Small Animal Intensive Care Medicine Service

Catalog description

The ICU Service provides an evidenced-based medical approach to the management of critical and often very unstable patients. Since these cases are often very challenging diagnostically, and also very dynamic, they provide an excellent learning experience, with ample opportunity for practicing physical examination skills, one-on-one discussion with the clinicians, and additional background reading. Students have an opportunity to become familiar with use and interpretation of the advanced diagnostic monitoring techniques and therapeutic strategies in the ICU, and are also encouraged to perform and perfect technical skills such as catheterization of blood vessels and urinary bladder, thoraco- and abdominocentesis, etc. During the time in ICU, we encourage integration and a team approach among the students, the ICU clinicians, and the nursing staff. Students on the ICU service start daily at or before 7:00am and stay until their cases are stable and all of the proposed diagnostics have been completed (usually ~6pm). Students are expected to SOAP the cases daily, including weekends, and to be closely involved in decision-making, diagnostics and treatment of ICU patients. Students are internally scheduled to assist in treatments in the Intensive Care Unit; patient care shifts may include evening and overnight responsibilities. Weekend duties are distributed equitably among all assigned students. Afternoon rounds are held daily Monday-Friday at approximately 2pm Student teaching rounds are held most weekdays at approximately 3.30pm, or as soon as afternoon rounds are completed.