East Market Veterinary Center is a privately owned small animal general practice located in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. The practice focuses exclusively on dogs and cats and provides comprehensive care including wellness visits, sick patient management, diagnostics, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. The clinic serves a diverse client base in a small-town community setting, offering students exposure to a wide variety of medical, surgical, and dental cases.
The goal of this elective experience is to provide veterinary students with hands-on exposure to general practice medicine while developing confidence in clinical reasoning, client communication, and surgical skills. Students are fully integrated into the daily workflow and work closely with the veterinarian and support staff throughout their time in the clinic.
Externs will participate in routine wellness visits, sick appointments, and urgent care cases. Students may assist with obtaining patient histories, performing physical examinations, and developing diagnostic and treatment plans under the guidance of the veterinarian. They will also gain experience interpreting laboratory results and understanding how diagnostics influence clinical decision-making.
Surgical experience is an important component of this externship. Students will have the opportunity to observe, assist with, and potentially perform surgical procedures—including spays, neuters, and other soft tissue surgeries—depending on their level of training and comfort. Emphasis is placed on surgical preparation, anesthesia protocols, and perioperative care.
Students will also be exposed to dental procedures, including prophylactic cleanings and extractions, with the use of a dedicated dental suite and dental radiography. This provides an opportunity to understand the role of dentistry in overall patient health and to gain familiarity with dental diagnostics and treatment.
Students who are further along in their program and demonstrate appropriate competency may take primary appointments under supervision, allowing them to lead cases, communicate directly with clients, and make clinical decisions with guidance.
The practice operates with a strong technical support team, allowing students to experience efficient workflow and team-based care. Teaching is incorporated into daily case management through discussion and real-time feedback. This elective is designed to be flexible and tailored to each student’s goals, whether they are seeking to strengthen foundational skills or gain more independence in a clinical setting.
East Market Veterinary Center is a privately owned small animal general practice with a collaborative, team-based structure. The practice is led by one full-time veterinarian and supported by a skilled team that includes multiple Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs), veterinary assistants, and client service representatives. This staffing model allows for efficient workflow and provides students with exposure to team-based patient care.
The hospital is equipped to support general practice diagnostics and treatment, including:
Students will have access to medical records, diagnostic results, and case discussions as part of their learning experience. Teaching is integrated into daily workflow through case-based discussions, procedural guidance, and real-time feedback from the veterinarian.
Students are expected to actively participate in the daily operations of the clinic while maintaining a professional and positive attitude.
Schedule & Hours:
Expectations:
This externship is designed to be hands-on rather than observational. Students are encouraged to take an active role in patient care, with increasing responsibility based on their comfort level and clinical experience. Students further along in their training may take primary appointments under supervision.
135 East Market Street
Suite 100
Blairsville, PA 15717
United States