Equine - Foal Team

As a member of the Foal Team, you will participate with the care of critically ill neonatal patients in the Lucy G. Whittier Neonatal Unit/VMTH Large Animal Intensive Care Unit. This is an excellent opportunity to gain veterinary medical experience while providing an invaluable service to the clinical staff and patients at the VMTH.

Team members observe and monitor vital signs, assist with IV fluid therapy, medication administration, physical therapy, oxygen therapy, feeding and many other aspects of neonatal patient care. Equines make up the majority of our neonatal ICU patients, but we do care for the occasional neonatal llama, alpaca, zebra, reindeer, etc.

When you are scheduled for a shift, it is an "on call" assignment. If we have a neonatal patient here that requires your assistance, you are responsible for coming in for your shift. If we do not have a patient in, you are still required to be readily available for your shift, as the situation can change rapidly and although we may not require your assistance at the beginning of your shift, we may need you before your shift ends.

Foal team members will be assigned to "on call" shifts on a rotating basis (i.e., not the same day / time every week). Most foal team members are volunteers.

There are some members who have been interviewed and hired for paid positions. The paid positions cover duties on the graveyard shifts. If you are a volunteer for the winter quarter and find that you would like to be considered for a paid position in the spring quarter, please contact the ICU supervisor.

If you are unable to cover your assigned shift, you must find a replacement. Feel free to trade amongst yourselves. Remember that you MUST change the master copy of the schedule in the LA ICU office! E-mail works well to find replacements. If you are having trouble finding a replacement, contact the foal team leaders and they will try to help.

To find out if you need to come in: Call the foal team voice mail box at 752-4040.

The message will say one of three things
1.) We have a foal and your assistance is needed= COME IN.
2.) We do not have a foal and your assistance is not needed= DO NOT COME IN.
3.) We have a foal and your assistance is not needed= DO NOT COME IN.
4.) We have a foal, your assistance is not required but you are welcome and encouraged to come in to gain experience= COME IN if you'd like, but not required.

We will send any announcements / notices / information via e-mail.
If you need to speak with the ICU supervisor/foal team coordinator, click here for contact information.

When you come in for a Foal Team Shift: Bring a watch with a second hand,a pen with which to write, clothing that you can get dirty / stained, rubber shoe covers or rubber boots (we do have some disposable plastic shoe covers, but rubber boots/rubber shoe covers are FAR more convenient and practical)

If you have questions or constructive comments about this site, please email Sarah Hayes !