A Glimpse into the Veterinary World: My EMS Placement at Bright Side Vets

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to undertake a placement at Bright Side Vets, an independent veterinary practice in the Midlands known for its commitment to excellence and compassionate care.  This immersive experience showed me the exceptional level of veterinary care that can be provided through high standards of communication and teamwork within a practice. Throughout my time here I was given the chance to practice a range of clinical skills that has enabled me to feel more confident when approaching future cases.

Bright Side Vets, nestled in the heart of the community, is a hub of activity where dedicated professionals work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our four-legged companions. From the moment I stepped through the surgery doors, I was greeted by a team of experienced veterinarians, vet nurses, and support staff who shared a passion for animal welfare.  The vibrant atmosphere of the clinic was infectious, fostering a sense of camaraderie and dedication among the entire team.

The excellent standard of care for all animals at Bright Side is demonstrated through their compassion and communication as a team. Watching and participating during consults has enabled me to appreciate the fundamental importance of the vet-client relationship, from which trust can then be built.  This empathy and rapport with every client was demonstrated through their comprehensive approach to appointments, where the vets listened and worked with clients to produce tailor made diagnostic and treatment plans.

Throughout my time at Bright Side, I was able to watch and assist in a myriad of surgeries and consults, from placing catheters to vaccinations or dentals. Learning from a range of veterinarians at the practice, each with different certificates and areas of interests, was a vital opportunity to better understand all the aspects of veterinary medicine.  The skilled team of vets and nurses took the time to explain different procedures, from setting up for morning surgeries, to dispensing medication, which has helped to broaden my clinical experience and understanding of the veterinary industry.

From day one of my placement, I have felt supported and included within the Bright Side team. After meeting the staff and buddying up with a vet, I was able to chat about my previous experiences and aims for my time at the practice.  This has then helped me monitor my progress and focus on weaker skills throughout my time here.  Their dedication to supporting students and providing opportunities to learn in a safe environment, is testament to their well-structured EMS programme, enabling students to easily blend in with their team and get the most out of very placement.

Before stating placements, I found reading up on the practice values and mission of care very useful when settling into a new team and getting to grips with different set ups and procedures.  Taking a laptop to investigate relevant cases or surgeries during quiet times, was beneficial to expand my knowledge and understanding of what I was seeing in practice.  I also found that taking a small note pad and pen with me, to jot down interesting cases and medication for later research, was very helpful to reinforce what you learn each day.

Millie Wark (University of Nottingham 3^rd year veterinary student)