Offsite Electives

The candidates will shadow the clinical veterinarians (faculty, staff and residents) on their rounds caring for the animals used in research at UPenn. There is a very large variety of species the students will be exposed to (NHP, swine, dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits) and a variety of animal models (Gene therapy, cardiovascular, neurology, oncology, infectious diseases, etc).  The students also attend our pathology rounds, weekly clinical rounds for the veterinarians, IACUC training and didactic training program with our residents. Lastly, the students will actively work with our pathologist performing necropsies and histopath.

Wildlife Safari is an AZA accredited institution with over 500 animals, situated on over 600 acres. The park is located 10 minutes off of I-5 in south-central Oregon, just 1.5 hours from Eugene. The park consists of three major drive-thru sections, where the hoof stock are in a mixed species free range setting, along with four additional areas of non-free range animals (Lions, Brown Bears, Black Bears, Cheetahs/tigers). Wildlife Safari’s large walk through section includes over 100 small animals (mammals, birds, reptiles and a petting zoo). Wildlife Safari is known for having the most successful cheetah breeding program in the United States. The park currently has 16 cheetahs spread between a large, off exhibit breeding area and the drive-thru area. The hospital is staffed by one full time veterinarian and one veterinary assistant. The extern will observe and assist procedure preparation, catheter placement, blood collection, physical examinations, anesthesia monitoring, case analysis/diagnosis/treatment, etc.

UrgentVet is an outpatient, acute care practice model that was the first in the US to operate like a human urgent care. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis and examined, diagnosed, and treated in an hour or less. Students work side by side with the staff veterinarian, caring for patients suffering from a wide variety of mild illnesses and injuries. We rely on physical examination findings, point of care diagnostic testing, full in-house laboratory, and digital x-ray to develop a differential diagnoses list for patients. Cases are worked up in SOAP format on a cloud-based EMR. More than 90% of patients are treated in-house. Critical cases are referred to 24-hr specialty for ongoing hospitalization and/or surgery. The vast majority of pets recheck with their primary care veterinarian within two weeks of their UrgentVet visit. Students will become proficient at writing discharge instructions (to clients) and referral reports (to referring general practices). UrgentVet is a unique and rewarding educational experience that enhances 4th year clinical skills.

Assist or perform surgeries (spays and neuters) at at animal shelter. Examine sick or injured shelter animals, develope treatment protocol, suture minor lacerations, vaccinate pets, perform heartworm and FeLV tests, drawing blood for testing, fecal exams, and skin scrapings, place IV catheters.

Banfield Pet Hospital is a small animal general practice. We have a strong focus on preventive medicine and surgery, but we are a full service veterinary practice. Daily preventive care case load includes routine vaccinations, ovariohysterectomy, castration, and dental cleanings. We also care for a variety of illnesses and non-preventive care surgical interventions including, but not limited to diabetes mellitus, gastroenteritis, dermatitis, otitis, mass removals, dental extractions, and cystotomy. Veterinary elective participants shadow their mentor doctor through all aspects of day to day practice. Students work with their mentor to work through presented cases and develop treatment plans. 

The primary focus will be on Sport Horse Reproduction including artificial insemination with fresh and frozen semen, stallion collection for cooled semen transport, exposure to embryo transfer and follicle aspiration for ICSI.  Farm breeds 60 mares per year and foals approximatley 40-50/year.  Assist with routine preventative care, neonatal care and foal watch duties, mare and stallion reproduction, radiographs, lameness, castrations, and daily emergencies. There will also be extensive work with CEM Quarantine horses importing from the Europe.  There will be opportunity to spend time with lameness veterinarian in the rehabilitation and fitness center to learn about all of the therapeutic modalities including acupuncture, chiropractic, RLT laser therapy, PEMF treatments, and use of Equinosis Lameness Locator. 

Schedule

-Up to 40 hours per week

-Mon – Fri 7:00am – 4:30pm

Saturday hours limited but available

Locations and clinics 

-The Extern will spend time at all of our locations throughout their externship. The exact

schedule will be determined based on need and expected client/patient volume and will be

established the week before.

-The ANNA Shelter – 1555 East 10th street, Erie Pa

-The ANNA Wellness Center – Erie

                                -Dr. Jessica Bahl, Dr. Crystal Franklin, Dr. Jeanmarie McInerny

                                -Two Locations:

                                                -The ANNA Wellness Center East – 1455 East 10th Street, Erie, Pa 16503

                                                -The ANNA Wellness Center West – 5617 West 26th Street, Erie, Pa 16503

                                 -Services provided – Routine wellness, Vaccinations, Flea Control, Spay/Neuter, Dental

care, Declaw, Routine surgeries, Illness care, Minor emergencies

                -The ANNA Wellness Center – Corry -13199 Rt 6, Corry, Pa

                                -Dr. Windell Lyon

                                -Services Provided – Routine wellness, Vaccination, Flea control, Spay/neuter,

Specialized surgeries, Declaw, Dew claw removal, Illness care, Minor emergencies

                -The ANNA Equine Clinic – 9240 Route 6 N Albion, Pa 16401

                                -Dr. Blake Roseberry

                                -A full service equine practice including farm calls, wellness, surgeries layup facility,

hospital facility and more

Externship description

                -The extern will be exposed to and have the opportunity to perform High Quality High Volume

(HQHV) spay and neuter techniques

-The extern will assist in animal care (both shelter animals and clients through the public clinics) in any way needed including vaccinations, wellness visits, basic surgical procedures, anesthesia, husbandry and emergencies

-The extern will learn about and be exposed to a variety of shelter management techniques and

strategies including disease control in shelter populations, behavioral evaluation and training,

enrichment strategies, and record keeping in a shelter environment.

Questions can be addressed to shelter founder and director, Ruth Thompson, at ruth@theannashelter.com or 814-392-0041.  All applicants will be interviewed and evaluated by key shelter staff prior to and during the externship.  All employee protocols and expectations will be required of the extern.

We are a very busy small animal practice located in rural Carroll County.  The clinic is located approximately 40-45min. South East of Akron/Canton area.  Our clientele vary widely from owners not concerned at all about money to owners who have very limited funds.  We are a very friendly, open clinic with experienced clinicians on staff ready to teach.

Students will be involved in every aspect of the hospital.  They will shadow in exam rooms, and assist with the actual exams.  They will be allowed to assist in performing surgeries under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.  Students will also have responsibilities in laser, ultrasound, dental, and radiology.

The student will be exposed to a general and emergency practice experience. We expect the student to jump in and assist everything from taking a complete history to assisting in surgery. During the Summer season it is not uncommon to have 20-30 emergency cases in a 24 hour period in addition to wellness and medical cases.  The overnight shift is just as busy as the day shift and the student will alternate between shifts while they are here.