It would be a shame for a veterinary student to only have 1 year to perfect the technical skills needed for general practice. Practice makes perfect and this is no exception. In order to be taken seriously as doctors by our future colleagues and clientele, we need to be able to practice these important technical skills prior to 4th year. Confidence comes with time. As young veterinarians, we can earn the respect of our new co-workers, doctors and technicians alike, just by being competent at these simple skills, and that is invaluable.