Upon your arrival at the VMC, check in with the small animal receptionists. Please let them know if you require assistance with your pet. Once your check-in is complete, you will be directed to the waiting area. A senior veterinary student will meet you in the waiting room and take you to one of the available examination rooms. The student will obtain a complete history of your pet and perform a thorough physical examination.

After our initial physical exam and consultation, we will provide you with a written estimate of the costs associated with the diagnostic testing and treatment of your animal. This estimate is not a quote and may be changed as the result of diagnostic testing changes the plan for treatment. Any changes in your initial estimate will be discussed with you prior to performing any additional procedures, unless an emergency situation arises.
A deposit of 50 percent of the cost estimate is required at the time your pet is admitted to the VMC. The balance of the charges is required at the time of your pet's discharge from the medical center.

The internal medicine group works in a team atmosphere. There are two teams usually composed of an internal medicine resident, a small animal rotating intern, a faculty member, and veterinary students.

Role of Students in Internal Medicine

The students are highly involved in the process of diagnosing, treating, and caring for your pet, so be prepared to give them a history of your pet's problem. The students do not make the primary care decisions, but they are involved in the process of making primary care decisions. We are a teaching hospital that prepares future veterinarians, and our students are among the top students in the nation.

Teaching veterinary medical students is one of our primary missions, and this is the distinct difference between the Veterinary Medical Center and a private veterinary practice or hospital. Because senior students will soon be leaving their academic setting, it is essential that they be involved in providing veterinary care in all aspects of the Veterinary Medical Center.

Under the direct guidance of faculty/clinicians, senior veterinary medical students assist with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Each student is closely supervised by a veterinarian in order to ensure that the student receives proper training and to provide the best possible care to patients. Students do not engage in direct medical care of patients without explicit supervision by professional veterinary staff.

Animals who come to our medical center are valued patients and our students are attentive, compassionate caregivers. In addition to the long-term benefits of our teaching mission, the combination of highly trained veterinary specialists and senior students provides patients and their client-owners with the immediate benefit of extra attention and round-the-clock care.