SVM Students Tackle Junior Surgery “Boot Camp”

Approximately 40 new Term 6 students in the School of Veterinary Medicine received crucial clinical skills training during a Junior Surgery Boot Camp, taking place at the Junior Surgery and Anesthesia Laboratory (JSAL) this August. Orchestrated by the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, the Boot Camp allowed students who, due to the pandemic, were unable to practice the basics of spay and neuter surgeries and administering anesthesia during a typical Term 5 curriculum.

Over the course of the camp, students were able to experience all facets of spay/neuter surgeries as well as perform the roles of surgeon, assistant surgeon, and anesthetist, all while supervised by SVM faculty, according to Dr. Rodolfo Bruhl-Day, chair of the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery.

Students practiced receiving patients, completing a physical examination, reviewing lab data, and administering anesthesia. They also participated in the discharge process and completion of medical records, Dr. Bruhl-Day said.

Surgeries were done on 36 dogs. Owners from all around Grenada brought their canine patients to the boot camp. The dogs were also dewormed and vaccinated.

Students will receive further surgery instruction and practice during the regular term.