2,600 veterinarian positions in public service.

Dr. Boyle has received numerous honors for his many years of work, including the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Defense Superior Service Medal. In 2001 he was recognized as the Food Hygiene Veterinarian of the Year. Dr. Boyle is the editor and primary author of the Federal Veterinarian, the immediate-past-president of the District of Columbia Veterinary Medical Association, and served as the Executive Vice President of National Association of Federal Veterinarians.

He is also a member of the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, a National Association of Federal Veterinarians Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates, and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.

 

Dr. Boyle advises prospective veterinary students to bring a positive attitude to their education and career, and remain open-minded about the kind of work a veterinarian can do. "Recognize that challenges often lead to opportunities," he suggests, and "don't be discouraged by setbacks or negative people who want to keep you in a box. Learn to like yourself and others despite the differences, and be a good listener."