The externship at SVEC is designed to offer veterinary and veterinary technician students the opportunity to participate in “real world” veterinary practice. Students will be given chances to observe and participate in case management. Cases seen range from general equine practice to specialized surgical, reproductive, and lameness cases. The doctors at SVEC have a wide range of experience, specialties, and knowledge that they are willing to share with their future colleagues.
Broad scope of cases; In hospital, ambulatory, and horse shows.
High case load including performance horses, foals, broodmares and family pets.
State of the art clinic using the latest technology and techniques.
Veterinarians and technicians for mentorship
What we expect from you - Extern
We appreciate your willingness to help and assist in all areas. It is important for visiting students or doctors to follow the guidelines listed below:
- During the first week of your externship, you will observe only unless prompted by a SVEC staff member (this includes addressing clients, holding horses, equipment, etc.)
- Depending on completion of the SVEC university courses, your knowledge and experience – you may be asked to participate in certain procedures.
- Please keep interactions with clients brief and polite. You should never give clients medical explanations or advice. Client confidentiality is paramount.
- When participating in radiology, you must wear a gown. If you are not holding a horse, holding the plates, or shooting the film and are not wearing a vest, please stand back at least ten feet.
- If you have any questions about exam room protocol, please ask the technician or doctor in that department.
- Outside of the exam room and within either the ICU or the hospital area, please consult with the supervising doctor or technician for additional instructions.
- Please allow SVEC staff to restrain horses as they see necessary. We have a well-designed protocol for restraint and hopefully you will learn a lot from this.
Expected Work Hours
Normal working hours for externs at SVEC are from 7:00 am until finished, usually 6:00-7:00 pm, depending on season and emergencies. You will be notified the day beforehand of any changes in your start time. Please be on time for all activities. We appreciate your flexibility with the unexpected nature of equine practice.
Emergency On Call
You are expected to be available for emergency calls on nights and weekends, since this can be a great learning opportunity. Please provide your phone number to the veterinarian and technician on call. If you will not be available on a specific night, please let the practice supervisor know. Many emergencies are evaluated at the clinic, but some are seen in the field, in which case the veterinarian will make arrangements with you to meet.
Standards of Conduct
While at SVEC, you are expected to conduct yourself in a professional and ethical manner at all times when dealing with clients, patients, or employees. Externs shall not knowingly furnish business, customer, or employee information, except in the regular course of business, to any individual, business or entity without the prior written express approval of SVEC's owner.
Standards of Appearance
Our dress code involves clean and neat professional attire, specifically khakis and a collared shirt with appropriate footwear for working with horses. Scrubs and ideally a different pair of shoes are expected for surgery. You should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for changes in the weather. For example, bring a coat if there is a chance of cold weather. Please ensure that your underwear is not visible when bending down or squatting. You should bring enough clothing so that you will always have a clean appearance.
Accommodations
A private room is provided in the clinic for visiting externs. We provide a double bed with bedding; you are welcome to bring your own. Adjacent to the bedroom is a full bathroom that is also used by clinic staff. The staff break room is available with a refrigerator and microwave. Laundry facilities are available in the clinic, which may be used after hours. However, please note that the laundry facilities are primarily used for clinic laundry, including those contaminated with blood or manure, so there may be a residual odor.