How to survive and thrive in your clinical year

Clinical year is the year veterinary school students all look forward to but are simultaneously terrified of. This is the time to apply what we learned, get a sneak peek at the doctors we are about to become, and develop habits that will follow us for years to come. The reality of clinical year sets in as we are getting our rotation schedules while questions and stress begin to brew in our minds. How do I prepare? What am I going to be asked to do? Will I know enough? Luckily, we have those who went before us to rely on to give us some insight on what to expect walking into clinics that first day.

Preparation

Before walking into a clinic, you want to be as prepared as possible for anything that comes your way. We cannot predict everything, but we can set ourselves up for success with some important resources and planning. Prior to your first day, make sure you have all the necessities packed: notebook, lunch or snacks, water, and most importantly, your stethoscope!

Helpful resources can provide us with the support we need in clinics. Some student I talked to who are currently in their clinical year recommend these textbooks:

• Ettinger’s Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Côté’s Clinical Veterinary Advisor
• Small Animal Surgery

Along with these reading materials, your school’s library may have other specialty-specific textbooks. Primary literature and personal lecture notes can be key as well when discussing and researching specific topics that may be asked of you by your clinical advisor.

There have been several clinical resources that have become available to students and even clinicians that can be easily accessible while you are running around on the floor of your clinic. These can include:

• Dr Poli’s Mini Vet Guides
• Thompson’s Medical Differential Diagnosis
• Plumb’s
• Dr Yin’s Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook

Gwenevere Lockrey, a veterinary student at Western University, recommended reading relevant consensus statements and even outlining 5-10 of the most common pathologies associated with that specific specialty. These are all resources that will be crucial to have during your clinical year to maximize your efficiency, success, and they can even be beneficial for The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) studying as well.

Communication and professionalism

Establishing expectations and a line of communication with the doctors you will be working with is key in having a successful and smooth transition into clinical rotations. Ahead of rotation, it may be ideal to touch base with your point of contact to discuss what you may need to bring, attire requirements, and overall schedule expectations. This can ease first day jitters as it will give you an idea of what your day may look like. Each rotation may vary depending on how much hands-on experience you may get but it is crucial to have that discussion before diving deep into your clinics.

Morgan Brems, VMD, reflected on the importance for students to discuss their current skill sets and what competencies or specific tasks you may need accomplished. It is important to be proactive and be willing to help where needed but always be open about your comfort level and confidence on the tasks at hand.

Maintaining professionalism is vital as many of these doctors are future colleagues, so building a positive reputation can be helpful for the future. William Scherrer, DVM DACVS, has highlighted the importance of students being early: “if you can’t be on time, be early.” He recommended treating every client, pet, and staff interaction as if you are the consulting clinician, because soon enough, you will be. Many clinicians expect students to follow the pattern of asking for permission, NOT forgiveness. Remember that you are representing yourself as a future clinician as well as your school.

NAVLE, self-care, and reflection

Your clinical year is a stressful one filled with new experiences and NAVLE anticipation. Many students start studying anywhere between 3-6 months prior to their anticipated date. The balance of clinics and studying can be challenging to maintain, and many clinical students have done board prep between appointments, assignments, or even on the way to their rotation destination. When it comes to diligently studying for boards, it is crucial to set daily goals and stay consistent, “have a schedule and stick to it,” stated Joseph Awada, a Western University veterinary student. Along with this it may be important to implement study breaks throughout your schedule.

Many students question the ability to implement self-care with constant schedule changes, on-call shifts, etc. Self-care is something that is critical in maintaining a positive mental and physical health status and performing your best in clinics. Scheduling these moments of self-care is a good way to make sure you fit them in—whether it is going to the gym, reading a book, or anything that brings you joy! Maintaining a somewhat normal routine is important to keep you feeling sane and maximizing your energy in clinics.

Although we are focused on what to prepare for clinics, textbooks to read, and our schedules, we must remember that clinics require more of us than just our intellectual knowledge. Clinics can be intimidating but "everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, so don’t compare yourself to anybody but yourself,” said Katrina Billote, a student from Western University. It is easy to compare yourself, but it can be detrimental. Hannah Huff, a veterinary student at the University of Georgia, emphasizes the idea that becoming comfortable with admitting what you don’t know is key! You will not know everything, and clinicians will not expect you to.

As you brave your way into clinics in the upcoming years, remember: “never forget why you wanted to become a vet—this is the best job in the world, but it is absolutely a hard job,” said Scherrer. You can do this, and we cannot wait to welcome you as our future colleagues!

Editor’s note: Thank you to the following professionals who assisted with this article: Morgan Brems, VMD; Cecilia Wolf, DVM; William Scherrer, DVM, DACVS; Joseph Awada; Jacob Ruiz; Gwenevere Lockrey; Hannah Huff; Steph Yopp; Katrina Billote; and other fellow students.

Mariana Martinez is a 4^th year Western University veterinary student from Maryland. She will be entering small animal general practice after her graduation in May. She is passionate about preventative medicine and providing health care to underserved communities. She has 2 cats of her own—Farley and Lincoln.