Banfield Pet Hospital, Metuchen, NJ

Description of Elective Experience:

The Banfield Externship Program provides veterinary students in their clinical year the opportunity to practice medicine one-on-one alongside an experienced coach veterinarian as a “doctor-in-training” to develop medical and surgical skills. Each extern is assigned a DVM coach and is expected to complete an individual set of weekly goals based upon their interests and Banfield hospital procedures. Externs will be exposed to a wide range of experiences geared towards developing their clinical skills in a nurturing, supportive environment, ranging from technical applications to inter-personal relationship techniques.

In accordance with the State Practice Act, Externship participants are provided with the opportunity to:

• Gain experience in general pet medicine in a bond-centered practice.
• Understand Banfield’s best practice standards, code of conduct, and ethics.
• Understand the concepts of quality medicine and preventive care.
• Understand how both high quality and high case load can complement each other.
• Learn to perform a physical exam and to record a thorough medical history.
• Improve technical skills such as: drawing blood, placing catheters, giving injections, starting fluids, assisting with anesthesia and surgeries under the mentor doctor’s direct supervision.
• Collect and interpret laboratory specimens.
• Learn how to order the appropriate diagnostic tests.
• Learn to establish effective therapeutic plans.
• Learn how to properly restrain dogs, cats, and exotic pets for different medical procedures.
• Learn how to efficiently and effectively use hospital equipment.
• Learn how to charge appropriately for services provided and why this is important.
• Learn and practice effective client and team communication skills.
• Learn to work effectively with hospital associates and others critical to their success."

We have 3 full time veterinarians, a part time Chief of staff veterinarian, 2 CVTs, and numerous VAs. 

Equipment- flat panel and dental rads, ultrasound machine for non-diagnostic imaging, electrocautery, anesthesia equipment. 

Scheduling can vary depending on student availability. They will usually follow the lead doctor present and either work in a VA capasity or shadow the doctor for surgical skills depending on skill and education level and needs. 

349 Lake Ave
Suit #125,
Metuchen, NJ 08840
United States