Pioneer Valley Veterinary Hospital, MA

Description of Elective Experience: 

Student will need to be an active participant in case work up and management. We will have daily duties reviewing cases seen, learning the hospital computer program; assisting in surgery, IV blood draws, lab work, IV catheter placement as needed. Dental procedures including radiographic techniques and extractions. Digital record keeping and archiving. Assisting with imaging procedures including digital radiography and ultrasounds. Working with in house laboratory equipment as well as laboratory work.  

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

Full in house laboratory, digital dental and radiographic equipment, ultrasound, ECG. Licensed veterinary technicians, full kennel staff and day care facility.  Member of VIN, in house reference library.

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

I would want the student to shadow initially, then gradually take over office appointment wellness exams. Depending on the student's comfort level, interacting with clients to develop diagnostic and treatment plans for medical cases. We see approximately a 60% split of wellness cases, prophylactic medicine and 40% medical cases. We have an emergency hospital 15-20 minutes from us, but see numerous medical cases from other hospitals in the area.   I would want the student to be willing and able to work 40-45 hours a week with supervision. I am here 50-60 hours a week, so I would be available / involved at all times. I am a single doctor practice, but busy enough to support two doctors. 

Student Housing (include costs, amenities, pet friendly, contact info if different from elective contact info): 

I have two spare furnished bedrooms in my home which is 11 miles away, or 22 minutes. Private bathroom available as well as laundry and kitchen. Small or medium dog welcome, no cats please. I have three dogs and two birds, so the pet must be well behaved, current on vaccines, including rabies, fecal,  and bordatella as the pet will most likely come to work with us. I won't charge for the room, but you will be responsible for your own groceries and you are not able to smoke in or on the property. We live in a beautiful area in Western Massachusetts. There is an abundance of outdoor activities, hiking, kayaking, skiing, moutain biking, etc. There is a great selection of farm stands offering local fare during the summer months. We are in a 5 university area, close to Boston & NYC (3.5 hrs away).

Supervisor: 
Dr. Lisa Underwood
Website: 
pvvh.net
Contact email: 
Address: 
571 Bernardston Rd.
Greenfield, MA 01301
United States
Animal Type: 
Practice or Institution Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
Yes
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
40-50