October 23, 2015
Cats, Puppies, and Rats: Oh My!
This past summer, I interned at The Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City. The AMC is one of the largest animal hospitals in the country and this summer I worked there under their Pre-Veterinary Internship program, with the responsibilities of a veterinary assistant. While I was there, I worked in three different departments; diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, and oncology. Having access to the resources and wide range of specialties and specialists allowed me to be a part of and observe cases and patient care that I previously thought to be found in only the oddest of places. From cockatoos getting CAT scans, to pet rats receiving chemotherapy, and visually viewing the insides of cats and dogs with live-action x-ray technology, there was never a dull moment. However, working in a veterinary hospital was not always petting puppies and perfect results. The work was demanding and sometimes intimidating, as I, an undergrad, was surrounded by highly educated and trained professionals. In my panel I will discuss the process of finding a suitable internship, establishing myself in this environment, and how I was able to determine whether or not I would be able to perform the tasks asked of me. Overall, working at the AMC not only granted me unmatched experience but also allowed me to explore career paths I had not previously considered and to create valuable relations within the field.
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