DVM Student Externship/Preceptorship Program — South Kendall Animal Hospital

The DVM Student Externship/Preceptorship Program at South Kendall Animal Hospital offers veterinary students practical, hands-on experience in a vibrant clinical setting. You will engage directly in patient care activities under the supervision of experienced veterinarians. With flexible externship lengths ranging from two to eight weeks, students are immersed in the daily operations of a small animal practice, contributing to their education while preparing for graduation.

To be eligible for the DVM Student Externship at South Kendall Animal Hospital, you must be enrolled in an accredited DVM program, authorized to work in the United States, and you must carry professional liability insurance. Students are encouraged to verify that their insurance coverage is current before applying.

DVM externs at South Kendall Animal Hospital receive a stipend of $250 per week during their externship. This financial support comes on top of the invaluable learning experiences students will gain throughout their time with us!

During your DVM externship at South Kendall Animal Hospital, you'll develop critical skills such as taking patient histories, performing physical examinations, and creating effective diagnostic and therapeutic plans. You'll also enhance your surgical assistance abilities, client communication, and medical record documentation skills, all while receiving guided supervision from experienced veterinarians.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the DVM Student Externship at South Kendall Animal Hospital. Each extern is paired with a mentor who will guide them through their externship experience, providing instruction, evaluation, and support to meet your learning objectives defined by your college program.

Preparing for the DVM Student Externship at South Kendall Animal Hospital involves reviewing your university requirements and guidelines from the Veterinary Practice Act. It’s also essential to maintain a professional demeanor and attire, familiarize yourself with the responsibilities expected during the externship, and ensure that your professional liability insurance is current.

The DVM Student Externship at South Kendall Animal Hospital is designed to enhance your veterinary education by providing real-world experience in a clinical setting. This practical experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge, refine your skills, and gain insights into the daily operations of a veterinary practice, ultimately preparing you for a successful career in veterinary medicine.

When gathering a patient history as a DVM extern, I focus on building rapport with the pet owner to ensure they feel comfortable sharing information. I ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their concerns. Additionally, I make sure to cover key topics like the animal's health history, any recent changes in behavior, and any medications they are currently on, which will provide a comprehensive view for diagnosis.

Effective time management during my externship is crucial. I plan to prioritize my tasks based on urgency and complexity, utilizing tools like checklists to stay organized. I'd coordinate closely with my mentor and the team to ensure I meet expectations on duties while also allocating time for learning opportunities, which would maximize my experience.

If I witnessed unprofessional behavior in the clinic, I would first assess the situation and determine if immediate intervention is needed to uphold patient care standards. If it's appropriate, I would address my concerns with the individual directly in a respectful manner. Additionally, I would make a note to discuss the incident with my mentor afterwards to seek guidance and ensure that professional standards are maintained.

Approaching a difficult client requires empathy and active listening. I would acknowledge their concerns and emotions while remaining calm and composed. I'd ask clarifying questions to understand the root of their frustration and provide constructive solutions, all while ensuring to reinforce trust in our veterinary care. A collaborative approach helps create a positive rapport even in challenging situations.

Handling multiple responsibilities during my externship will require clear prioritization and effective communication. I would assess the workload and discuss it with my mentor to develop a strategy that allows me to balance the tasks while ensuring quality care is always the priority. By staying organized and adaptable, I can manage my time effectively.

I hope to gain hands-on experience in daily veterinary practice, focusing on improving patient care through practical application of my clinical knowledge. Additionally, I look forward to enhancing my technical skills in surgery, client communication, and medical record documentation, all of which are crucial for my future as a veterinarian.

Adapting to the working environment as a DVM extern involves being open-minded, observant, and willing to ask questions. I aim to familiarize myself with the team's protocols and culture quickly by communicating regularly with my colleagues and seeking feedback on my performance, all of which will help me integrate seamlessly into the team.

One specific clinical skill I am eager to develop during my externship is my ability to perform physical examinations efficiently and effectively. I plan to seek active feedback from my mentor as I practice on various cases, focusing on refining my technique, observation skills, and ability to communicate findings clearly to clients.

Ethical considerations during my externship are vital as they shape my professional integrity. Key aspects include maintaining confidentiality, providing the best possible care, respecting client wishes, and ensuring that my actions align with industry standards. It's also essential to recognize the limits of my practice due to my training level and seek guidance when faced with ethical dilemmas.

If I encounter a clinical procedure I'm unsure about during my externship, I would proactively seek guidance from my mentor or a fellow team member. It's important to prioritize the well-being of the patient over assumption; asking for clarification ensures I perform tasks correctly and safely. Moreover, I would take that opportunity to learn from the situation to enhance my skills for the future.