The Vet Clinic of Palm Harbor, FL

Description of Elective Experience

At The Vet Clinic of Palm Harbor, our veterinary student externs are welcomed as part of the team from day one. We are a four-doctor, small animal practice committed to high-quality medicine, efficient systems, and a culture that is fun, friendly, and professional.

Externs gain hands-on exposure to:

  • Wellness and preventive care appointments
  • Sick and urgent care cases
  • Diagnostic workups (cytology, in-house labs, radiology interpretation)
  • Anesthesia monitoring and surgical procedures
  • Dentistry and dental radiographs
  • Client communication and case discussions
  • Treatment planning and medical record documentation

 

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.

Students work closely with our doctors and experienced support staff in a well-managed, team-oriented environment. We emphasize collaborative medicine, clear communication, and creating a positive client and team experience.

Our goal is for externs to leave feeling more confident clinically, more comfortable communicating with clients, and inspired by what a supportive, culture-driven private practice can look like.

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

Students are expected to be actively engaged rather than passive observers. Responsibilities may include:

  • Shadowing doctors during wellness, sick, and urgent care appointments
  • Assisting with patient restraint, treatments, and diagnostic procedures
  • Participating in surgical and dental procedures (scrubbing in when appropriate)
  • Monitoring anesthesia alongside trained technicians
  • Reviewing lab work, radiographs, and cytology with doctors
  • Contributing to medical record documentation
  • Communicating with clients under doctor supervision

As skills and comfort levels allow, students are encouraged to take increasing responsibility in history-taking, case presentation, and treatment planning discussions.

Professional Expectations:
We expect externs to:

  • Arrive on time and prepared
  • Maintain a positive, team-focused attitude
  • Demonstrate initiative and curiosity
  • Respect client confidentiality
  • Be receptive to feedback

Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, practicing clinical reasoning, and experiencing what a well-managed, collaborative private practice looks like.

Supervisor
Dr. Leah Hathaway
Contact email
Address

35891 US Hwy 19N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
United States

Animal Type
Practice or Institution Type
Is student housing available?
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week
35-40
Global engagement opportunity
No
Related evaluations