Preparing for What's Ahead

I chose to do a rotation here the summer before my clinical rotations started in veterinary school - and it helped me walk into clinics with increased enthusiasm and confidence. With 2 years of didactic training under my belt, I needed help bridging the gap between book study and a 'real life doctor'. Grace Animal Hospital encouraged me to take ownership of cases assigned to me. The staff walked me through hands-on medical techniques I struggled with, while also giving me the autonomy to practice these skills. Throughout my time here, I found that the practitioners and technicians were always willing to discuss cases and even more, enjoyed teaching. I would highly recommend an externship here to any veterinary student - better yet, do 2!

I spent three weeks at Grace Animal Hospital the summer after my second year at UGA Veterinary school. My time spent at Grace was one of the most valuable experiences throughout vet school. Dr. Tim and all the other vets at Grace practice high quality medicine and include you in the decision making process. Grace vets focus on teaching student externs the why behind quality medicine. My time at Grace also served as an invaluable experience improving my knowledge of practice management. Dr. Tim enjoys teaching about the economics behind veterinary practices and key practice management philosophies. Student externs are exposed to every facet of general practice gaining both medical and business knowledge. Grace is the type of veterinary hospital I will strive to emulate.

My externship at Grace Animal Hospital was one of the best steps I took to prepare for my career as a veterinarian. During my time there, the staff members were actively pushing me to learn and grow, not only as a doctor, but also as a leader. Dr. Tim's experience as an Army Ranger and an Army Veterinary Corps Officer has given him a unique set of skills that have ensured his team is ready for any situation that arises. When you're a student there, you are a part of that team. They allowed me to take the lead on my own cases - standing by and providing guidance when I was making decisions for a patient. Each of the doctors and technicians are willing to take the time to explain the procedures performed or illnesses treated. Grace Animal Hospital is a family that has welcomed me back many times since my externship, and Dr. Tim continues to be a great mentor as I continue my career as a US Army Veterinarian.

I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to extern at Grace Animal Hospital under the mentorship of Dr. Tim Loonam. During my time there, I gained valuable experience, both hands-on and clinical, while working alongside an amazing team of doctors and technicians. The highlights of my externship were working up the variety of cases coming in, formulating diagnosis and treatment plans, visiting with the local veterinary ophthalmologists, and having the opportunity to practice my surgical skills while performing elective canine castrations for a local shelter. I also thoroughly enjoyed my daily rounds sessions with Dr. Loonam, where we discussed important topics that I will see on the NAVLE and in daily practice. After completing this externship, I am more confident in making clinical decisions and I am more excited than ever to become a veterinarian!

I could not have asked for a better experience at Grace Animal Hospital! The veterinarians and staff all made me feel welcome from the minute I arrived, and Dr. Loonam encouraged me to jump right in. During my three weeks there, I was able to participate in physical exams, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. Everyone was patient with my many questions, and the veterinarians also helped me put into practice what I’ve learned in veterinary school so far by asking me questions about different diseases, medications, and procedures. I especially enjoyed discussing different treatment options with the veterinarians and learning about their decision making processes. I have an interest in owning my own practice in the future, so I also enjoyed my discussions with Dr. Loonam about the hospital’s business model as well as how their operations had shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I would highly recommend an externship at Grace Animal Hospital to anyone who wants the opportunity to learn from veterinarians who are passionate about their career and the education of future veterinarians.

Since my first year of veterinary school, Dr. Loonam has been a great mentor to me regarding any and all things related to Army and General Practice medicine, leadership, and life. I knew during my clinical year that I wanted hands-on experience in a fast-paced hospital and there was no better place for me than at Grace Animal Hospital. While there, I was welcomed by a dedicated and knowledgeable staff and encouraged to seek any opportunities to improve my clinical skills. I assisted doctors with working up cases, improved my physical examination skills, gained more experience with Ultrasound than I would have at school, and even performed orthopedic surgeries that I had never even witnessed before (under the supervision and advice of Dr. Loonam of course). Dr. Loonam and the other veterinarians developed rounds discussions for us and challenged us. This experience was one of the highlights of my clinical year and I highly recommend this hospital to externing students! I feel confident and prepared in taking what I learned under Dr. Loonam into my career as an Army veterinarian.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital. All the vets and vet techs were happy to answer any questions I had and help me learn. I was able to follow cases that I was interested in, as well as scrub into most surgeries. It was a friendly and welcoming environment that helped grow both my knowledge base as well as my clinical skills.