#externships

My “patient” is in excellent health, and this session was meant merely as practice both for me and for her—ensuring she remains comfortable holding still for scans. Because whales and dolphins are too big for manual palpation or x-rays, ultrasound is how veterinarians visualize their internal organs and ensure they remain healthy. Cetaceans in human care routinely receive ultrasound scans to monitor their health, even if they are not ill or pregnant.

And it’s a great example of cooperative care! Unlike dogs and cats, which have to be sedated or manually restrained by humans in order to get diagnostic ultrasound images, cetaceans in human care are trained to float in place while the veterinarian places the ultrasound probe on them. They are free to leave the session at any time. And there’s no need for ultrasound gel, because the water acts in its place!

(Photo not of me… published by Georgia Aquarium when their beluga Whisper was pregnant with her calf Shila)

What they do not tell you about externships: Ask questions about how the ever-loving-cheese-balls you’ll be living for the two weeks you’re there on site.

Started a cardio rotation. I wanted an Intenal Med sub-i rotation and the company im doing my rotations with claimed this was one.

Turned out to be basically an observership at a clinic. Im doing it anyway because i dont have a lot of time left in the states for these rotations and trying to change it meant id lose at least a week. I found out too late— no reply to my emails or phone calls— and i know these people wont give me back the money i paid.

On the bright side, im in a really nice clinic and the doctors seem nice and chill so far. Gonna make the best of it.