Fame

There have been a handful of famous veterinarians, but you won't achieve world renown by performing dental cleanings on a couple of miniature schnauzers. Most famous vets have developed a new drug or discovered a cure for some pet disease, otherwise advanced veterinary science in some way, or written a book or two about their experiences.

You may be spending more time in a lab or in your study than at the office directly tending to sick animals, but hey—if the fame is what you're after, who are we to judge? We're sure Pudding, the wide-eyed kitten with feline leukemia, will understand. And be very grateful when you emerge from the lab, feline leukemia cure in hand.