22/01/2025
Student learning through collaboration between veterinary professionals and owners is key to the future of our industry. The more we share knowledge and work together, the stronger and more innovative our field becomes.
We are grateful to have such amazing colleagues who assist us in shaping the next generation of veterinarians! 💚
I was asked twice today about why I do my surgeries at Equine Services at The Animal Hospital, Murdoch University so thought I should spend a bit of time to explain.
Firstly - and VERY importantly is that it is the safest and best place for you horse. Not only is it a controlled environment with roller doors we can close to create a quiet space, but the nursing team and support is second to none. I can focus on my job and I know that everything else is being taken care of. I don't have to stop and adjust a CRI (constant rate infusion of pain relief and sedation), I know all pain relief, tetanus, post op care etc is all done - and done really well. It's a slick, well oiled machine which means less complications and better outcomes for your equine.
Secondly - I am surrounded by a team - if we encounter anything that requires a surgeon ( they now have three on staff ) they are but a yell away. Medical specialists are always happy to look at "other things" we find and there are radiologists and anaesthetists available IF needed. All the toys ( ultrasound, MRI, CT, radiology, endoscopy, laser etc etc) are all also available to us.
HOWEVER, and this is becoming a stronger motivation for me, is that sending you down to Murdoch gives the veterinary students access to another case they can be actively involved in. What does this mean ? Increasingly equine clinics have either their own (or have access to) specialists that can do a lot of the stuff we used to refer to the University Hospitals. This has meant that it is getting harder to find cases for students to see and "practice" on - this does NOT mean your cases are "done" students but they ARE involved. They take the history, they work out drug doses, they ask questions and write up cases. They (under strict supervision and in appropriate cases) give intra muscular injections, place catheters and monitor sedation. They help prep surgical sites, assist in surgeries, getting a feel for the tools of the trade and seeing how they are best used. If we don't help to provide cases for the Universities to train our next generation, we are part of, and complicit in, the ever increasing shortage of equine veterinarians. Yes, they do go out into private practice world and see and learn a lot from all of the wonderful clinics that take students under their wings. It's often where they find jobs and make connections after Uni. However the core skills and competencies that all students need, so that they are able to come out on an afterhours colic/stitch up for you in 5 years time, are learned at vet school - we MUST support them.
The Equine Centre provides first opinion, emergency and referral veterinary services. The hospital reception is open between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
