Companion Animal ClinicInternship

Summer 2003 Melanie PareMelanie Pare

November 13, 2003November 13, 2003

Summer 2003

How did I find this internship? Always brought my pets Always brought my pets

to this clinic.to this clinic. Always wanted to work in Always wanted to work in

this or any clinic.this or any clinic. Applied to this clinic Applied to this clinic

along with several others along with several others in area in Decemberin area in December. .

Initial Contact with Vet Dr. Penny called me back after applying to come in and job shadow Dr. Penny called me back after applying to come in and job shadow

for a few hours.for a few hours. Told me what I’d be doing. Told me what I’d be doing. Met everyone and went into general appointments and saw surgery.Met everyone and went into general appointments and saw surgery. Had to call back in March to make sure they still needed someone and Had to call back in March to make sure they still needed someone and

they did!they did!

What I did & Responsibilities

Job Description: Vet Assistant/Tech & Job Description: Vet Assistant/Tech & ReceptionistReceptionist

Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Set up appts. Draw up vaccinesSet up appts. Draw up vaccinesheartworm/fecal tests Held animalsheartworm/fecal tests Held animalsdevelop x-rays blood workdevelop x-rays blood workurinalysisurinalysis smears smears

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Responsibilities cont.

Receptionist Responsibilities:Receptionist Responsibilities:

Answer phones/answer questionsAnswer phones/answer questions

Cash people outCash people out

Filing of chartsFiling of charts

Getting meds for clientsGetting meds for clients

Other paper workOther paper work

What I was exposed to:

All types of personalitiesAll types of personalities All types of cat and dog breeds: friendly and aggressiveAll types of cat and dog breeds: friendly and aggressive Variety of illnessesVariety of illnesses Surgeries: spay/neutersSurgeries: spay/neuters

growth removals growth removals teeth cleaning teeth cleaning declawing declawing cruciate ligament surgery cruciate ligament surgery

EuthanasiaEuthanasia

What I Learned

How to do medical tests/procedures/apptsHow to do medical tests/procedures/appts How a vet office is run (inventory, getting paid, vets in How a vet office is run (inventory, getting paid, vets in

charge, ordering of meds and supplies, etc)charge, ordering of meds and supplies, etc) Learned/saw different signs and symptoms of many Learned/saw different signs and symptoms of many

illnesses. How one condition can be a cause of many illnesses. How one condition can be a cause of many things.things.

About different breeds:About different breeds:-all personalities are different-all personalities are different-some breeds aren’t always friendly-some breeds aren’t always friendly

Best way to diagnose is through blood or urineBest way to diagnose is through blood or urine Plus more!Plus more!

Am I glad I did it? Very glad I worked at a vet officeVery glad I worked at a vet office

-learned a lot!-learned a lot!-Got great experience-Got great experience-Got to see what its like to work in a clinic -Got to see what its like to work in a clinic

everydayeveryday. .

Changed or confirmed career plans?

Confirmed! Confirmed! Worked with public and staffWorked with public and staff Animals come firstAnimals come first Willing to euthanize and face consequences Willing to euthanize and face consequences

of mistakesof mistakes Repetition of each day and dealing with Repetition of each day and dealing with

owners, staff, and other doctorsowners, staff, and other doctors

Recommend it to others?

Definitely!Definitely! Great experience for anyone wanting to be a vet or Great experience for anyone wanting to be a vet or

tech.tech. Eye opener to what really goes on.Eye opener to what really goes on. Learn about animals, clinical medicine, as well as Learn about animals, clinical medicine, as well as

about yourself and if it’s right for you.about yourself and if it’s right for you. Ask ques, and get answersAsk ques, and get answers Get advice and possible help in applying.Get advice and possible help in applying.

More Pictures

Any questions??