Students will shadow our board-certified veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Britt Levy, as she performs procedures and sees patients throughout the day. Dr. Levy performs a variety of procedures including intradermal allergy testing, biopsies, and polyp removals. Students will assuredly be able to observe allergy testing, and may be able to observe the other procedures types as well depending on scheduling. Throughout the day, students will have the opportunity to shadow Dr. Levy as she sees appointments. Dr. Levy's technicians spend many hours reviewing records for the proceeding day in order to synthesize the information she needs to diagnose patients. Dr. Levy will be able to describe her theories as to what is going on with patients prior to appointments, fill the technician in on the treatment plans of returning patients, and discuss the reasoning behind her diagnoses and treatment plans following appointments. Dr. Levy will dedicate her lunch periods to sitting and answering the students questions she was unable to answer in the morning.
Pet Dermatology Center is a small specialty clinic with two technicians and a client care coordinator in addition to the practicing veterinary dermatologist and practice manager. We have a bathroom, a kitchen with a working microwave and refrigerator/freezer for food storage, coffee and tea, a filtered water station, and a breakroom. We have a fully stocked pharmacy where we keep only products Dr. Levy trusts including both topical and oral products. Dr. Levy will be able to explain to students why these products are valued in lieu of other similar products.
We have an otoscope machine which is used for ear flushes and polyp removals. We have an anesthesia machine as well, which we will use for the aforementioned procedure types due to the high potential discomfort those procedures can cause for our patients. For shorter procedures, we will use general sedation.
Dr. Levy has a variety of handouts written by herself based on accredited literature which she provides to clients. Students are welcome to take these home along with any of the client education materials we have on our clinic's Google Drive.
Patients are seen between 8:30 and 5:30 each day (clinic is open 8-6pm). Students should arrive between 8-8:15 and stay until 5:30. We often have procedures (allergy tests, biopsies) first thing in the morning and see a mix of rechecks and first visit consults throughout the day.
For procedures, students can either observe the technicians as they prepare for the procedure (ex: watching the technicians perform the initial intradermal injections for the test). They are able to help restrain or comfort patients once they sign their waiver. They will be present for the entirety of the procedure and can ask Dr. Levy questions during.
For appointments, everyone will go into the appointment together. Dr. Levy will briefly review the history with the client to fill in any gaps present, while the techs take notes. Afterwards, Dr. Levy will perform the physical exam and dictate her findings to the technicians. She will collect cytology samples, which are read out by the technicians. Lastly, Dr. Levy will discuss her findings and recommendations with the client (this is the longest part of the appointment)Once back in the room, the technicians and Dr. Levy work together to quickly fill the prescriptions and finalize the discharge. During this time, we recommend that externs spend time reflecting on the appointment and writing down any questions that arise which can be discussed at lunch. Dr. Levy loves questions and is always happy to discuss any topic, so please feel comfortable asking about anything.
Externs are expected to wear either scrubs or business casual attire with closed- toed shoes. Externs should not wear dangly jewelry as this poses a safety hazard when handling the animals.
18 S Letitia St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
United States