Offsite Electives

Veterinary Surgery Clinical Rotation – Overview

This rotation is designed to provide veterinary students with focused exposure to complex soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures in a specialty clinical setting. During this rotation, they will have the opportunity to observe and engage in advanced surgical cases, which may include:

• Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament rupture
• Fracture repairs using internal fixation techniques (plates, screws, pins)
• Liver lobectomies and other abdominal surgeries requiring meticulous tissue handling
• Complex mass removals, including those involving vascular or internal organ involvement

Students will participate in daily surgical rounds, discussing pre-operative planning, diagnostic imaging interpretation, anesthesia considerations, and post-operative care strategies. They may also be involved in or participate in discussions about:

• Patient workups and diagnostics relevant to surgical intervention
• Surgical preparation and assistance, maintaining sterile technique and supporting the surgical team during procedures
• Anesthetic monitoring and recovery, with a focus on pain management and critical care support
• Case discussions and clinical decision-making, guided by board-certified veterinary surgeons, criticalist, and anesthesiologist

This rotation will challenge students to think critically, understand the intricacies of advanced surgical procedures, and appreciate the interdisciplinary coordination required for successful outcomes. Students are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions, and engage with the surgical team to maximize their learning.

We look forward to supporting your student's continued development in the field of veterinary surgery.

This externship is a first hand experience in private specialty practice. There are two board certified veterinary surgeons who receive referrals from primary care veterinarians in the New York City and tri-state area, they carry out both orthopedic, soft tissue and surgical oncology procedures.  As a  student I am responsible for carrying out physical exams,  recommending diagnostics coming up with  differentials and what treatment plan would look like. I’m also to provide journal club presentations.

Fourth year students have the opportunity to perform exams, go over wellness plans, help to create treatment plans, vaccinate pets, collect blood and urine, interpret labwork results, interpret radiographs, assist in small animal surgical procedures, observe small animal dentistry and work on client communication.  

Student will mostly be shadowing board certified veterinary dentists and their residents at a busy private  dentistry only practice. Students will have time to work on cadavers while they are here and also discuss cases commonly seen in practice to get a better dental foundation/knowledge base.

VCA Westerville East Animal Hospital has proudly served the Westerville community and surrounding areas—including New Albany, Gahanna, Sunbury, Worthington, and Galena—for over 25 years. In 2007, we moved into our modern 8,000-square-foot facility, where we provide exceptional veterinary care, full-service grooming, and spacious boarding for dogs and cats.

We deliver world-class medicine with hometown care. Our experienced team offers a wide range of services including wellness and preventative care, diagnostics, surgery (including orthopedics), dentistry, and urgent care. We’re committed to keeping your pets happy and healthy through every stage of life.

As part of the vibrant Westerville community—home to Otterbein University, over 50 parks, and a rich history—we invite you to stop in for a tour of our hospital, grooming, and boarding facility. Discover why so many pet owners in Central Ohio trust us with their furry family members.

📍 Located in the heart of Westerville | 🐾 Compassionate care. Trusted professionals.

The veterinarians at Glenwood Veterinary Clinic understand and appreciate the value of hands-on experience in learning about veterinary medicine. Students will have the opportunity to work with each of the doctors in the areas of equine, small animal, and livestock.

This elective takes place at a mixed animal practice in Tucson, Arizona, with a focus on large animal medicine. The practice includes a large animal ambulatory service,  equine surgery, and onsite  ICU. Students can choose to gain experience in mixed, small, or large animal medicine based on their interests. The large animal practice is primarily equine. Throughout the week, students participate in both ambulatory practice and in the clinic, performing activities including animal restraint, medication administration, equine dentals, blood draws, IV catheter placement, minor procedures, surgical assistance, and patient care depending on the student’s experience and level of comfort. Doctors prioritize student education, encouraging questions and active learning in a supervised environment.

Small animal clinic with four veterinarians

Progressive general practice primarily seeing dogs and cats, 5% include exotics, livestock and equine. Heavy in surgery and dentistry. We provide day one ready experience and willing to be very hands-on and teach GP and surgery skills (soft tissue and orthopedic). We offer urgent care and emergency during normal business hours.

Veterinary students will participate in the day to day activities of a busy small animal practice. They will have the opportunity to work through outpatient cases with the attending veterinarian and participate in surgery and dentistry (depending on comfort level). Veterinary students will also have the opportunity to practice hands on skills, interpreting diagnostic tests, and communicating with clients.