AN OVERVIEW OF CLINICAL VETERINARY MEDICINE

Noah Martin
Adv Scientific Research IV / Adv Scientific Internship

Abstract Applied Learning Product Results

Veterinary medicine is an incredibly varied and diverse field. Veterinarians can work in This semester, we were required to create a sort of physical product relating to our Overall, I’m very pleased with how the instructional video turned out. After I had written
several career specialties. A certified veterinarian can take on a career in pathology, research, chosen career. For my physical product, I decided to create an instructional video about the a solid script and finalized the shot order, filming was a breeze. Editing proved to be a bit of a
teaching, food production, or even ecological rehabilitation and research, though my main basics of canine handling and restraint in a veterinary clinic (Martin, 2021). In the video, I go challenge though. Since my home computer wasn’t powerful enough to run my ideal editing
interest lies in clinical practice. During my research, I analyzed virtually every facet of the over how to remove a dog from a cage or suite, how to approach and handle a dog that’s software, I had to resort to a lower caliber program, and had to work with more limited tools
profession. Educational requirements, finances, working conditions, personality traits gotten loose, and how to restrain a dog in a clinical setting. The video was filmed by myself regarding transitions and infographics. After the video had been completed, I had some
required to be successful, etc. Throughout the process I also considered my personal and my brother at Brookstone Animal Hospital, with the permission of its owner, who is my coworkers at the animal hospital review it and provide feedback. The response was incredibly
experiences in the field as a Kennel Technician. After I finished conducting my research, I boss. positive. Some time after I submitted those reviews as a part of the project, I showed my
began working on an Applied Learning Product for use within the field. I chose to produce an In the first part of the video, I demonstrate the best way to safely remove a dog from a video to my boss, the owner of Brookstone Animal Hospital, and she was incredibly positive
instructional video that detailed the intricacies and techniques used during canine handling in boarding suite. I demonstrate this using two different types of equipment, the slip leash and about it as well.
a clinical setting. The research process only solidified my desire to work in the veterinary field, the rabies pole. I then use the same equipment to demonstrate removing a dog from a
and I couldn’t be more excited to begin my path to veterinary school. smaller cage. In the next section, I highlight the important things to consider when
approaching a stray dog, or simply a dog that has gotten loose outside. I go over how to
Career Research handle a situation involving a timid or scared dog, a playful dog, and a possibly aggressive
dog. For both sections I used my dog, Hurley, as the demonstrator. In the next section, I go
Clinical veterinary medicine is a relatively difficult career path to pursue. The educational over various restraint techniques that may be used by a kennel technician or veterinary
requirements are hefty to say the least. Typically, a prospective veterinary student will attend technician when holding a dog during an exam or an appointment. For these demonstrations,
a university of their choice and major in a field that revolves around animals or medicine. The I used a stuffed dog. Fun fact, the stuffed dog in the video is used by hospital staff when
usual options include biology, agricultural sciences, animal sciences, or something similar. practicing and demonstrating canine CPR. To begin, I talk about the uses and benefits of using
During their undergraduate degree, they need to participate in clinical experience in the a muzzle during exams with difficult dogs, and I demonstrate how to put one on a dog.
forms of internships, jobs, research, or shadowing. They also must earn a sufficient score on Afterward, I demonstrate standing restraint, sitting restraint, lateral recumbency, sternal
the GRE (MCAT for vets), though many schools are looking to eliminate that requirement. recumbency, and sitting restraint (modified). The video finishes off with instruction and a
After that, they are to apply to one of 30 vet schools across the country, a highly selective demonstration on how to lift a dog, then concludes with closing remarks.
pool.
Veterinarians are usually required to work full time, if not more. In America, this entails
40 hours per week. During my interview with Dr. Margaret Hiers of Brookstone Animal
Hospital, she explained that she would estimate her hours to be roughly 50-60 per week. This
may include staying after-hours to finish paperwork or make calls. The salary can range from
around $80,000 to $150,000 for clinical vets. During the workday, veterinarians are required
to perform a multitude of tasks, and those tasks vary based on the schedule for any given day.
A large chunk of time is spent seeing patients in the exam rooms. In very broad terms, they
communicate with the client about potential medications, surgery, or preventative care
options their pet might need based on the health and condition of the pet. These
conversations can range from a discussion about puppy vaccines to a quality-of-life
assessment on an aging or sick pet. Another important aspect of the career involves Fig 2. QR code Link to Applied Learning Product
communication and personability. A person looking to pursue veterinary medicine as a long-
Fig 3/4. Screenshots taken from Applied Learning Product Video
term career must be able to handle communicating with clients, coworkers, and to a lesser Learning Stretch / Career Connection
extent, the pets themselves.
The process of creating this instructional video was very eye opening to me. Given my Conclusion / Reflective Summary
experience, I understand most of these concepts and techniques relatively well and have After years of researching veterinary medicine as a potential career path, I’ve found
Bachelor’s Veterinary Career performed and used them many times. The real challenge and learning stretch for me was myself more eager to begin pursuing it than ever. However, my research into the career field
Degree School
the explanation process. Throughout the process of formulating a script, I’ve needed to look is far from complete. As I go through my educational path, I will continue to constantly
• Complete pre- • Complete rigorous • Enter the workforce at this field from the eye of someone who’s never experienced any of this and are going in observe and research the profession. Even though I’m focusing on clinical medicine right now,
requisite courses coursework as an associate OR blind. That lens has helped me to create, choreograph, and script out a coherent video. The it’s highly possible that I may end up choosing to pursue a different path. One of the benefits
• Maintain • Continue gaining enter into an
competitive GPA experience and internship to communication aspect of this product is especially appropriate given the nature of Veterinary of this career is the variety of options. I could work with farm animals like cattle or horses,
• Obtain clinical knowledge specialize or obtain
board certification. Medicine as a career. Vets are very often required to communicate complex topics to help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases in a government position, or work in the field
experience • Decide on
(Internships, specialization • Complete uninformed and potentially misinformed clients in a way that they can understand. The doing ecological sustainability research. The options are limitless. The development of my
research positions, • Pass Certification Continuing
shadowing) Education process of combining my previous knowledge with researched information and presenting it applied learning product has helped me further cement my desire to work in this field as well.
Exam
Requirements in a way that inexperienced animal handlers can digest and follow easily has been a I truly enjoy informing others about things like animal handling, and I believe the skills I
remarkably beneficial process in improving my skills as a communicator of veterinary learned creating that video translate beautifully to what I want to do with my career in the
information. future.
Figure 1. Veterinarian Educational Pathway

1. ABVS FAQs. (n.d.). American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/resources/ABVS%20FAQs.pdf

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