The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has opened a Small Animal Community Practice for UT employees, retirees, and students. Unlike the college’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital specialty services, the Community Practice doesn’t require a veterinary referral, and can serve as a client’s regular veterinary clinic.
Fourth-year students, under the guidance of faculty members Drs. Amy Holford and Beth Johnson, will provide primary care for dogs and cats. Primary care includes wellness examinations, vaccinations, spay/neuter, flea/tick/heartworm preventions, and dental services. Veterinary students receive excellent training in treating complicated medical cases referred into the hospital, but the Community Practice is designed to provide them hands-on experience with much of the cases they are likely to encounter in general practice. Patients that require more advanced medical care will be referred to specialists either at the veterinary teaching hospital or within the veterinary community.
Communication plays a vital role in becoming proficient veterinarians. To help veterinary students hone their communication skills, appointments will be videotaped with the client’s permission. The teaching faculty will then review the video with the students during rounds in order to enhance their communication skills.
UT employees and students receive a 10% discount on office visits to the Community Practice. Clients must have a valid UT I.D., and payment is expected at the time of the visit. The Community Practice is located in the new wing of the John and Ann Tickle Small Animal Hospital located at 2407 River Drive next to the UT Trial Gardens. To make an appointment, call 974-VETS. Visit http://www.vet.utk.edu/communitypractice for additional information.