Integrative Pet Wellness Center, CA

This elective rotation at the Integrative Pet Wellness Center (IPWC) offers a unique opportunity to explore progressive, integrative veterinary care that blends conventional diagnostics with holistic and root-cause-based treatment strategies. Students will be exposed to a broad spectrum of alternative modalities not commonly found in traditional practice settings, gaining firsthand experience in:

• Microbiome Restoration Therapy, including fecal microbiota transplantation and targeted gut healing protocols
• Ozone Therapy, with applications ranging from rectal insufflation, fluid therapy, injection and IV techniques
• Functional Medicine Testing, including advanced diagnostics for Microbiome, Vitamins, Minerals, Toxins (Glyphosate, Mycotoxins)
• Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) techniques such as acupuncture, and herbal therapies
• Regenerative Medicine approaches, including stem cell therapy, nutritional detoxification and immune modulation
• Integrative Oncology care - with board-certified oncologist consults available,  addressing quality of life, integative therapies, and cannabis therapy.  Treatments include high-dose IV Vitamin C therapy and others

Students will shadow and assist with case management of complex, chronic conditions including pain management cases, nerurological cases, autoimmune disease, allergies, renal disease, GI disorders, and cancer. There is a strong emphasis on personalized care plans, client communication, and viewing the patient through a whole-being lens, rather than isolated symptoms.

This rotation is especially valuable for students interested in expanding their medical toolbox beyond conventional pharmacology, and for those drawn to preventative care, chronic disease management, or integrative oncology. The clinic also supports open discussion and evidence based reasoning behind each modality, encouraging students to critically evaluate the “why” behind every approach.

Staffing & Mentorship:

• Students are mentored directly by Dr. Lily Chen, a veterinarian with advanced training in veterinary acupuncture, functional medicine, ozone therapy, microbiome restoration, and integrative oncology.
• The clinical team includes three registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) and five veterinary assistants, all experienced in integrative care workflows and client communication.
• Students are encouraged to engage with the team, assist in case discussions, and gain experience in both clinical support and patient care protocols.

Equipment & Facilities:

• The clinic is equipped with general practice veterinary equipment, supporting routine diagnostics, sample collection, and patient monitoring.
• Specialized tools include ozone therapy systems, acupuncture supplies, and access to functional diagnostic testing.

Learning Environment:

• IPWC adopts an open-concept care model — rather than traditional exam rooms, the space is designed to promote flow, visibility, and collaborative case engagement.
• Students are invited into an open learning culture, where dialogue, curiosity, and hands-on observation are welcomed and supported.
• There is a strong emphasis on root-cause thinking, patient-centered care, and expanding clinical reasoning through both Eastern and Western frameworks.

Students participating in the elective rotation at Integrative Pet Wellness Center (IPWC) are expected to be on-site 40 hours per week, with clinic hours running Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Students will:

• Shadow Dr. Lily Chen throughout appointments and procedures
• Actively participate in case discussions, patient care, and integrative treatment planning
• Gain exposure to modalities such as acupuncture, ozone therapy, microbiome restoration, herbal medicine, and functional diagnostics
• Ask questions and engage in open dialogue to deepen clinical understanding
• Learn to apply basic principles of root-cause integrative medicine in real cases
• Receive support from veterinarians, RVTs, and veterinary assistants throughout the rotation

By the end of the externship, students are expected to complete a brief presentation or project on a topic of interest related to integrative veterinary medicine. This allows for reflection and reinforces learning through self-guided exploration.

739 Deep Valley Drive
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274-2309
United States