13 Mar PVMA Veterinary Career Event for Portland High School Students
On March 10th the Portland Veterinary Medical Association resumed their in-person veterinary career events for the Portland metro area high school students. They collaborated with the Oregon Humane Society and Portland Public Schools – Career & Technical Education to host 50 students for a hands-on learning experience at the Education Hall located at OHS.
The students were greeted with a warm welcome and given an overview of both OHS and the PVMA. Then they were divided into four groups that were rotated every thirty minutes through each of the four stations. The goal for the event was to engage students, inspire discussion, spark new ideas for professional pathways and answer questions about the animal welfare field. Interactions included conversations, activities, observations, and hands-on learning.
One of the most popular stations included a visit to the OHS teaching hospital where they observed a surgery being performed which
allowed students to see firsthand an active shelter medicine hospital. They learned about suturing, unique specimens, and radiology.
Other stations included CPR drills with stuffed dog and cat dummies, large animal and equine medicine with an overview of the roles within veterinary medicine, and a general practice overview where students learned about patient physical exams using stethoscopes, checking pulse, and reflexes. Pictures, materials, equipment, specimens and medical models were all utilized to provide engagement and help educate the students.
The volunteer leaders at each of the stations had a unique background and shared their veterinary medicine journey with each student group. Stations had a unique focus on a diverse range of jobs, skills and pathways. Station volunteers were members of the
Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association and PVMA: Chantal Faraudo CVT, CVPP, Mel Lueck CVT, Magic Rodriguez CVT, Dr. Casey Laukkanen, Dr. Maia Titcomb, Dr. Tom Schwarzer, and Dr. Kate Hilsenteger.
At the end of the day, the PVMA provided information about veterinary careers, colleges and how to prepare for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Each student also received a complimentary gift bag to take home with them. The students appreciated the positive and fun experience and left with a better understanding of the veterinary profession.
