questions to ask placement clinics?

[books_]

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Hi all! I'm applying for my 4th year externship (2 months at a mixed clinic that also sees exotics) and rotations and was wondering what questions previous applicants had asked their placements. Specifically, any ideas on how to ask if they are accepting of disabled/ neurodiverse/ queer students?
So far I have: "What does a day typically look like for an externship student? What are the expected hours, and would there be requirements or opportunities to be on call? How would you describe the mentorship style of the veterinarians? If a staff member was experiencing harassment or discrimination from another staff member or client, what supports does (clinic) provide?". Any other questions that y'all can suggest would be great, such as work-life balance or caseload questions- I've hit a brick wall with my thoughts. TYIA!

 

[pp9]

This is a tough one - when it comes to disability, the main things I would want to know as a potential host are what accommodations you need, and whether or not I can provide them. Also, whether or not I have to. In many cases, you are not considered a real employee so what the clinic is legally obligated to do may be limited. Have you talked to your school about this? They might have the most accurate info that is relative to where you're located. Most places would accommodate things even if they aren't legally obligated to, but if extensive accommodations are required it might be more challenging to get those needs met as an extern.

I would consider rewording the question about harassment into something more along the lines of 'How inclusive is your staff culture, and is your staff generally welcoming of diversity?' Or something like that. The question, as it's written currently, may give off an unintended impression.

Generally speaking, fourth years have very little responsibility and work-life balance isn't a huge concern (especially for a short placement). If knowing the on-call expectations and daily schedule would be make or break for you, by all means, ask.

 

[JaynaAli]

About all I ever asked was: do you have availability this certain week, when do I show up, and what attire was most appropriate (eg scrubs vs business casual).

It’s definitely reasonable to ask other questions that are important to you, especially if you’re going to be somewhere for two whole months…2-3 week rotations are more common. But do keep in mind that clinics are doing YOU a favor by letting you come, not the other way around. A veterinarian’s productivity drops when there is a visitor to teach and in the current state of predominantly production based pay for veterinarians, that means they’re essentially taking a pay cut to teach you. I definitely wouldn’t want you to be somewhere that is unsafe or unwelcoming, but I agree with PP to be careful of tone when you ask some of these things.

 

[books_]

thanks! this is a 2 month placement and my school unfortunately isn't the best for providing accommodations. that being said i've been managing them very well and may not need supports (fingers crossed). we are encouraged to ask about on call hours, im just struggling to find a way of phrasing it to seem excited for that. i appreciate your advice!!