An Insider's Look at AZPetVet
AZPetVet is an outstanding small animal clinical site that demonstrates what happens at the intersection of a well-equipped facility and a team defined by clear and empathetic communication.
During their clinical year, our third-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students encounter exciting opportunities as they put their skills to the test in real-world practices. As part of their clinical training, students rotate through various veterinary clinical settings, discovering which settings bring out the best in them as they witness partner veterinarians modeling their profession. AZPetVet is an outstanding clinical year educational site that demonstrates what happens at the intersection of a well-equipped facility and a team defined by clear and empathetic communication. Here, students glean vital professional knowledge from experienced veterinarians, utilize first-class veterinary equipment, and enhance their hard and soft skills. With 22 locations in the greater Phoenix area, AZPetVet has worked since 1984 to provide quality veterinary care to families of all backgrounds. Students who rotate through AZPetVet not only develop essential professional and communication skills under the guidance of professionals but also learn more about the type of workplace they aim to enter upon graduation.
We spoke with Dr. Kelli Evans of AZPetVet about the environment and opportunities available for students at this small animal clinical site. An experienced veterinarian, she has worked with AZPetVet since 2009 and currently serves as the Veterinarian Training Manager. Under her leadership, students refine essential technical and interpersonal skills and prepare to become successful veterinarians. Because all AZPetVet locations are small animal general practices, students encounter a diverse caseload while emphasizing high-quality veterinary care and client interactions. Dr. Evans shared,
“Students get exposure to the variety of things that general practice can encompass in a very client-centered way. We want to serve all the clients and pets that we can, while balancing providing quality medicine to those clients. We want [the students] to be as hands-on as possible, practicing client communication, tech skills, and really getting them into that doctor role.”
A Comprehensive Learning Environment
From routine wellness care and preventative medicine to urgent and emergency cases, students experience the full spectrum of cases faced by small animal general practitioners. Equipped with the tools necessary to carry out advanced dentistry, orthopedic surgery, ultrasound, and endoscopy procedures, AZPetVet aids third-year students in developing their professional skillsets and confidence in carrying out varied medical processes. Dr. Evans highlighted the broad range of cases available to students in a general practice setting.
“I love the variety that comes with general practice, plus the client interaction and helping the families. I enjoy being able to focus on the human animal bond that comes with general practice, watching a pet grow up throughout its life and being there at all those touchpoints. I love the problem-solving of it. Every day is different.”
The diversity of cases and AZPetVet’s education-centered ethos result in a comprehensive and compassionate approach to veterinary medicine. Experienced mentor veterinarians offer their hard-won discernment and aid students in developing the insights and instincts essential to effective general practice. Education and mentorship are critical at AZPetVet – for their team members and the families relying on them for veterinary care. The clinics have a long history of hosting veterinary students and providing an engaging learning experience. Through close collaboration with experienced veterinary practitioners, students sharpen vital skills and observe how knowledgeable veterinarians approach daily challenges.
Effective and Compassionate Communication
AZPetVet’s emphasis on quality care and strong communication combine to aid students in developing the skills necessary to effectively educate and guide pet owners in making informed decisions about their pet’s health. Not only are strong communication skills vital when interacting with clients, but they are also essential to developing strong professional relationships with colleagues. When interactions with colleagues are effective and thoughtful, the patient receives the highest level of care. Recognizing the pivotal role of effective client and colleague interactions, AZPetVet ensures students refine communication skills to safeguard the best health outcomes for pets. Dr. Evans said,
“Communication skills are integral. Every moment in general practice, there's communication happening all around: with the clients, with your colleagues, and with your coworkers. You're practicing speaking to the doctors with medical jargon. You're practicing speaking to the clients without medical jargon, and you must connect with them. If the clients don't feel that compassion, empathy, that connection, then no matter what we recommend medically, it will not matter. We [focus on] educating our clients about what they can do for their pet today. We educate clients on their options and [remain] flexible to what families need.”
Students strengthen their instructive approach, becoming prepared to partner with clients, share information effectively, and find quality solutions for animal care.
When practitioners elevate compassionate communication, they can foster lasting relationships with clients, which often encompass the entire lifespan of a pet. This unique aspect of general practice allows students to witness and enhance pets’ growth and development as they partner with families in the community. By accompanying families on this journey, students gain a deeper understanding of the human-animal bond, and the role veterinarians play in nurturing it.
AZPetVet has crafted a quality learning environment where students discover the breadth of joys and challenges inherent in general practice. Through real-world veterinary experience, students build vital skills in client communication, medical decision-making, and patient care. The organization’s commitment to fostering the human-animal bond and providing high-quality medical care ensures that students gain a well-rounded understanding of the compassion and attentiveness general practitioners bring to their profession. When students embark on clinical rotations at AZPetVet, they experience a transformative educational journey that prepares them to be successful day-one-veterinarians and beyond.