Talk me through any clinical experiences you have had, if any. What exactly you did, and what you learnt from it.
Work experience is an important part of an interview and the interviewer will usually ask you to explain any experience you have had, either through your studies, or personally, within the industry you wish to enter. Be specific with your responses, and explain how the experience you gained will be valuable within your chosen career.
"I have completed work experience, whilst studying, within a local veterinary practice. I was allowed to shadow and watch the surgeon performing comprehensive surgery on the animals. I was not able to be a part of the clinical side of things, due to the need for accuracy and experience, however, it made me stronger, and more interested in the career. I felt able to handle the challenging cases, and was not put off by the blood/surgery."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I shadowed a veterinary surgeon where I saw numerous operations, including castrations, spays, uterus removal, wart removal, draining an abscess, stone removal, and many dentals. The surgeon explained their actions as they performed the surgery and answered many of my questions. It was so interesting to watch, and I learned about the normal runnings of surgery.
Rachelle's Feedback
This would have been critical exposure, indeed. Your answer is excellent, and very detailed.
Anonymous Answer
Although I didn't get to observe any operations due to COVID 19 restrictions, I did get the chance to observe consultations at a small animal vet practice. I observed annual health checks, routine vaccinations, a procedure to empty a dog's anal glands, and physical examinations on animals. Observing consults taught me the importance of adapting the way you interact with different animals because their temperaments can vary. You must listen carefully to the owner and clearly explain what you are doing and any medical terms. Getting on with colleagues is vital, and a good bond will allow each of you to help the other out and give advice on difficult cases.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems that you learned a great deal from observing these consultations, health checks, examinations, etc. The detail you provide in your answer will help the interviewer better understand your depth of exposure at this point in your education journey.
Anonymous Answer
During my time at 2 small animal vet practices, I spent time shadowing the vets and vet nurses during surgeries and consultations. I learnt that there is a huge reliance on nurses within the veterinary practice, and it emphasised the importance of communication within the team. I witnessed the euthanasia of an emergency case, and this highlighted how humane the process is.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a fantastic response! It seems that you encountered some highly beneficial lessons during these clinical experiences. Your answer sounds industry positive and supportive.
Anonymous Answer
I have carried out two weeks of work experience at small animal clinics. Here I have been able to observe surgeries, dental procedures and consultations with owners. I helped the vet nurse carry out diagnostic tests such as blood tests and urinalysis and cleaning and preparing kennels for new patients. I recognised the importance of communication between the vets and clients during consultations to ensure the client was aware of the vet's treatment and recommendations. I also understood the importance of teamwork during surgeries between the vets and nurses, in particular during the removal of a tumour from a rat, were monitoring the rat's vitals and regulating anaesthetics was crucial.
Rachelle's Feedback
This experience sounds incredibly beneficial and one that you will take with you through your education and career. The detail you provide in your response is excellent. Well done!
Anonymous Answer
While I have various experiences throughout my work at small animal hospitals and volunteer/internship work with large animals and wildlife. My biggest and proudest experience was when I went to Guatemala to set up spay and neuter clinics to help with the overpopulation of homeless dogs and cats. I got to experience treating two TVT cases which is a lot more common than in the US. It made me very humble and appreciated the way the Guatemalan people view animals. Their dogs are more for protection, and their chickens and cattle are their money and food source.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's essential to shift our perspective away from only what we know and take the time to learn about other cultures. You show a great deal of open-mindedness, which is a fantastic quality for a veterinarian to possess. Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
Something that really stood out to me during my time in a small animal vet clinic was the everyday problem solving. I was immersed in watching the veterinarians tackle intellectual challenges, such as how to heave a 230-pound English mastiff onto an operating table, how to perform an ovariohysterectomy on a tiny overweight dog, and what to do when a patient is scared of males and there's a male vet nurse present that day. The challenges are endless and albeit exhausting, I find this thinking on my feet to be really exciting and I learned that this is a real motivator for me to become a veterinarian.
Rachelle's Feedback
The situations you mention sound very interesting, and it must have been a wonderful help for you to observe these types of challenges. It sounds as though you primarily watched these procedures. Were you able to gain any helpful hands-on experience as well?
Anonymous Answer
My clinical experience began at the Animal Hospital in 2018. I was originally hired as a kennel technician where my responsibilities included hospital sanitation, animal restraint, and customer service. Throughout three consecutive summers my duties as a kennel technician increased as I was able to display my work ethic. I was recently promoted to a veterinary assistant. This opportunity has allowed me to increase my roles to fill medications, assist in surgery, administer injections, and more. My three years of experience have taught me that the veterinary field is fast paced; it is essential that you can problem solve and adapt to every case or situation presented to you.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems that you have learned a lot over the past few years, and it's great that you mention an increase in responsibilities as you displayed a strong work ethic. You qualify yourself very well in this answer.
Anonymous Answer
Over the last several years, I have had the opportunity to shadow and work for a few different veterinarians. During that time, I witnessed procedures such as castrations, spays, tumor removals, ACL repairs, cesarian sections, and displaced abomasum repair. During these procedures, I was able to observe and ask questions about animal anatomy and even assist in the procedures.
Marcie's Feedback
This is a thorough answer because you list the many clinical procedures you have witnessed and explain what you learned from them. Nice job! Consider choosing one of the more notable experiences and providing additional details about how you were involved and what it taught you. Telling it like a story and giving colorful, detailed information will make it more memorable for the interviewer.
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