Offsite Electives

Student applied and was selected for an Army Active Duty Training (ADT) clinical rotation at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program. This rotation has a focus on working marine mammal clinical medicine, to include daily hands-on clinical tasks, didactic learning and a culminating student project. During the rotation, the student will also be exposed to more traditional clinical and administrative duties of a Veterinary Corps Officer. To include small animal medicine/personally owned pet clinical cases, Military Working Dog (MWD) medicine, food inspection and protection, and Army leadership. 

See elective description below, from the application packet. 

"The VETLAB staff provides on-call veterinary care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Mornings are used for scheduled clinical procedures, veterinary medical technologies support, and rounds.  Most afternoons are dedicated to sample processing, data entry, research, training, and unscheduled (urgent) procedures.  Students are given the opportunity to observe and participate in clinical activities, under the direction of the veterinary staff, as the situation permits.  In addition, students are expected to select and complete a clinical project in marine mammal medicine while on-site.

The MMP maintains and cares for a large population of dolphins and sea lions in an open-ocean environment in San Diego Bay.  Student externs are given the unique opportunity to observe and contribute to the preventive medicine program that includes:

1. Regularly scheduled comprehensive physical examinations
2. Nutrition and sanitation oversight
3. Veterinary medical data management and biologic specimen archival
4. Veterinary support of animal deployments
5. Advanced clinical technologies development
6. Staff development regarding animal care

Requirements and Student Selection

Three to four Army HPSP students are chosen each year to participate in a three to six week externship (the longer the time the more valuable).  Only one student will be on-site at a time.  Students are encouraged to participate in the externship after completing one ADT at another site and during their senior level or fourth year at an accredited veterinary college.  Applicants must provide proof of United States citizenship."

General small animal practice offering preventative medicine and surgery. 

Shadowing doctors in general practice.  Student will assist in exam rooms and surgery.  

Our externs will experience the typical caseload of a well-run, multi-doctor private practice. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, externs will provide wellness care, gather patient histories, perform physical examinations, develop diagnostic and therapeutic plans, assist in the management of medical cases, scrub into surgery, develop client communication skills, and generate appropriate medical records. Hospital Average Daily Caseload is 90 patients per day.

Learning Objectives

1. Mastering Key Clinical Techniques: 

• Laboratory Diagnostics: We will provide you with hands-on training in essential laboratory procedures, including bloodwork analysis, fecal examinations, and cytology. You will learn proper sample collection, preparation, and interpretation of results. 
• Physical Examination: You will observe and participate in thorough physical examinations across small animals (primarily dogs and cats), honing your palpation, auscultation, and other examination skills. We will emphasize the importance of technique and observation, enabling you to identify subtle clinical signs and assess overall patient health.  
• Casework and Diagnostics: This is where theory meets practice. You will shadow the Externship Supervisor or other practice veterinarians during consultations, actively participating in case discussions and diagnostic plan formulation. We will explore differential diagnoses, interpret radiographs and other imaging modalities, and discuss evidence-based treatment options. This experience will equip you with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for clinical decision-making. 

2. Building a Solid Knowledge Base: 

• Anatomy Review: We will review key anatomical structures relevant to clinical practice. Using clinical cases as teaching tools. 
• Zoonotic Disease Awareness: Recognizing and preventing zoonotic diseases is crucial for veterinary professionals. We will discuss common zoonotic pathogens, transmission routes, and preventive measures, ensuring you practice safe handling techniques and client education regarding responsible pet ownership. 

3. Fostering Professional Development: 

• Communication Skills: You will have ample opportunities to refine your communication skills by interacting with clients, presenting patient findings, and discussing treatment recommendations. We will provide constructive feedback and guidance to help you develop clear, concise, and empathetic communication with both clients and colleagues. 
• Professional Responsibility: We will discuss ethical considerations in veterinary medicine, emphasizing patient welfare, informed consent, and responsible antibiotic use. You will learn the importance of professional integrity and ethical decision-making throughout your career. 

4. Continuous Learning and Evaluation: 

• Regular Feedback: We will provide regular feedback on your performance throughout the externship, ensuring you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. We will set clear goals and expectations, helping you track your progress and optimize your learning experience. 
• Self-Directed Learning: We encourage you to take the initiative and actively seek out additional learning opportunities during your externship. Continuous learning is crucial for success in the ever-evolving field of veterinary medicine. 

Experience with aquatic veterinary clinical practice in commersial fish-farms, maunly Atlantic salmon and also cod, lumpfish, wrasse.

Work through cases with attending clinician.  Includes:  elective surgery, dentals, general wellness and sick visits.

Trans Ova Genetics is excited to host students with a passion for bovine and small ruminant reproduction at our Sioux Center, IA corporate headquarters. Students will have the opportunity to learn the techniques of advanced reproductive technologies including ovum pick up/IVF, convention embryo flushing, embryo transfer and cloning as well as associated physiology, synchronization, superovulation/stimulation, and embryo evaluation and cryopreservation techniques. Hands on opportunities are available through employee training program, TOGU, based on department availability and student interest. Additional opportunities in dairy calf management and heard health may arise.

Students can apply through the Trans Ova Genetics career page on our website.  A complete application includes submission of a resume, cover letter, and letter of recommendation from an ET practitioner, or food animal/theriogenology professor. 

Primarily small animal with exotic and wildlife experiences with a strong commitment to quality surgery and medicine.

Students work closely with our ER doctors (all internship trained) or our board-certified specialists. They are permitted to go into rooms with clients, perform physical exams and participate in decision making regarding diagnostic and treatment plans. Students are NOT permitted to perform any procedures. 

We are a very busy general practice that sees small animals and exotics. We have 7 veterinarians on staff and provide top quality medicine.