For most of us, clinics are an exciting yet nerve wracking transition. After 3 years (numbers vary by school) of sitting in a classroom it is beyond thrilling to interact with patients and practice being a REAL veterinarian. But with this transition comes a whole new set of challenges. How does one get the most out of clinics, impress your professors, and save lives? Here is a quick list of how to succeed in clinical rotations.

1. Be on time

It is really important to be on time. It’s not fair to your patients if you show up late and can’t complete their treatments properly and it will be severely frowned upon if you are late to rounds. There is so much to get done before appointments even start in a day so show up on time to get the day off to a good start. Your clinicians will notice.

2. Do your research

One of the most useful skills once you get out on your own is to know how and where to look things up. Now is the time to perfect that skill. Look up the disease of every patient that you see, make a long differentials list, make a diagnostic plan and a treatment plan. Not only will you look smart in front of your professors but you will also learn something.

3. Be respectful

It’s imperative to make a good impression on your advisors. They will be talking about you behind your back, they will be writing letters of recommendation for you, and they will determine if you pass or fail your rotation. 

Don’t stare at your phone all day, be present during rounds

Don’t complain all day.  No one likes to be are around people who whine all the time.

Don’t bash other specialities or referring vets- EVER. It’s ok to talk about what could have been done differently with a case, but always be respectful. It’s very easy to be smug and second guess others when you aren’t the person solely responsible for a case. Once you graduate and it is all on your shoulders, you will appreciate that compassion.

Don’t be a know-it-all at the expense of your classmates or clinicians. It’s not a popularity contest, but it’s also not an all out war to see who is the prettiest of them all. If you are a smart, hardworking student, then your advisors will notice this. There is no need to belittle your classmates, or the interns or even the residents just so you look good in front of the big wigs. 

4. Stay organized

One quick and easy way to impress your clinicians is to stay organized. If you know what is going on with your patient and are proactive about looking up your patient’s lab work, and keeping up with client communication, and offer differential diagnoses and treatment plans then you will find that everyone wants to work with you. One way that a lot of students stay organized is by keeping a notebook of all of the patients they see during their clinical year.  

5. Dress like a professional

The need for this advice varies greatly by vet school as some schools have a dress code from the very beginning, but it is important to present yourself as a professional now that you are seeing clients on a daily basis. It was fun wearing pajamas to class in undergrad, but now you should comb your hair, wear professional clothing and comfortable shoes.

6. Be a team player

It’s important to support your classmates and work together. If you get done with your work early, ask your classmates if they need help prior to sneaking out. You’ll appreciate the team atmosphere on those days when you need assistance.

7. Practice client communication

This is the most important skill that you need as a practicing veterinarian. Communication is EVERYTHING. This is how clients know that you care, this is the only reason that they will follow your recommendations, and this is the best way to avoid getting sued.  

8. Ask questions

It’s ok to admit that you don’t know everything. In fact, it’s imperative that you don’t pretend that you know something when you don’t for the safety of your patients. This is the last time in your life when it will be expected that you don’t know everything so use it wisely, soak up as much information as you can. Ask questions but remember to be timely. If it is urgent interrupt, but if not be sure that you are respectful of your professors’ time.  

9. Be brave!

Clinical rotations are a time to learn skills. When opportunities come up to use the endoscope or do a tracheal wash or place an intraosseous catheter, seize the day!  Jump right in! Learn as many techniques as you can with the experts looking over your shoulder. When that scary internal medicine case shows up on the schedule, call dibs! Challenge yourself even if it means a little more work for you now, it will be a great comfort when you are out on your own to know you’ve already performed that procedure or seen a case like that before.

10. Don’t forget about work life balance

clinics will keep you in the hospital for extended hours and it is easy to get caught in a trap of little sleep, little exercise and lots of junk food. Remember to take care of yourself. You don’t want to burn out before you graduate.

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