A practicing veterinarian is someone who has earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) as well as met the professional, state and local licensing requirements for practicing veterinary medicine. Veterinarians can choose from a variety of specialties, practices, locations, environments and employers. A DVM might also choose to approach the field from a research perspective and work in either the private or public sector in a facet of biomedical science. Whether practicing or researching, the life of a veterinarian is dedicated to diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases, injuries and illnesses to animals of all species.