Hometown Veterinary Services (Canton, OH)

Description of Elective Experience
  • Conduct patient examinations: obtain histories, perform complete physical examinations, and present findings to the supervising veterinarian.
  • Develop clinical reasoning: Create differential diagnoses and recommend diagnostic and treatment plans for common small animal conditions.
  • Gain surgical experience: Participate in preoperative assessments, surgical preparation, procedures when appropriate, and postoperative care.
  • Interpret diagnostics: Review bloodwork, urinalysis, cytology, radiographs, and other available diagnostic findings.
  • Practice client communication: Explain preventive care, discuss diagnostic recommendations, and participate in discharge instructions.
  • Improve medical record documentation: Prepare SOAP notes and treatment plans for veterinary review.
  • Understand private-practice operations: Observe patient flow, teamwork, clinical efficiency, and continuity of care.
Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.

Hometown Veterinary Services is a fully equipped small animal veterinary hospital staffed by six veterinarians and approximately 40 support staff members, including veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, client service representatives, and administrative personnel.  Our hospital is equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, dental radiography, and an in-house laboratory utilizing Zoetis diagnostic equipment for bloodwork and other laboratory testing.  Our surgical capabilities include routine spays and neuters, dental procedures, soft tissue surgeries, and select emergency procedures, such as pyometra surgeries and exploratory surgeries.  We primarily provide medical and surgical care for canine and feline patients, with one veterinarian routinely treating exotic animals.  Students will have opportunities to observe and participate in clinical procedures, review diagnostic findings, discuss cases with experienced veterinarians, and develop their clinical reasoning, technical skills, and client communication abilities.  Our goal is to provide a well-rounded educational experience that allows students to apply their veterinary knowledge in a busy, multi-doctor private practice setting.

Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?

The student will be expected to complete approximately 36 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with a flexible schedule based on clinic operations and educational opportunities.  Hometown Veterinary Services operates Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  The student will participate in a combination of shadowing and hands-on clinical experiences while working alongside multiple veterinarians.  The primary focus of the elective will be clinical education, skill development, and exposure to daily operations within a multi-doctor veterinary practice.  Students are encouraged to ask questions, actively participate in case discussions, demonstrate initiative, and take advantage of available learning opportunities.  All clinical activities will be performed under appropriate veterinary supervision.  The student may also assist veterinary technicians and support staff with patient care activities when appropriate.  Students are expected to maintain regular attendance, arrive on time, wear appropriate professional attire, demonstrate professionalism, maintain client confidentiality, and adhere to all hospital policies and patient safety protocols.

Supervisor
Dr. Eric Pugh
Contact email
Address

7375 Middlebranch Ave. NE
Canton, OH 44721
United States

Animal Type
Practice or Institution Type
Is student housing available?
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week
36
Global engagement opportunity
No
Related evaluations