Applewood Animal Hospital, AZ

The student will spend one week immersed in a busy small-animal general practice, gaining exposure to the full spectrum of primary care medicine. As a non-specialty hospital, our caseload provides a strong foundation in practical, real-world veterinary practice. The extern will have the opportunity to observe and participate in:

Clinical Experience

• Outpatient appointments: Wellness care, vaccinations, preventive medicine, client education, dermatology, otitis, gastrointestinal and urinary concerns, senior pet care, and common acute presentations.
• Medical workups: Exposure to diagnostic reasoning, development of problem lists and differentials, interpretation of laboratory data, radiographs, cytology, and other in-house diagnostics.
• Surgical and dental procedures: Observation of routine surgeries (spay/neuter, mass removals, etc.), dental cleanings, extractions, anesthesia protocols, and perioperative patient management.

Technical Skills

Under appropriate supervision and as comfort level allows, the student may practice:

• History-taking and physical examinations
• Venipuncture and sample collection
• Basic cytology preparation and interpretation
• Catheter placement
• Anesthetic monitoring
• Client communication

Practice Operations

The extern will also gain insight into:

• Daily hospital workflow and case management
• Electronic medical record keeping
• Communication within the veterinary team
• Time management in general practice
• The role of technicians, assistants, and support staff in patient care

Learning Approach

The experience will be observational with hands-on participation encouraged based on the student’s skill level, interest, and school requirements. The student is welcome to ask questions, discuss cases, and participate in medical decision-making conversations throughout the week.

Staffing

• Full-time small-animal general practitioners
• Certified veterinary technicians
• Veterinary assistants and client service representatives
• Practice manager and support staff
• Supportive team that encourages student involvement and discussion
  (General practice only; no specialty departments.)

Medical Equipment & Diagnostics

• Digital radiography
• In-house laboratory analyzers (CBC, chemistry, electrolytes, urinalysis, fecal testing)
• In-house cytology preparation and interpretation
• Dental suite with high-speed dentistry and dental radiography
• Fully equipped surgical suite with modern anesthesia machines
• Patient monitoring: ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure monitoring
• IV fluid pumps, warming devices
• Cold laser therapy unit for postoperative and therapeutic use
• Canine reproductive technology, including:
  • Semen collection and evaluation equipment
  • Sperm motility and morphology assessment
  • Semen processing, chilling, and freezing equipment

Clinical Services & Case Exposure

• Preventive care and wellness medicine
• General medicine and diagnostics
• Management of common acute and chronic conditions
• Routine soft tissue surgeries
• Dentistry and dental extractions
• Cold laser therapy treatments
• Canine reproductive evaluations, semen collection, analysis, and freezing (as cases allow)

Educational Environment

• Direct supervision and mentorship by attending veterinarians
• Opportunities for hands-on skill development (as appropriate): physical exams, venipuncture, cytology, anesthesia monitoring, and more
• Access to electronic medical records and hospital protocols
• Encouragement of case discussions, diagnostic reasoning, and client communication practice
• A supportive, real-world general practice environment focused on practical learning

Student Responsibilities

• Attendance & Schedule:
  • The student is expected to be present Monday through Friday, following the clinic’s regular schedule of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.
  • Arrival on time and staying through the end of the day are expected unless alternative arrangements are approved in advance.
• Role & Participation:
  • The externship will be primarily observational, with the student shadowing veterinarians and technicians during appointments, procedures, diagnostics, and surgeries.
  • Hands-on participation will be offered as appropriate for the student’s skill level, comfort, and school guidelines. Opportunities may include:
    • History taking and physical exam practice
    • Venipuncture and sample collection
    • Basic cytology preparation
    • Assisting with anesthesia monitoring
    • Assisting with patient handling and restraint
  • All student participation will occur under direct supervision.
• Professional Conduct:
  • Students are expected to maintain professional communication with staff and clients, protect client confidentiality, and demonstrate respect for all members of the veterinary team.
  • Proper attire (e.g., scrubs, closed-toe footwear) is required.
  • Students should uphold hospital protocols for safety, patient handling, medical record documentation, and equipment use.
• Engagement & Learning:
  • The student is encouraged to ask questions, discuss cases, and take initiative in their learning.
  • Students should be proactive in seeking feedback and clarifying skills they wish to practice when appropriate.
  • Responsible use of downtime for chart review, procedure observation, or studying relevant cases is expected.

6909 E. Lincoln Dr. #2
PARADISE VALLEY, AZ 85253
United States