Dermatology for Animals (Akron, OH)

Description of Elective Experience

1. Clinical & Diagnostic Expectations

Externs are expected to actively transition from classroom knowledge to hands-on case management. Key clinical duties include: 

  • History Taking & Exams: Efficiently gathering dermatological histories from clients and conducting comprehensive skin and otic examinations. 
  • In-House Diagnostics: Developing proficiency in performing and reading diagnostic tests. This heavily includes skin scrapings, fine needle aspirates (FNA), trichograms, and surface cytology. 
  • Specialized Technology Exposure: Observing and assisting with advanced specialty equipment, including multi-head teaching microscopes, video otoscopy for deep ear flushes, and CO2 lasers. 
  • Case Synthesis: Presenting physical findings to the attending dermatologist, formulating differential diagnoses (ranging from common environmental allergies to rare immune-mediated diseases), and discussing treatment options

2. Engagement & Academic Participation

An externship is highly collaborative, and students are evaluated on their enthusiasm and integration into the specialty team. Expectations include: 

  • Punctuality & Presence: Arriving early for morning rounds and remaining engaged throughout high-volume clinic days.
  • Proactive Shadowing: Actively volunteering to assist technicians and clinicians while asking thoughtful, concept-driven questions.
  • Rounds & Presentations: Participating in clinical rounds, literature reviews, or journal clubs.

3. Logistical & Professional Standards

  • Soft Skills: Demonstrating strong client communication and teamwork. Dermatology relies heavily on client compliance for long-term allergy or chronic ear management, so observing how clinicians navigate difficult client conversations is a major component.

 

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.
  • Busy 3 doctor Dermatology practice
  • Team includes Doctors, CSRs, Registered Vet Techs and Veterinary Assistants
  • Computerized Tomography (CT)
  • Video Otoscopy (VO)
  • CO2 Lasor
  • Phovia 
  • Microscopy 
  • Vetspire
Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?

30-40 hours/week -days TBD

Combination of shadowing and actual support

Supervisor
Dr. Sarah Flanagan
Contact email
Address

Dermatology for Animals
809 Whitepond Drive Suite D
Akron, OH 44320
United States

Animal Type
Practice or Institution Type
Is student housing available?
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week
30-40
Global engagement opportunity
No
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