Veterinary Internship

As a veterinary intern at VCA California Veterinary Specialists, you will participate in a comprehensive clinical training program designed to develop your skills in specialty and emergency veterinary medicine. Your responsibilities will include: - Clinical Duties: Provide medical care to referred and emergency patients under the supervision of board-certified specialists. Perform physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and medical treatments. Assist in surgical procedures, including preoperative preparation, intraoperative support, and postoperative care. - Emergency Medicine: Manage emergency cases, including triage, stabilization, and critical care. Work rotating shifts in the emergency department, collaborating with emergency clinicians and specialists to deliver timely, high-quality care. - Specialty Rotations: Rotate through various specialty services, including emergency, surgery, internal medicine, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, dentistry, and dermatology. Gain exposure to advanced diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy protocols, dental procedures, and dermatological treatments. - Diagnostic Support: Perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, cytology, radiographs, and ultrasound. Assist with advanced imaging procedures like CT and MRI under specialist guidance. - Client Communication: Communicate with pet owners regarding patient status, treatment plans, and prognosis. Provide compassionate support and education to clients during challenging medical situations. - Medical Records: Maintain accurate and detailed medical records, including patient histories, examination findings, diagnostic results, and treatment plans. Ensure compliance with hospital protocols and regulatory standards. - Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, technicians, and support staff. Participate in daily rounds, case discussions, and continuing education sessions to enhance clinical knowledge. - Research and Education: Engage in journal clubs, case presentations, and research projects as part of the internship curriculum. Contribute to the educational environment by mentoring veterinary students and technicians. - Hospital Operations: Adhere to hospital policies, including infection control, safety protocols, and ethical standards. Assist with inventory management, equipment maintenance, and other operational tasks as needed.

Qualifications and requirements for this position include: a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school; eligibility for licensure in the state of California; strong clinical skills in small animal medicine and surgery; excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client and team interactions; ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment; commitment to providing compassionate care; and a desire to pursue advanced training in specialty or emergency medicine. Previous internship or clinical experience is preferred but not required.

VCA Animal Hospitals operates veterinary specialty and emergency hospitals with multiple locations, providing specialized veterinary care including emergency services, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology, dentistry, and dermatology.