Cathy Cares for Millie

Hi, I’m Cathy; the 3rd year vet student of Murdoch University from Perth you might have seen around the clinic last week. Thanks to Dr. Dave for the opportunity to share my personal experience of working at the Double Bay Vet Clinic on this blog. I am very grateful for the week of clinical practice and the insight into my future career. This opportunity transformed a colourful Sydney holiday into a more meaningful and professionally rewarding experience.

I found Double Bay Vet Clinic to be a highly regarded, client-friendly, local practice. It was not uncommon in my short stay to hear positive feedback. Clients were clearly reassured by the clinic’s long service history and the knowledge that their pets were being well looked after but it was the positive and happy atmosphere brought about by the staff that made the clinic stand out for me; the happy staff make happy clients it seems.

Of course I had hoped for an enjoyable working experience but, looking back, I am pleasantly surprised at how stress-free and friendly it was. In spite of his experience and impressive skill, Dr. Dave really is a very down to earth vet. I felt involved in every single process of a vet’s job, from analyzing blood/tissue samples to scrubbing-in to assist surgeries. I have not only gained plenty of hands on experience but also felt like I was a part of the team – it is really important to feel being supported as a learner.

In view of the supportive environment it is not surprising that every member of staff at Double Bay Vet Clinic is undertaking some sort of professional training: Dr. Liz is going to start her masters degree next year and Olivia and Sam are currently undertaking their vet nurse course, they are amazingly self-motivated and hard working students! Alexis is definitely one of the most competent vet nurses I have met; she provides the best care to the animals and ensures the clinic runs smoothly. This short association with such impressive staff has left me feeling more professional and more certain of the direction of my career.

A conversation with Dr. Dave on my last day taught me that a great vet needs more than clinical skills and the ability to communicate with pet owners; a successful veterinary practice also requires a good measure of business expertise. Dr. Dave’s Hamster Wheel Veterinary Business Blog is an extremely interesting read for an aspiring vet. Dr. Dave is certainly one of my ‘vet heroes’.

I have to thank all the staff in Double Bay Vet Clinic again, they made my work experience very rewarding.

Cathy Lau.