Making the Most of Summer Shadowing

[kat3ros3]

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I'm currently shadowing in an exotic/small animal clinic 3-4 times a week. Does anyone have any recommendations for forming a relationship with the veterinarians? I'm a little intimidated by them just because I tend to be shy towards my superiors. 🙄
Also, do anyone have any ideas about maximizing the experience in general? Because I'm a volunteer, I am limited in what I can and can't do (ex: I can only hold docile/muzzled animals, if at all), so suggestions would be nice. I don't want to spend all summer cleaning the clinic and folding laundry; I want to learn!
Thanks!

 

[jtom]

Definetly do not be shy, you have to be very outgoing with the techs and vets so they get to know you. The amount that they will let you do is really up to them and varies by clinic; you might never be able to do more than cleaning. I would just keep doing what your doing but if you start talking to the vets they might open up to you and start showing you things but be very patient.

If they wont let you do anything else, I would consider looking for another clinic and do both a few days a week.

 

[kat3ros3]

I'm hoping I'll end up being able to do more eventually. I've only been there two days and they've let me scrub a bunny for an aspiration biopsy and restrain/help in surgery when things get hectic, so I do think as they get to know me I'll be able to do more hands on. What do you think is appropriate for a shadow/volunteer to be able to do?
What's the best way to be outgoing with the doctors? I've just never figured out how to open up to them, or the techs. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[alwayslistening]

Be outgoing, but also make sure you let them know that you want more hands on experience. Some places have people working where it is in their blood to teach, and thats good. Other places, you have to flip the teach switches of the people who work there, and get them into that mode. Try to flip their switches, if they are not teachers by nature. Otherwise, do go someplace else.

 

[moosenanny]

What's the best way to be outgoing with the doctors? I've just never figured out how to open up to them, or the techs. Any advice is appreciated.

I would suggest asking a few questions - what does that medication do, what is the pathogenesis of that disease, is there something special about the technique you're using? By asking questions the vets will see that you are motivated and thinking critically and wanting to learn. If they think you want to learn, they'll teach you more!

Just be really careful about when you ask the questions. Don't ask if the vet looks like she is concentrating, or if there is any tension at all. Wait until there is some down-time, and ask then. Or, if you're unsure, you can always ask if it is an appropriate time to ask questions

 

[alwayslistening]

Writing down your questions to ask at a later time is helpful, because then it leaves time for the explanation to come out through observation or listening to what they tell someone else. It also allows you to organize the questions, either by type of problem, or by species?