Atlas Veterinary Urgent Care, ME

Atlas Veterinary Urgent Care is an independently owned small animal urgent care hospital designed to bridge the gap between general practice and 24-hour emergency medicine. The hospital provides same-day, appointment-based and urgent care services for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, while stabilizing critical patients for transfer to a full-service emergency facility when necessary.

This fourth-year elective provides immersive exposure to urgent care medicine in a fast-paced outpatient setting. Students will participate in evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and case management of common urgent presentations, including:

• Gastrointestinal disease (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia)
• Lameness and minor orthopedic injury
• Dermatologic conditions
• Otitis and ocular disease
• Urinary tract disease
• Wounds and lacerations
• Toxin exposures
• Acute pain management
• Stabilization of critical patients prior to referral

The rotation emphasizes triage and prioritization, efficient outpatient case management, cost-conscious and transparent client communication, development of clinical reasoning skills, and confidence in managing urgent cases and emergency stabilization. 

Atlas Veterinary Urgent Care is staffed by licensed veterinarians with backgrounds in emergency and urgent care medicine, licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs), experienced veterinary assistants, client service representatives, and practice management support. Students work directly with veterinarians and are integrated into the care team in a collaborative environment.

Equipment and Diagnostic Resources

• In-house laboratory equipment (IDEXX)
• Digital radiography
• Point-of-care ultrasound
• Oxygen therapy capability
• IV fluid pumps and infusion equipment
• Surgical suite for select urgent procedures
• Anesthesia monitoring equipment
• On-site pharmacy inventory
• Dedicated treatment and triage areas

Clinical Participation

• Obtain complete patient histories
• Perform physical examinations
• Formulate differential diagnoses
• Propose diagnostic and treatment plans
• Interpret laboratory results and radiographs
• Assist with or perform procedures under supervision (based on skill level)
• Place IV catheters and perform venipuncture as appropriate
• Assist with anesthesia monitoring
• Draft medical records and discharge instructions
• Participate in client communication discussions

Hours and Schedule Expectations

Students will participate in afternoon and evening shifts consistent with hospital operating hours. Weekend shifts (Saturday and/or Sunday) are included as part of the rotation experience. Typical shifts are 8–10 hours in length depending on hospital schedule and caseload. Students are expected to attend all assigned shifts in full, arrive on time, and maintain professional conduct throughout the rotation.

525 Eastern Avenue
Augusta, ME 04330
United States