Investing in Tomorrow's Veterinarians
August 18, 2026
At Vetcor, hosting veterinary student externs is one of our most impactful opportunities to contribute to the future of veterinary medicine. Throughout the year, hospitals across our network have opened their doors to students, delivered hands-on mentorship, and provided a glimpse into why Life Is Better Here. Below are just a few examples showcasing the memorable moments from our 2026 externs.
Desert Sky Animal Hospital | Glendale, AZ
Desert Sky Animal Hospital welcomed two externs, Natalie Y. and Sierra M. earlier this year. Under the leadership of Dr. Kellee Blackwell, Chief of Staff and Certified Veterinary Mentor, Natalie and Sierra gained direct exposure to high-standard patient care and collaborative clinical workflow.
ABC Animal and Bird Clinic | Sugar Land, TX
Animal and Bird Clinic hosted Patti D. and Elena S. this year, creating rich clinical learning opportunities in exotic and small animal medicine.
Elena noted that her time working alongside Dr. Vivian Ho, and Jose P., Lead LVT, truly stood out. Dr. Ho provided her high-value client interaction and surgical opportunities (like scrubbing in on a complex guinea pig neuter that included an abscess resection) while Jose challenged her clinical reasoning with thought-provoking questions.
Something new ABC has implemented this year is asking their externs to give the team a CE presentation on a topic of their choosing. To wrap up their experiences, Patti presented on E. cuniculi in bunnies, and Elena presented on backyard chickens.
Elena noted that her time working alongside Dr. Vivian Ho, and Jose P., Lead LVT, truly stood out. Dr. Ho provided her high-value client interaction and surgical opportunities (like scrubbing in on a complex guinea pig neuter that included an abscess resection) while Jose challenged her clinical reasoning with thought-provoking questions.
Something new ABC has implemented this year is asking their externs to give the team a CE presentation on a topic of their choosing. To wrap up their experiences, Patti presented on E. cuniculi in bunnies, and Elena presented on backyard chickens.
Cascade Pet Hospital | Shoreline, WA
Cascade Pet Hospital hosted Olivia G. for a comprehensive three-week externship. During her externship, Olivia was able to practice intubation, IV catheter placement, dental procedures, suturing, and observe sterile surgeries. Plus, the team collectively practiced sterile gowning and gloving technique.
"I'm so grateful for everything I learned from Dr. Taylor and her team. Dr. Taylor is an incredible mentor who challenged me to think through cases like a clinician while also giving me the opportunity to build my hands-on skills." Olivia shared. "The technicians and assistants were just as invested in my learning and were always willing to teach, answer questions, and share their knowledge. I left feeling more confident in my clinical skills, inspired by the mentorship I received, and even more excited for my last two years of vet school."
To see a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Olivia's externship, check out our day-in-the-life video on your favorite platform: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
"I'm so grateful for everything I learned from Dr. Taylor and her team. Dr. Taylor is an incredible mentor who challenged me to think through cases like a clinician while also giving me the opportunity to build my hands-on skills." Olivia shared. "The technicians and assistants were just as invested in my learning and were always willing to teach, answer questions, and share their knowledge. I left feeling more confident in my clinical skills, inspired by the mentorship I received, and even more excited for my last two years of vet school."
To see a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Olivia's externship, check out our day-in-the-life video on your favorite platform: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
Interested in a Vetcor Externship?
Completing a veterinary externship with Vetcor is a powerful way to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. Whether you are looking to hone specific surgical procedures or gain confidence in client communication, our network of supportive, mentor-led hospitals is dedicated to preparing you for your future clinical career.
Externships typically last 1–3 weeks, providing an immersive, flexible opportunity to learn at your own pace. When you join a Vetcor practice as an extern, you will:
Externships typically last 1–3 weeks, providing an immersive, flexible opportunity to learn at your own pace. When you join a Vetcor practice as an extern, you will:
- Sharpen Your Technical Skills: Gain hands-on experience on useful skills like intubation, IV catheter placement, suturing, and surgical prep under direct professional guidance.
- Elevate Your Clinical Decision-Making: Walk through active cases, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment planning alongside experienced DVMs and technicians.
- Master Client Communication: Learn proven strategies for exam room dialogue, client education, and case presentation.
- Experience Healthy Team Dynamics: Work inside supportive, collaborative hospital cultures where every team member is invested in your growth.
- Receive Dedicated Mentorship: Build lasting professional relationships with doctors and clinic leaders who care about your career trajectory beyond graduation.
Ready to find your practical clinical experience? Visit our Student Life page to learn more about how we support veterinary students, apply for an externships, or explore our other student-focused opportunities.
