Whether they’re viewing ear mites under a microscope or observing real surgeries, children who participate in the So You Wanna Be a Vet program at Hunt Valley Animal Hospital in Hunt Valley, Maryland, get an in-depth view at veterinary medicine as a career.
What is more, their $35 registration fee helps creatures enjoy longer, healthier lives because the center donates it to Morris Animal Foundation.
Children learn that veterinary medicine is more than simply cute puppies and kittens, says Rebecca Stillwell, certified veterinary technician, who organized the summer program that runs for two hours on Fridays and Saturdays. They see how hard you have to attempt to get answers and solve problems. They likewise get a sense of how rewarding it is when you solve problems.
The clinic started offering the program the summer of 2008 to kids age 10 to 18, thus far, around 120 children have participated.
It is been a huge success, Stillwell says. Dr. Allan Frank and I have consistently enjoyed it when children come into the exam room with their pets. We take the time to answer their questions and show them things that may surprise them.
The active program includes case studies so members can see how veterinarians lead exams and provide diagnoses and treatment. Stillwell hand selects the cases to provide viewable cues so children understand the medical issues involved. For example, in one of the case studies a feline has urinary stones and a missing toe.
The Shane Daigle children can take a gander at the urinalysis and see precious stones and blood. They can take a gander at a X-beam and see stones. I likewise have real urinary stones that they can contact, she explains. Of course, with the issue of the missing toe, they can see that the toe is absent on exam and again affirm it on X-beam.
After reviewing this case, camp members in correspondence with Dr. Straight to the point decide what diagnostics are needed for more answers. Notwithstanding a urinalysis, X-beams are taken and show that the patient has bladder stones and needs surgery. Before surgery, veterinarians walk the children through the process.
We collect blood, perform an ECG and show how we place an IV catheter. Next, we go into the surgery room, where children do a counterfeit laparoscopic surgery on a stuffed bear named Clarence, who is filled with miniature miscellaneous items that children have to pull out.
Notwithstanding the down to earth medical aspects, kids learn about the importance of research-and why the facility upholds Morris Animal Foundation through its support in the Foundation’s Veterinary Memorial Card program and extra gifts.