An Insider's Look into Jackpot Veterinary Center
Students at The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine have incredible opportunities to develop skills in large animal medicine at Jackpot Veterinary Center, located in the Tucson area.
Students at The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine have incredible opportunities to develop skills in large animal medicine at Jackpot Veterinary Center, located in the Tucson area. Under the guidance of owner Dr. Lindsey Smogor, the veterinary center has grown from a small mobile unit to a mixed-animal practice serving hundreds of animals per week. When students complete a clinical rotation at Jackpot, they can be confident they are learning from mentors who are both experienced in and passionate about best practices in the veterinary field.
Santana Nez
Excellence in Large Animal Medicine
Dr. Smogor’s veterinary journey began with a focus on equine medicine, and today, Jackpot Veterinary Center remains an excellent site for quality equine medicine. With experienced practitioners passionate about large animal medicine, Jackpot is an ideal location for students to deepen their understanding of this field of practice. Here, students work closely with Dr. Smogor and her team, experiencing firsthand the diverse cases and challenges that come with large animal medicine.
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
Students completing a clinical rotation at Jackpot Veterinary Center encounter a breadth of cases that prepare them for practice upon graduation. The large animal side of the practice sees a wide variety of patients, ranging from routine vaccinations to more complex sports medicine cases. As Dr. Smogor describes it, “On the equine side of the practice, we see pretty much everything.” This diversity allows students to develop a well-rounded skillset, preparing them for the unpredictability of real-world veterinary practice. Students learn from various cases and utilization of modern equipment. Dr. Smogor shared,
"On the large animal side, you get to do a large variety of work. We do dentistry, castration, hernia repairs, vaccines, GP appointments. We do a lot of sports medicine, [particularly] injections, and we do a lot of regenerative medicine. We [offer] some kinds of alternative medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic work. Today, the students here are getting ready to start endoscopy. We can do upper airway or gastroscope with that."
In veterinary medicine, access to modern veterinary diagnostic and treatment tools is vital, allowing practitioners to accurately diagnose and treat animals in need of care. Jackpot Veterinary Center’s commitment to high-grade technology and well-equipped medical office gives students exposure to state-of-the-art equipment. From ultrasound machines to radiograph units and even shockwave therapy devices, students learn how to operate and interpret results from these advanced tools. VetCats at Jackpot Veterinary Center gain deeper insights into large animal medicine, leaving them useful knowledge they can carry into their careers.
A Day in the Life of a Student
A typical day for a clinical year student at Jackpot Veterinary Center is a dynamic blend of learning and hands-on experience. Students begin by meeting with experienced practitioners like Dr. Smogor and Dr. Autumn, who guide them through various cases. From taking vital signs to performing physical examinations, students engage with clients to understand the history of each patient. This integrated approach to teaching patient care sharpens a student’s diagnostic skills and emphasizes the importance of effective communication with clients.
One of the standout features of Jackpot is its commitment to tailoring the student experience to individual goals. Dr. Smogor emphasizes that students with a passion for equine medicine can delve deeply into specialized procedures, while others may focus on areas of interest such as dentistry. The center’s flexible approach ensures students leave with knowledge and skills aligned with their career aspirations and the curriculum.
Santana Nez
Learning and Growth
When students complete a clinical rotation at Jackpot Veterinary Center, they operate as part of a dynamic and collaborative team. Jackpot aims to foster a community of learning and growth. The center’s dedication to growing a talented team is evident with their recent addition of a new equine surgeon and an equine anesthesia technician, as well as their plans for further expansion. The site’s commitment to robust teams allows for increased caseloads and a well-rounded learning experience for students. Cayley Childress, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, was hired this year as an equine veterinarian at Jackpot. Her experiences during her clinical rotation proved engaging and useful, and she is currently growing her skillset professionally on the equine team at Jackpot.
This clinical site offers invaluable opportunities for VetCats to develop essential skills, learn by working closely with experts, and gain exposure to a variety of equipment and techniques. Students who complete clinical rotations at Jackpot Veterinary Center leave with not only knowledge but also with insight and encouragement to excel in veterinary medicine.