This elective externship provides a comprehensive, hands-on clinical learning experience. The externship is designed to enhance clinical competence, diagnostic reasoning, and professional communication skills through active participation in daily veterinary operations.
During the externship, the veterinary student will work closely with the medical lead as well as support staff in a fast-paced, small animal practice environment. The student will participate in outpatient appointments, physical examinations, and case workups, with progressive involvement based on skill level and supervision. Exposure will include preventive care, sick-patient evaluations, and chronic disease management for canine and feline patients.
Clinical learning opportunities may include:
Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, evidence-based medicine, client communication, and ethical decision-making. Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism, curiosity, and a strong commitment to learning while adhering to practice policies, safety protocols, and veterinary medical standards.
This externship is well-suited for veterinary students seeking real-world experience in small animal general practice and those interested in building foundational clinical skills in companion animal medicine.
The clinic offers a wide range of clinical and educational resources to support veterinary student learning. Diagnostic resources include hands-on exposure to interpreting diagnostic imaging such as radiographs, evaluating bloodwork and laboratory results, and utilizing in-house ultrasound equipment under appropriate supervision. Students are encouraged to actively participate in diagnostic interpretation and clinical decision-making discussions.
The practice provides access to fully equipped surgical and dental suites, allowing students to become familiar with the identification, handling, and proper use of surgical and dental instruments, as well as sterilization and equipment care protocols. Opportunities may include observation and assistance during routine soft tissue surgeries and dental procedures.
Additional learning resources include written Standard Operating Procedures, which outline clinical workflows, safety protocols, and best practices across the hospital. Case review and discussion with supervising veterinarians are integral to the educational experience, offering insight into clinical reasoning, treatment planning, and case outcomes. These combined resources support a structured, hands-on, and well-rounded externship experience.
Students are expected to participate in the externship through a structured combination of shadowing and hands-on clinical support, appropriate to their level of training and knowledge.
Schedule and Hours:
Students are expected to be present during regular clinic operating hours (8a-6p) Monday- Friday. Attendance, punctuality, and professional conduct are expected throughout the externship.
Clinical Participation:
Students will initially shadow veterinarians, technicians, and nursing staff to become familiar with clinic workflow, protocols, and patient care standards. As comfort and competency increase, students will transition into active clinical support roles, which may include:
Learning and Professional Expectations:
Students are expected to actively engage, ask questions, and participate in case discussions while maintaining a professional, respectful demeanor toward clients, staff, and patients. Adherence to hospital policies, safety protocols, and confidentiality standards is required at all times.
This blended approach ensures students gain meaningful, hands-on experience while reinforcing foundational clinical skills.
945 Florida Ave NW
Suite 100
Washingon, DC 20001
United States