Registered Veterinary Technologists
From Dr. Schott’s blog post about the tech profession:
“Today techs do practically everything except what the law reserves for veterinarians: diagnosing, prescribing and operating. Today, in our practice, techs take every blood sample, place every IV, take every xray, induce every anesthetic and perform every dental prophy and cleaning. Moreover, they command an in-house laboratory that looks like a miniature version of NASA Mission Control, they perform blood transfusions, they hook up ECGs, they monitor and care for critical hospitalized patients and they counsel clients on weight management, behaviour, post-operative care and a host of other subjects. And they do it all well. Very well. Each one is a medical nurse, an ICU nurse, an emergency nurse, a surgical nurse, a laboratory technologist, a nurse anesthetist, a dental hygienist, an xray technologist, a neonatal nurse and a palliative nurse… All of that, and more.
In 1990 I could do absolutely everything in the clinic. I knew what every knob on every piece of equipment did and I knew how to make it do that. I knew exactly how to get blood on every patient (well, almost every patient) and I could wield every instrument and administer every treatment. Today I am more or less useless. Ok, I’m exaggerating for effect. More accurate is that I am useless without my techs. Absolutely useless and helpless.”
Receptionists
These are the smiling faces at the front desk and the friendly voices on the other end of the phone. They answer your questions, make your appointments, help you with your prescriptions and pet diets, prepare your estimates and take your payments. They greet your puppies and kittens on their first visits and the counsel you on arrangements when your pet’s life journey has come to an end.
Veterinary practice is very busy at times, but our receptionists manage the flow like professional air traffic controllers. Veterinary practice throws curve balls every day, but these women catch them like seasoned outfielders. They are our front line. They are the face of Birchwood Animal Hospital. They are the best, and we are very proud of them!
Veterinary Assistants
Our veterinary assistants are invaluable to Birchwood. Veterinary assistants have a very versatile role which encompasses everything from animal husbandry to client education. These are the individuals who cuddle, feed, walk and clean your pets during their stay with us.