Megan McIntosh was looking for career-boosting, hands-on experience at Trent and through her placement at Jackson Creek Animal Hospital, she found it, and more, gaining invaluable learning and training outside of the classroom.

Since day one of her placement, the Biology and Psychology joint major has been keen to roll up her sleeves and get busy. Ms. McIntosh works in the hospital’s ICU where she monitors sick and injured animals’ temperatures, heart rates and respiratory functions and records the data. She’s also involved in the setting up of medications and administering catheter IV lines.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the learning aspect of it has been great,” says Ms. McIntosh. “They really encourage you to practice and try things.”

Key to her positive experience, she says, has been working under the supervision of veterinarian Dr. Jodi Thompson.

“Dr. Thompson loves quizzing students, asking how we plan to carry out treatment,” says Ms. McIntosh. “She keeps you on your toes. She’s a great mentor. She’s always explaining what she does very clearly and she’s very open, which is very helpful.”

While her future career path in medicine is aimed more toward humans than our four-legged friends, Ms. McIntosh is grateful for the opportunities gained through her placement and the transferrable skills and experience she has gained – especially the skill of patient interaction.

“University prepares you with factual information but, in a setting like this, you have to interact with clients. A lot of pet owners are in distress when they arrive here, so you have to learn to calm yourself down while reassuring them. These experiences provide you with personal skills that are so valuable, no matter what field of medicine you go into.”