Yuh-Ru Lin
Melbourne University
“I find myself becoming more confident of, and definitely enjoying, small animal veterinary work more than ever, and feel like I’m a real vet.” Yuh-Ru Lin
I decided to spend three exciting weeks at the Whyalla Veterinary Clinic as part of my clinical practical experience, and this idea is brilliant. Andrew, Charna and Miranda allowed me to participate in all aspects of being a small animal general vet in Australia– consulting; conducting full physical examinations; communicating with clients about vaccinations, de-worming, and heartworm prevention protocols; venipuncture; diagnostic tests such as taking and developing radiographs, cytology, urinalysis, bacteriology and CBC at the in-house laboratory; therapy options for patients; and common drug doses. I also get a better idea in using anesthetic drugs.
Moreover, I am very grateful for the chance to further develop my surgical skills from routine desexings of animals to be rehoused, wound stitch ups, and drainage of cat bite abscess. I also got a chance to spay a ferret, which brings my placement to the peak. The vets discussed the diagnosis, treatment and management of cases with me and were very patient in explaining everything. The nurses at Whyalla were extremely kind and helpful, they let me do everything and were still patient even when I was a bit slow or had to repeat things. I find myself becoming more confident of, and definitely enjoying, small animal veterinary work more than ever, and feel like I’m a real vet. It is true that practice makes perfect. In contrast to most of the other placements I have done where I was merely allowed to observe and watch other veterinarians at work, here I was given the opportunity to put all those years of theoretical study into practice and actually put my hands on veterinary medicine.
It was also wonderful to see that the practice actively supports rehousing of stray animals in conjunction with RSPCA Whyalla, and had a chance to visit animal shelter, as this means less animals destroyed and more strays having second chance to find loving homes. The Roxby and Cowell branches help to alleviate the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas and provide veterinary care to animals in these areas, which was not possible in the past.
Tips for other students: listen, believe and don’t forget every single word Sandi says. If she told you to bring your pillow, quill and lunch with you, just do it and DON’T forget, because you will need them.
