Offsite Electives

Externs will be shadowing within Chesapeake Valley Referral Center at Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine and Oncology. The referral center houses neurology, ophthalmology, surgery, cardiology and emergency as well as our IM and oncology department. We work closely with these services to provide comprehensive care to our patients. Externs will have the opportunity to work with board certified internists to see common IM cases. They will also have the opportunity to work with an oncologist up to two days a week to see common oncology cases. Students will be able to participate in appointments, procedures, and transfer patient care. 

Student will be shadowing one of the four veterinarians at our practice to gain experience and knowledge in all aspects of general small animal medicine. Experiences include interacting with clients, examining patients, laboratory testing (in house or through Idexx, Cornell, University of Penn, Michigan, Texas A & M), radiology, ultrasonography, anesthesia, surgical procedures, and dentistry. Student will also have exposure to end-of-life discussions with clients and the euthanasia process.

The externship provides a hands-on, immersive experience in a busy veterinary hospital. Externs will gain exposure to a variety of medical cases, assist with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures under the supervision of experienced veterinarians. They will have opportunities to develop clinical skills in a fast-paced environment, enhance their communication abilities with clients and team members, and gain insight into the workflow of an emergency and general practice hospital. Our hospital operates with weekend 24-hour services, offering externs exposure to urgent care cases. The experience is tailored to the student's areas of interest, allowing for focused learning in surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care.

During the two-week clinical rotation at the ER veterinary hospital, students will gain hands-on experience in triaging, diagnosing, and treating a variety of urgent and critical cases. Students will work alongside experienced emergency veterinarians, assisting with procedures such as wound care, fluid therapy, and emergency surgeries. Expect a fast-paced environment where students refine their clinical decision-making, improve technical skills, and enhance their ability to handle high-pressure situations. This rotation will provide valuable exposure to real-world emergency medicine, preparing students for the challenges of veterinary practice.

Small animal general practice with a high caseload. Students will be expected to be involved in appointments ranging from wellness to sick appointments. Students will be performing surgeries (spay/neuter, mass removals, laceration repairs) and dentals (extractions and cleaning) under DVM supervision. We manage a population of lower income clients where students will learn to work up a case within a given budget to fit a clients needs.

Throughout the externship, students will work alongside experienced DVMs to develop essential skills and knowledge in various aspects of the veterinary practice. Under the guidance of DVMs, students will actively engage in client interactions, participate in the comprehensive evaluation of patient cases (including history-taking, physical examinations, diagnostic testing, and treatment planning), learn to formulate differential diagnoses and develop appropriate management strategies, and will observe and practice efficient time management skills essential for maintaining workflow in a fast-paced clinical environment. This includes prioritizing tasks, optimizing patient care, and balancing multiple responsibilities effectively. Students will also have the opportunity to assist DVMs in surgical procedures, gaining hands-on experience in surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, sterile technique, and surgical assistance.

After hours emergency care- primarily parvo, parasites, and tick borne disease issues, dog fights, punctures and lacerations, vomiting, diarrhea, hematomas, foreign bodies, poisonings, blocked cats, HBCs, and unfortunately lots of euths.

Our mission is to provide veterinary students with knowledge, perspective and technical training to make them successful in their profession. PAC houses a wide variety of industry experts in multiple facets of production animal medicine. These areas may include, but are not limited to: 

• Diagnostics and disease investigation
• Individual animal medicine, case diagnosis and treatment
• Stockmanship and animal handling
• Feedlot consulting
• Data management and interpretation
• Pregnancy detection
• Facility design
• Leadership and personal development
• Commercial research

Gain valuable hands-on exposure to the daily operations of a veterinary practice, working alongside skilled veterinary professionals and support staff. The opportunity to observe and assist in various aspects of animal care, including patient intake, diagnosis, treatment plans, and surgery.

Key responsibilities and experiences include:

• Animal Care and Handling:  assist in monitoring and caring for animals during their visits, ensuring their comfort and safety during examinations, vaccinations, and procedures.
• Diagnostic Support: Observe diagnostic procedures such as lab work, radiographs, and ultrasounds, and learn how to assist in gathering samples and preparing them for analysis.
• Treatment and Medication Administration: Gain experience in administering medications and treatment under the supervision of veterinary staff, as well as learning about different types of treatment for common animal conditions.
• Client Communication: Assist the team in communicating with pet owners, explaining treatment plans, and addressing concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Surgical Assistance: Observe and assist in various surgical procedures, learning about surgical protocols, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative care.
• Learning Veterinary Practices:  Understanding of common veterinary practices, medical terminology, and the importance of preventive care and health education for pet owners.

The Elective Experience at Value Pet Vet is designed for individuals seeking hands-on exposure to veterinary medicine in a high-quality, affordable care setting. This program offers participants the opportunity to gain practical experience in patient care, client communication, and clinical procedures while working alongside experienced veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff. We work with public and volume rescue clients. We offer full private practice with lower cost spay/neuters, wellness and vaccines.