Back Bay Veterinary Clinic, MA

Description of Elective Experience: 

Students joining our clinic for an externship receive an immersive experience in small animal general practice.  They are engaged in discussing cases, performing exams, reading cytology samples, interpreting lab results, and observing dentistry and surgery. They are welcomed to observe and, when appropriate, participate in interactions with clients. Our clinic also sees exotics including small mammals, reptiles, and birds, so students will have exposure to a variety of species. One of our doctors is skilled in acupuncture, so there is also a chance to observe alternative medicine modalities. Our clinicians enjoy teaching and are experienced with externs. 

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.: 

We are a 5 doctor practice in downtown Boston, staffed with a complement of CVTs, veterinary assistants, and CSRs. We have digital radiography (including dental), ultrasound, cold laser, and a full surgical and dental suite.

Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?: 

Students are expected to be on site 35 to 40 hours per week. They will be engaged in discussions and should seek opportunities to participate in cases as they happen, including labwork and cytology analysis. They will accompany doctors into exam rooms or the surgical and dental suite. They will not be used as technician labor but may be asked to help with holding animals or collecting samples. They will not have the opportunity to perform surgery or dentistry due to legal restrictions.

Supervisor: 
Primarily Erin Carey, shared with other doctors on staff
Website: 
http://www.backbayvet.com
Contact email: 
Address: 
288 Newbury St
2nd floor
Boston, MA 02115
United States
Practice or Institution Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
35-40