Veterinary Externship

Job Description

Veterinary Extern – General Practice | NVA General Practice

The Tone:
This is an externship opportunity at Eastern Shore Animal Hospital, a valued practice within the NVA General Practice network, situated in the picturesque, rural Eastern Shore of Virginia. The hospital operates as a thriving 3-doctor practice supported by a dedicated and cohesive staff who genuinely enjoy their work and actively engage with their community. This externship is designed for veterinary students to immerse themselves in a real-world clinical environment, applying theoretical knowledge to practical patient care, thereby enhancing their skills and contributing meaningfully to the hospital’s mission and the well-being of its diverse patient base. The practice is recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities, Fear Free certified staff, and strong community involvement.

The TL;DR
• Role: Externship
• Type: Temporary
• Location: In-person, Eastern Shore of Virginia
• Team: Part of a collaborative 3-doctor veterinary practice, working closely with supervising veterinarians and a supportive staff.
• Mission: To cultivate hands-on clinical and diagnostic proficiencies, refine patient communication, and gain comprehensive experience in general veterinary practice within a community-focused and well-equipped hospital setting.
• Tech Stack: Digital radiographs, digital dental radiographs, ultrasound, laser therapy equipment, dedicated dental suite, modern surgical suite, Idexx Catalyst, Lasercyte, Sedivue.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Patient Assessment: Precisely gather comprehensive patient histories and skillfully perform thorough physical examinations on various animals, including wildlife and exotics.
• Diagnostic & Treatment Planning: Collaborate with supervising veterinarians to formulate effective diagnostic strategies and create individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
• Surgical & Dental Procedures: Actively observe, assist with, or perform a range of surgical procedures and provide essential dentistry services using the clinic’s advanced equipment.
• Medical Case Management: Participate directly in the daily medical management of diverse patient cases, gaining exposure to different conditions and treatment protocols within an AAHA accredited and Fear Free certified environment.
• Professional Communication: Develop and refine professional communication skills by interacting effectively with the medical team, support staff, and clients, ensuring clear and empathetic exchange of information.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Actively enrolled in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) program at an accredited institution.
• Experience: No specific prior professional veterinary experience is mandated; this externship is suitable for veterinary students at any stage of their DVM/VMD education.
• Skills: Foundational understanding of veterinary medical principles, an eagerness to develop practical clinical and diagnostic skills, and strong interpersonal and verbal communication abilities.
• Bonus: Veterinary students who are currently in the clinical portion of their DVM/VMD education are eligible to receive a $3,000 travel and living expense stipend for their rotation.