When you think of animal hospitals, most people picture veterinarians saving animals in emergencies. However, behind the scenes, clinics run on long hours, teamwork, and cleaning and organization to keep everything running smoothly. My name is Emma Friedel, and I’m originally from Denton, Maryland. I am currently majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Business Management at the University of Maryland. This past summer, I interned at Midshore Veterinary Service in Easton, MD. I chose this internship because I had an interest in vet-med and wanted to gain hands-on experience working in the field. I hoped to develop skills in animal care and learn what it takes to be a part of a veterinary clinic team. I also wanted to learn more about myself to see if this was a career I wanted to pursue. Looking back, this opportunity was both rewarding and challenging. While I have gained a whole new appreciation for vet-med, I realized that it is not the career path for me. Still, I value the meaningful experience.
One of my favorite parts of the job was being able to work directly with the animals. Whether it was doing nail trims, administering vaccines, or simply giving them attention and affection, these moments made the work rewarding. I also loved doing the clinical lab work, such as running blood samples in the centrifuge, staining microscope slides, running heartworm tests, and watching ultrasounds. I liked to set up for certain cases, such as hotspots, catheter placements, and ear cleanings, so that I could learn the proper treatments for each and how to perform them. Observing dental procedures and surgeries, such as foreign bodies, neuters, and laceration repairs, was fascinating and educational. These experiences deepened my interest in veterinary medicine and showed me just how much skill and teamwork are involved in patient care. On a lighter note, I thought it was funny to walk into the clinic and find some of the drawings that the other kennel assistants would hide around.
My daily responsibilities consisted mainly of cleaning and organizing. I would clean and restock exam rooms, disinfect kennels, organize laundry, and tidy up busier spaces such as the pharmacy and treatment. I also cleaned up after procedures in the OR and the dental station, restocked jars with supplies such as gauze and cotton-tipped applicators, and cleaned surgical utensils. While much of my time was dedicated to maintaining the clinic, I also had some opportunities to transition into hands-on experiences. For example, I learned how to draw blood from the leg and jugular, restrain animals safely during procedures, and clip both dog and cat nails. I also learned how to use Avimark, which is the server that Midshore uses to schedule appointments, apply charges, create prescriptions, and document patients. These tasks taught me the importance of detail and efficiency in every part of the clinic.
Beyond veterinary medicine, this internship taught me the value of perseverance and giving my best effort each day. Since I was new to vet-med, my lack of experience often meant that I had fewer opportunities for direct, hands-on work with animals, especially in a busy clinic where animals needed to be taken care of quickly and safely. While I wasn’t always directly helping patients, I realized that the work I contributed in the clinic still mattered. The appreciation I received from coworkers motivated me, and so did my own drive to keep learning and seeking opportunities for hands-on experience. These lessons reminded me that growth can come from persistence and willingness to contribute in any way possible.
This internship had a significant impact on my perspective on my future career. While I have a great appreciation and engagement with veterinary medicine, I know that I do not want to pursue a career as a veterinary technician. At one point, I considered the idea of applying for veterinary school, but after seeing the realities of burnout and financial strain that many people face, I am uncertain if that is the right path for me. With that being said, this experience reinforced my passion for working with animals and my determination to find a role that allows me to make a difference in their lives.
I am extremely grateful to Midshore Veterinary Service and my supervisor for taking me in this summer and giving me the chance to be a part of their team. It has given me the chance to grow in so many ways, and I appreciate everyone who took time out of their day to be a teacher and share their knowledge of veterinary medicine with me. This internship has not only taught me valuable technical skills, but it has also given me a greater understanding of my career goals and what I want for my future. I always had a great appreciation for the field, but working within it allowed me to see firsthand the dedication and effort that it really takes. Whether or not I pursue vet school, this internship taught me the importance of persistence, teamwork, and care that goes into veterinary medicine.
