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Veterinary students spend their fourth and final year rotating through the many services of the hospital. Often stated as their favorite rotation is the Community Surgery Service. Unlike their time spent in the specialty surgery services (where student participation is limited to observation), a rotation through Community Surgery offers students a hands-on experience performing spays and neuters as well as mass removals and other basic surgical procedures.

The capabilities of a veterinarian to perform these surgeries are determined by preparation in veterinary school, coupled with additional skills gained from experienced associates and continuing education programs. Students perform surgical procedures that an entry-level veterinarian should be able to perform in practice with supervision. Faculty veterinarians guide the students through the cases, but allow the students to take the lead on the case, from initial intake to discharge.

Hands-on student surgery is only achieved with informed client permission. In return, clients are charged a discounted fee that covers the cost associated with the surgical procedure only. In addition to serving client-owned animals, Community Surgery also provides this benefit to shelters who may not have veterinarians on staff.

Veterinary clinics whose clients may not be able to afford certain procedures are encouraged to contact the service. The veterinary hospital will work closely with local clinics to assure a seamless transition of care and an assurance to only serve our referral community as a complementary service to their primary care.

To learn more about the Community Surgery Service, see a complete list of surgeries performed, and make an appointment, please visit their website.

See the Community Surgery Service in action in this video.

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