- Objective:
o The externship at SoCal Pet Hospital aims to provide senior
veterinary students with practical, hands-on clinical experience
in a fast-paced and diverse veterinary practice. This elective is
designed to refine the student’s clinical skills, enhance their
diagnostic abilities, and provide insight into veterinary practice
management.
- Activities and Learning Opportunities:
o Clinical Rotations: Engage in rotations across various
departments including internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, and
emergency care.
o Patient Care: Participate in the diagnosis, treatment, and
management of a variety of cases, supervised by experienced
veterinarians.
o Surgical Experience: Observe and assist in a range of surgical
procedures from routine spays and neuters to more complex
surgeries.
o Diagnostics: Gain practical experience with diagnostic tools
such as radiology, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory
equipment.
o Client Communication: Develop skills in client interactions,
including discussing treatment plans and providing education
on pet care.
o Practice Management: Learn about the administrative side of
veterinary practice, including inventory control, staff
coordination, and client relations.
- Expected Outcomes:
- By the end of the externship, students will:
o Demonstrate improved clinical and surgical skills.
o Enhance their diagnostic and treatment planning abilities.
o Understand the importance of effective client communication.
o Gain a comprehensive understanding of the operational
aspects of a veterinary practice.
- Staffing:
o Veterinarians: Experienced veterinarian specializing in various
fields, including internal medicine, surgery, emergency care,
and dentistry.
o Veterinary Technicians: Highly skilled veterinary technicians
who assist in medical and surgical procedures, patient care,
and diagnostics.
o Support Staff: Dedicated administrative and support staff who
ensure the smooth operation of the hospital, including
receptionists, veterinary assistants, and practice managers.
o Mentorship: Student is assigned a primary mentor who provides
guidance, supervision, and feedback throughout the externship.
- Equipment and Facilities:
o Exam Rooms: Multiple fully equipped examination rooms with
advanced diagnostic tools and equipment.
o Surgical Suites: State-of-the-art surgical suites equipped with
modern anesthesia machines, monitoring devices, and surgical
instruments.
o Imaging Equipment: Digital radiography, ultrasound machines,
and access to advanced imaging techniques as needed.
o Laboratory: In-house laboratory facilities for routine and
specialized diagnostic tests, including blood work, urinalysis,
and cytology.
o Pharmacy: On-site pharmacy stocked with a wide range of
medications and supplies.
o Treatment Areas: Dedicated treatment areas for various
procedures, including dental cleanings, wound care, and other
medical treatments.
o Isolation Ward: Separate isolation ward for the treatment of
contagious diseases, ensuring the safety of other patients.
- Educational Resources:
o Library: Access to a comprehensive veterinary library with
textbooks, journals, and online resources.
o Continuing Education: Weekly case discussions, journal clubs,
and continuing education sessions organized by the hospital.
o Professional Development: Opportunities to attend workshops,
seminars, and conferences to enhance learning and
professional growth.
o Technology: Access to veterinary software for patient records,
practice management, and diagnostic tools.
Hours and Days of the Week:
- Work Schedule: Students are expected to work approximately 40
hours per week.
- Days of the Week: The externship will run from Monday to Friday,
with the clinic being closed on weekends.
- Shift Hours: Shifts generally start at 9:00 AM and end at 6:00 PM,
aligning with the clinic’s operating hours.
1. Clinical Participation:
- Shadowing: Initially, students will shadow veterinarians and veterinary
technicians to observe procedures and patient interactions.
- Hands-On Support: Gradually, students will take on more hands-on
responsibilities under supervision, including performing physical
exams, collecting samples, and administering medications.
- Surgical Assistance: Assist in surgical procedures, including patient
preparation, monitoring anesthesia, and post-operative care.
2. Patient Care:
- Case Management: Participate in the diagnosis, treatment, and
follow-up care of patients. This includes taking patient histories,
performing physical exams, and developing treatment plans.
- Diagnostics: Conduct and interpret diagnostic tests such as blood
work, urinalysis, radiographs, and ultrasounds.
- Client Communication: Interact with clients to gather patient histories,
explain treatment plans, and provide follow-up care instructions.
3. Record Keeping:
- Medical Records: Maintain accurate and detailed medical records for
each patient, including histories, treatment plans, and outcomes.
- Case Documentation: Document case studies and present interesting
or challenging cases during weekly meetings.
4. Professional Development:
- Feedback: Actively seek and incorporate feedback from supervising
veterinarians to improve clinical skills and knowledge.
5. Practice Management:
- Operations: Gain exposure to the administrative side of veterinary
practice, including inventory management, scheduling, and client
relations.
- Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the veterinary team,
including veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, to ensure high-
quality patient care.
6. Additional Responsibilities:
- Community Engagement: Participate in community outreach programs
and educational events organized by the hospital.
- Research Projects: If interested, contribute to ongoing clinical research
projects and assist in the preparation of research papers or case
reports.
Expectations:
- Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism, including
punctuality, appropriate attire, and respectful interactions with clients
and staff.
- Learning Attitude: Demonstrate a proactive attitude towards learning
and be open to new experiences and feedback.
- Ethical Conduct: Adhere to the ethical standards of veterinary practice
and the guidelines set by SoCal Pet Hospital.