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Introduction

• AJ Introduction: AJ Alarcon, a first-year student at UC Davis studying animal science, interested in emergency medicine.

Experiences Preparing for ER Job

• Key Experiences: Importance of understanding what working in emergency (ER) means.

• ICU Experience: Worked as an overnight ICU equine assistant, emphasizing the impact of overnight shifts on personal readiness.

• Hands-on Experience: Gained hands-on experience by working in an ER clinic to see the realities of the job, focusing on fast-paced, emotionally challenging situations.

• Critical Skills: Essential skills include quick decision-making, focus, and emotional resilience.

• Exposure to Different Shifts: Working night shifts helped confirm personal suitability for ER work.

Duration in Emergency Medicine

• Career Timeline: Transitioned into ER after completing veterinary school, including a six-month ER doctor training program post-graduation, transitioning now to urgent care.

Day-to-Day Realities in ER

• Client Interaction: Emphasis on treating both animals and their owners; managing client emotions is as vital as medical knowledge.

• Communication Skills: Critical to humanize interactions, especially in stressful situations where clients may be anxious or angry.

• Patient Handling: Ability to manage both the medical situation of the animal and the emotional state of the owner is crucial.

Job Satisfaction

• Recognition from Owners: Satisfaction comes from receiving gratitude from clients for the positive impact made on their pets.

• Difficult Decisions: Even in tough situations, such as euthanasia, being able to provide comfort before the decision is appreciated by clients.

Motivation for Choosing Emergency Medicine

• Personal Traits: AJ thrives in high-pressure environments and prefers fast-paced decision-making.

• Variety in Cases: Emergency medicine allows exposure to a wide range of cases and rapid skill acquisition.

• Diverse Tasks: Enjoys the variety of tasks involved, from managing medical cases to performing surgeries.

Common Types of Emergencies

• Variety of Cases: Experiences a wide array of emergencies, often difficult to categorize.

• Summer Trends: Certain cases (e.g., foxtails, poisoning) are more common in specific seasons.

• Case Examples: Includes ingestion of foreign objects, accidental injuries (hit by car), and chronic issues not addressed promptly due to client’s constraints.

Training and Education Required

• Educational Path: Requires a bachelor’s degree followed by a veterinary degree (4 years).

• Internships: Recommended to complete a rotating internship or mentorship before fully entering ER practice.

Volunteering Opportunities

• Finding Opportunities: Encouraged to pursue every opportunity, even unconventional ones.

• Experience Sources: AJ gathered experience from various roles outside traditional veterinary settings, such as dog walking and international outreach.

• Networking: Importance of asking clinics for volunteer opportunities and gaining experience through different avenues.

Managing Stress in ER Medicine

• Stress Challenges: ER environments are highly stressful and require active management of work-life balance.

• Self-Care Importance: Emphasis on maintaining a life outside work to prevent burnout, encouraging engagement in hobbies and personal interests to counteract work stress.

Staying in Touch

• Openness to Communication: AJ expresses willingness to remain in contact for support regarding vet school questions or guidance, recognizing the challenges ahead for those pursuing veterinary careers.