Externship Experience – Veterinary Medicine

Job Description

Veterinary Extern – General Practice | NVA General Practice

The Tone:
This is an externship position offered by NVA General Practice, specifically at the Pet Medical Center and Spa. NVA fosters a network of hospitals, each providing a supportive and encouraging environment committed to delivering excellent veterinary medicine. The organization strives to provide exceptional service to animals and the people who care for them. This role offers veterinary students a unique and immersive opportunity to understand the complete day-to-day operations of a bustling veterinary practice. It is designed to provide invaluable hands-on clinical experience, contributing significantly to the practical education and professional development of future veterinarians.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: In-person
• Team: Works closely with supervising Associate Veterinarians to ensure comprehensive learning and patient care.
• Mission: To equip veterinary students with practical clinical skills, operational understanding, and professional communication abilities necessary for general practice, while contributing to the hospital’s commitment to excellent patient care.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Patient Assessment: Engage in gathering comprehensive patient histories and performing thorough physical examinations under the direct guidance of supervising veterinarians.
• Treatment Planning & Diagnostics: Collaborate closely with the medical team on the creation of effective treatment plans, while also gaining experience in various diagnostics and specialized dentistry services.
• Surgical Involvement: Participate through observing, assisting, or, where appropriate and under supervision, performing surgical procedures to enhance practical skills and understanding.
• Patient Medical Management: Contribute to the ongoing medical management of patients, learning about post-operative care, medication administration, and overall patient well-being strategies.
• Professional Communication: Actively practice and refine communication skills with supervising veterinarians, the broader medical team, support staff, and clients, fostering collaborative patient care.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently enrolled as a veterinary student, regardless of their specific class year, demonstrating a foundational understanding of veterinary science.
• Experience: A strong desire to acquire practical, hands-on clinical experience within a general veterinary practice setting, coupled with an eagerness to learn from experienced professionals. This externship is designed for students seeking direct engagement in veterinary operations.
• Skills: Demonstrated capability or eagerness to develop skills in patient history taking, physical examination, problem-solving for treatment plans, and effective communication with diverse individuals including veterinary staff and clients.
• Bonus: Veterinary students who have progressed to the clinical portion of their education are eligible to receive a travel/living expense stipend of $1,500 for their participation at Pet Medical Center and Spa.