West Side Pet Clinic, NY

Description of Elective Experience: 

The West Side Pet Clinic provides high quality care at a lower price in a underserved neighborhood in urban Buffalo by focusing on basic pet care needs.  We establish the clinic ten years ago in a two exam room leased space. Five years ago we move into a new 2,200 sq ft space with 4 double entry exam rooms and circular client flow.  This has elevated client and patient experience and increased effectiveness.

Demand for care is very high which provides externs an opportunity to have a significant case and client interaction while being mentored by experience clinicians.  We have hosted many 4th year externs for 2-4 week periods and have a development plan that moves through a 4 step mentored program where they progress from following & observing to independently seeing clients and patients and requesting guidance as needed.   Our externs have found this to be rewarding and confidence building.  Many of our externs who are dedicated to Access to Care issues in today's vet industry also find this a very inspiring experience.

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

In order to provide externs the full breath of veterinary medcial experience they are able to follow their cases to our two full services hospitals - Ellicott & North Buffalo to perform dental and surgical procedures under appropriate mentorship.

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

8-5 - five days a week 

Progress from shadowing to case responsibility as the student and mentor feel comfortable

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

VPP offers a $500 housing stipend

Supervisor: 
R. Reed Stevens, DVM
Website: 
www.westsidepetsbuffalo.com
Address: 
1255 Niagara St
Buffalo, NY 14213
United States
Practice or Institution Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
Full time supervision