What to Expect When You're Expecting...

..... to graduate from university in Brazil.

Graduation Day (Dia de Solenisação de Formatura) began at 7am on 29th January with a rehearsal at a local hotel. That rehearsal finished at noon  Then we went to the car park and received our gowns neatly packaged from some class representative. I must admit I have selsom come across a less friendly, more insecure group of people.

The ceremony continued at 7pm with us all arriving to be gowned up.  Everything was planned down to the last detail.  We were told where, when and how to sit. Then we swore our oaths and were veterinary surgeons.

But unable to practice. First I had to register with the Mato Grosso Regional Council for Veterinary Medicine and

A month later, on 22nd February, I attended a course on the Veterinary Surgeon's role in society.  There are several jobs for which vets, and only vets, are qualified for. The course also covered ethics and morality.

At the end of the course I received my card.  In Brazil most professions are regulated by a council.  All professionals in practice have to join that council and the card serves as identification.

So I have been legally permitted to practice for eight working days.  Now I have to concentrate on getting my first year competences.