We’re delighted you’ve chosen to complete your Clinical Rotation with us.
This page has everything you need to help you get started, from how to find us and our opening hours to what to expect during your time with the team. We want your placement to be a valuable and enjoyable experience, giving you the opportunity to build confidence, develop practical skills and see a wide range of cases across our practices.
If you have any questions before your placement begins, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here to help and make sure you feel prepared from day one.
We look forward to welcoming you to the team. 🐾
- You are expected to arrive before 11:30 am on Saturday (as we close at 12:30 pm). Later arrivals (3 pm) can be accommodated if organised more than 2 weeks prior to start date.
If for any reason you are unable to attend, please let us know by email and call the surgery on 01575 572643.
Please arrive at the surgery on Saturday between 9:30am and 11:30am. If you have arranged a later arrival, you may arrive at 3:00pm by prior agreement at least two weeks before your placement.
If you arrive before 11:30am, come into Reception and a member of the team will introduce you to the nursing team. If you are arriving at 3:00pm, please call the mobile number provided in your email.
All placements begin on a Saturday to give you time to settle in and support the on-call vet with any inpatients over the weekend.
You will be staying in the flat above the surgery. Details will be provided when you arrive.
Please ensure the flat is cleaned at the end of your stay so it is ready for the next student. If you notice any damage or issues during your stay, please report this to Abbie on 07718278724 .
Each day, one student can be assigned to large animal work and the other to small animal. You can decide this between yourselves or take turns each day.
8:00 am: Nurses arrive and begin organising the patients. Please help if there are a lot of patients, as they will need to be taken out for walks in the morning.
8:25–8:30am:
- The small animal student should meet the team in the prep room at the ops board to organise the morning and coordinate with the day’s procedures.
- Admits begin.
- If not arranged the day before, vets can organise for you to join large animal calls – please meet in the vets’ office.
9:00 am: Operations begin, sometimes a little later. Large animal visits usually start as the vet sets off. Consultations take place throughout the morning.
Afternoon
Consultations and large animal calls continue throughout the afternoon. There are also consultations at the Forfar branch – you can ask the attending vet if you would like to accompany them.
4:45pm: Liaise with the vets and nurses regarding any inpatient care for the night. You do not need to stay for the 5:00pm–6:45pm consultations, but you are very welcome to if you wish.
- During your placement, you will assist with out-of-hours care alongside our on-call vet.
- We ask all EMS students to take part in out-of-hours duties as part of the experience.
- This is a great opportunity to become more comfortable with inpatient care ready for post-grad life, ask questions, think about the care plans made and let us know if there is anything you are unsure about.
The weather can be unpredictable, so please bring waterproof clothing, wellington boots and appropriate clothing for the season.
If you are involved in equine work, please also bring your own equestrian hard hat.
Please ensure the accommodation is clean and tidy before you leave so it is ready for the next student.
- Be prepared for varied days and a mix of cases
- Ask questions and get involved as much as possible – we’ll support you, but make sure you take opportunities and get stuck in
- Make the most of the out-of-hours experience
- Always have your waterproofs ready – day and night
- Have lunch prepared if you may be out on calls the next day
- Dress for the weather and practical work
We’re excited to have you join us, and we’ll do everything we can to make your placement a great experience!
If you have any questions or concerns before or during your placement, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You can contact Ashley on 07764501809, Nicola on 07732550597, or Abbie on 07718278724 – all will be happy to help.