Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

I wonder there is a veterinarian not by training. Why is the phrase "by training" is necessary?


"Being too focused on scientific development, I may not have seen all the ethical issues related to my research," Dr. Hwang, a veterinarian by training, told a news conference in Seoul on Thursday. "I should be here reporting the successful results of our research, but I'm sorry instead to have to apologize." He said the staff donations had taken place without his knowledge.
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Hiromichi

[JuanValdez]

I wonder if whoever wrote this actually meant "IN training". Would that be more clear to you, hiromichi?

[hiromichi]

If so, it is clear to me. Thank you.
PS My question should have been "I wonder if" not "I wonder".
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Hiromichi

[Kristea]

It is possible that the writer meant "in training," but the term is standard English.

"a veterinarian by training"

The use of "by training" is a common way of describing what a person studied formally. Many times they will use the phrase to highlight that the person was trained in one area, but the person is now commenting/working in an area outside on his/her orginal area of expertise.

In this case the speaker studied to be a veterinarian, but he is now a researcher which is outside of his orginial area of study.

Hope that helps - Kristi
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"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." R.L. Stevenson

[hiromichi]

Kristi-san, I SEE. Thank you very mucn.
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Hiromichi