From diagnosing mass cells under a microscope to learning the art of balancing patient care with clinic operations, my internship at Timonium Animal Hospital has been anything but ordinary. Every day, I’ve been thrown into the fast-paced world of veterinary medicine, where the stakes are high, the learning curve is steep, and the experience is unforgettable.
Timonium Animal Hospital, a full-service veterinary clinic located in Timonium, Maryland, has been serving the community since 1997 under the leadership of Dr. Christine Gernhart. Specializing in caring for dogs and cats, the clinic offers a range of medical, surgical, and dental services, focusing on preventative care and client education. Working for a veterinary practice that prioritizes compassionate care, organization, cleanliness, and uses advanced medical services has given me a valuable understanding of how a clinic should be run. I’ve gained hands-on knowledge, from assisting in routine animal care to participating in medical procedures. It has significantly broadened my veterinary skills throughout my internship.
On a typical day, I’m responsible for restocking supplies, drawing up and giving vaccines, running tests like urinalysis, and providing support wherever needed, whether helping with animal care or cleaning the clinic to ensure a smooth workflow. During my first few weeks, a senior vet tech taught and supervised me as I learned these tasks. One of the veterinarians once remarked how quickly I was learning compared to other interns, who often stood in the corner unnoticed. She said I stood out because of my genuine interest and willingness to jump in. This feedback motivated me to continue absorbing as much knowledge as possible and to contribute meaningfully to the clinic.
One of my favorite things I’ve learned has been finding the signs of an illness and reading microscopic slides. For example, if a patient comes in with a lump, we want to know if it is cancerous. The doctor will perform a fine needle aspiration, a diagnostic procedure involving using a thin needle to extract cells, tissue, or fluid from a mass or abnormal area of the body. Sometimes, the doctor can look at the collected cells and tell right away, but sometimes, they need to look under the microscope. I’ve learned how to prep and dye the slides to prepare them for the doctor. Once the slides were ready, the doctor showed me the different types of cells and which ones are cancerous. Cancer cells appear irregular, larger, and with abnormal nuclei, they are easy to spot. I also learned inflammation around a lump can sometimes cause it to shrink temporarily, which may lead pet owners to think the issue has been resolved. However, this is
often a sign of an aggressive cancer, like mast cell tumors in dogs. Mast cell tumors release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, which can cause the lump to swell or become inflamed and then temporarily shrink when the inflammation subsides.
During my internship, I applied knowledge from my IAA Ag Business Management classes in real-world scenarios at the clinic. I was involved in understanding the basics of clinic finances, such as managing budgets and expenses and providing valuable context for the practice's operation. Additionally, I observed how the clinic handles contracts with suppliers and service providers, gaining insight into the logistical and financial aspects of running a veterinary practice. This experience has helped me appreciate the importance of sound business management in maintaining an efficient and effective clinic.
After working at the clinic over the summer, I applied to volunteer at a shelter during the school year. During the training, I found myself already familiar with everything they were teaching. In that moment, I realized how much I had learned from my time at the clinic. However, despite the growth I’ve experienced, I also feel like there’s still so much I don’t know. This pushes me to continue learning and improving.
My experience at the vet clinic was positive, thanks to the knowledgeable staff, cleanliness, organization, and welcoming environment. However, like many veterinary clinics, there are times when the workload can become overwhelming, creating a stressful environment
for both staff and patients. I believe some improvements could be made, such as a better schedule to alleviate pressure during peak times. Also, creating a calmer atmosphere that focuses more on employee well-being could contribute to a more efficient and supportive work environment. My time at Timonium Animal Hospital has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team. I’ve learned many new skills and feel confident about any future endeavors.
