An Insider’s Look into Gilbert Queen Creek Emergency and Specialty Center

Third-year students at The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine have incredible opportunities to learn emergency medicine hands on from the experienced veterinarians at Gilbert Queen Creek Emergency and Specialty Center. Situated in the greater Phoenix area, Gilbert Queen Creek provides outstanding veterinary care for pets in need of emergency or specialty treatment. We spoke with Dr. Erin Greenwood, the medical director of this exceptional facility, for an insider’s look into Gilbert Queen Creek.  

Image

Emergency veterinary medicine is a dynamic field, characterized by unpredictability and the urgent need for life-saving decisions. Students interested in emergency medicine gain real-world insight into the field and learn skills essential to handling emergency cases. When asked to describe a typical day, Dr. Greenwood shared, 

“It varies day to day, but we do anything from urgent care walk ins, like ear infections, allergies, things that people can't get into their primary vet for, all the way to trauma, rattlesnake bites, and emergency surgeries. Typical shifts for us are about 12 hours. So, we could do multiple surgeries in that time. We could see anywhere from 15 to 20 patients on a slow day, all the way up to 30 patients in a day.” 

Each day at Gilbert Queen Creek presents unique challenges, requiring the staff to adapt swiftly and employ their extensive medical knowledge. 

Image

Students are exposed to a variety of treatments and methodologies during their time at Gilbert Queen Creek, offering them plenty of opportunities to become skillful veterinarians equipped to serve their communities. This clinical site offers useful therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ozone therapy, which are different ways to deliver oxygen to the body. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates healing by reducing inflammation, making it a powerful tool. The clinic also conducts CT scans and ultrasounds in-house, with students actively participating and learning to interpret results. The veterinary staff’s specializations in orthopedic surgery, oncology, and cardiology further enhance the range of experiences students gain. 

The foundation of this clinical site lies in its strong values, and its slogan, “Power to heal, passion to help” defines the spirit of Gilbert Queen Creek. Their focus on providing the highest quality animal care is augmented by strong, cohesive teamwork and a culture that understands the emotional toll of emergency medicine and encourages every team member to bring their best. 

Image

With a background in emergency and general practice medicine, Dr. Greenwood found her true calling in the rapid pace and intellectual challenges of emergency medicine. The continuous learning, quick thinking, and puzzle-solving in emergency care appealed to her, shaping her into an adept emergency veterinarian. Recalling her path, Dr. Greenwood and the team at Gilbert Queen Creek are committed to providing learning opportunities and mentorship for the next generation of veterinarians. When asked about her experience with VetCats at this clinical site, Dr. Greenwood said, 

“Every student brings something a little different to our practice. It’s a neat experience to work with such students who are varied in their interests, things they’ve seen before, their goals. It’s great being able to be a part of their education. I think the last year [of veterinary school] shapes practitioners for their whole life. It's a big responsibility that we're helping them learn the material they would learn in their clinical settings, but also an honor because I think we do a good job at it. I'm grateful that we get to be there and be teaching them what it takes to be the best veterinarian possible.” 

Gilbert Queen Creek’s commitment to mentorship extends to students who have recently graduated from veterinary school. Their “The 5^th Year” internship program aims to mold well-rounded veterinarians, offering experiences in emergency medicine, general practice, and even spay and neuter clinics. This broader perspective helps students discover their true passions, which may not be apparent at the beginning of their journey. The program’s success is evident in their high hiring rate, with many interns choosing to continue their careers within the clinic group. 

Image

With an impressive team of doctors, technicians, and support staff, Gilbert Queen Creek models successful teamwork. When students complete a clinical rotation here, they can be confident they will gain valuable hands-on exposure to a variety of medical cases as they are mentored by the team. This clinical site’s emphasis on culture, teamwork, and values makes it an excellent place for students to develop into highly skilled, day-one-ready veterinarians.