Gimme Shelter - School of Veterinary Medicine - Louisiana State ...

years at the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans,La. “After graduation, my interest was in largeanimal medicine, but I wanted to get some moreexperience in small animal medicine,” said Dr.Wolfson. “Also, I’m from New Orleans andwanted to spend more time with my family, so Itook the position with the SPCA and stayed.”Dr. Wolfson left the LASPCA to takethe position at the SVM. She and Dr. SusanEddlestone, assistant professor, designed the servicelearning program aimed at teaching studentsprinciples of primary care veterinary medicine,basic surgery skills, and shelter medicine whilehelping Louisiana animal shelters. Dr. Wolfsonand the students visit each of the participatingsix shelters as part of a rotating schedule. “Thestudents and I visit the shelters four days a week,”said Dr. Wolfson. “We have a schedule for eachshelter, but we can adjust that schedule dependingon the needs of the shelters.”The shelter course began in July2007 with four students. “The rotationis a two week rotation with one tofour students enrolled at a time,” saidDr. Eddlestone. The students work in a differentshelter Monday through Thursday to assist Dr.Wolfson as she performs spays/castrations andwellness exams/medical care to shelter animals.“When we arrive at the shelter, we’re givena list of things they need, such as health exams,treating sick or injured animals or doing surgeries”said Dr. Wolfson. “Anything they need donemedically, we’ll do.” The students assist Dr.Wolfson, who goes over each case with them.On the way back to the SVM, they engage in adiscussion based on something the students sawor learned that day. “I’ve learned just as muchfrom them as they’ve learned from me,” said Dr.Wolfson. “I’ve learned something from everystudent. They’ve all added to my knowledge andDr. Wendy Wolfson (left) and Jessica Enes (Class of 2008)perform a spay on a cat at PAWS in Belle Chasse, La.La Veterinaire Jan/Feb 2008 9