Westgate Pet Clinic, MN

Description of Elective Experience: 

We are a 14 doctor practice that treats mainly cats and dogs, but sees a small number of small mammals including rabbits and rodents. We are a busy, established clinic that has served the same neighborhood for 50 years in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Students will shadow a different doctor each day and spend at least one day each week assisting in surgery. Students will gain experience taking histories, performing physical exams, and discussing cases with the doctors.

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

We are a 14 doctor practice. Each doctor has a veterinary assistant with them in exam rooms to help restrain pets and enter information in the medical records. We have a fully equipped surgical suite and have capabilities for laparoscopy and endoscopy. We have digital dental and standard x-rays. We have an ultrasound machine.

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

Students will spend 40 hours in the clinic per week and shadow a different doctor each day. They will spend at least 1 day each week in surgery. Students will take medical histories, perform a physical exam, formulate problem lists and differential diagnoses, and discuss diagnostic and treatment plans with the doctor. Depending on the case and level of extern experience, they will be allowed to perform treatments under supervision of the veterinarian and/or CVT.

Supervisor: 
Linnea Thiem, DVM
Website: 
https://wagsandwhiskers.com/
Address: 
4345 France Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55410
United States
Animal Type: 
Practice or Institution Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
40