To work alongside veterinarians in a small animal hospital which sees dogs, cats, avians, reptiles and small mammals. While here, the student will gain experience doing physical exams on a wide variety of species, creating differential lists, observing ultrasounds and participating in a variety of surgical and dental prophylaxis procedures.
Our hospital is a 4-1/2 doctor general practice with standard and dental digital radiography, ultrasound (cardiac/abdominal), and surgical capabilities. We utilize Cornerstone and have both certified and non-certified veterinary technicians. There are generally 2-3 doctors on per shift allowing the student to see a wider variety of cases and learn from multiple doctors with different strengths/areas of interest. Allentown Animal Clinic also cares for puppies at a local pet store and animals at a Wildlife Education Center. Dr. Elena Sawickij is a 2000 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has been with Allentown Animal clinic for almost 18 years. She has been a mentor for students at Lincoln Memorial University during their 4th year clinical rotations since 2019.
Students are scheduled for approximately 40 hours per week Monday through Friday with both morning and evening hours. Dr. Elena Sawickij will be the primary mentor. However, the student will spend time with the other doctors who have special interest in ultrasound, surgery, and exotics to give a well rounded experience. Students will get an opportunity to do physical exams. We have the students participate in surgeries. We try to have at least one employee pet come in during the rotation to allow the student to do a full work-up and a spay/neuter/dental/lump removal, etc. with a veterinarian guidance. The student will be asked to help with radiographs (if they have a dosimeter), restraint, blood and urine collection (cystocentesis). Dr. Sawickij enjoys walking students through the thought process (including the DAMN-IT List) to create a differential list and determining the next steps for work-up and treatment.
While there is no on-site housing, we will work with the student to find local housing (even pet friendly housing).