Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale recognizes the critical role of future veterinarians in the continued success of our industry. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive hands-on experience and exposure to the realities of veterinary practice prior to graduation. This practical immersion offers invaluable insights, enabling students to discern their preferred practice environment. We are committed to supporting the educational journey of the next generation of veterinary professionals.  As one of the few private practices left in our industry it is also important for us to expose ourselves more to our future veterinarians in the hopes that they will want to continue the legacy of the private veterinary practice industry.

Externship shall be completed over the course of 2 weeks, at 40 hours per week.  10 hour days with an optional 1/2 day additional available at extern's discretion.  Hours are daytime 7:45am -6pm.  No late nights or overnights.  Monday-Saturday, no Sundays.  

Student responsibilities to include:

• Review how to perform a physical exam
• Review ultrasonography techniques
• Review common cardiac arrhythmias and murmurs and how to grade them
• Review how to perform orthopedic and neurologic exams
• Assist Dr. Singh and Dr. Smith in a surgery
• Review anesthesia drugs, usage, side effects, contraindications and any reversal agents
• Review normal vital signs and normal vitals under anesthesia
• Review the following surgical procedures: spay, neuter, mass removal, gastropexy,
• dental, cystotomy, enterotomy, gastrotomy, splenectomy, enucleation, stenotic nares,
• and other similar/common procedures in GP
• Common antibiotics/anti-inflammatories/antifungals/probiotics used in canines
• Know the common preventatives for heartworm, flea, and tick
• Review common radiography techniques and landmarks and how to read radiographs
• including dental radiographs
• Review vaccination schedules for puppies and adult/senior canines and proper
• locations of common vaccinations
• Review deworming protocols and the proper drugs for different parasites
• Review common microscope usage and common cytology findings (MCT, WBC, RBC,
• urine, yeast, bacteria, mites, mange, etc.)
• Review how to properly prepare samples (blood, fecal, ear cytology, urine, skin
• impression and scrape, etc.)
• Review typical blood work parameters for a chemistry and CBC
• Review common ophthalmic, otic, and topical medications
• Review how to properly trim nails, express anal glands, place IV catheters,
• cystocentesis, cryotherapy
• Review protocols for monitoring/diagnostic blood tests (ACTH STIM, LDDST, Resting
• Cortisol, etc.)
• Review proper aseptic techniques (how to correctly scrub in for surgery, how to
• aseptically put on sterile gloves/gown)
• Review CPR (technique and emergency drugs/calculations)
• Review how to communicate with clients (mannerisms, word choice, empathy, etc.)
• Review how to maintain medical records and make thorough notes/findings
• Review client education (call backs, surgery/procedure discharge, cases, etc.)

Currently enrolled in an accredited veterinary school program

Student must have active medical insurance and personal liability insurance policies

About Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale

Privately Owned, Passionately FocusedWe believe that veterinary medicine can be one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and fun professions on earth. But that requires leadership that protects you, a culture that uplifts you, and a position that rewards you. Our PrioritiesWe believe in providing elevated care for every pet and person we see. We believe that the only way to do that is by making this an exceptional place to work. Here, you will find teammates who are passionate and focused, but who also love to have fun with each other. Who work hard, and laugh while they do it. Who knows that their leadership team care deeply about helping them live a great life.

Connections working at Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale