We provide veterinary students the opportunity to move forward in veterinary medicine through hands on training and mentorship with a senior veterinarian while enjoying what our community has to offer. Not only will you have a great time learning what it takes to thrive in veterinary medicine, but you will also enjoy your journey.
At Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital we tailor our 1-4 week program to fit your needs while focusing on professional development and educational opportunities in a busy small animal hospital. Your schedule will be flexible and you will be given the opportunity to develop the animal/human bond, as well as medical processes, internal medicine, and surgical procedures.
You will be able to excel in your medical skills and knowledge. During your externship you will become an integral part of our community and gain an understanding of how thankful our clients are for the high quality of veterinary care we provide their furry family members.
What to Expect
Our externship runs Monday through Friday from 8AM until 6PM, with the option to attend our Saturday walk in clinic. You will be placed under a mentor but will have opportunities to work with other veterinarians to observe different styles.
There will not be any after-hours emergencies, but you may check on your cases at any time if you desire to, as you have the opportunity to stay in an apartment on the hospital grounds.
Your mentor wants this to be a fun but educational experience for you. You will see clients and be involved in soft and hard tissue surgeries but will not be asked to perform any task that you are not ready for. However, the more you are involved the more you will absorb.North Carolina allows fourth year students to perform surgery under a mentor’s supervision.
When you meet with your mentor you will set goals for the program and then develop a plan of action together in order to achieve them. Your mentor will facilitate your development as a future veterinarian as well as assist with the expansion of your skills, interpersonal communication, professionalism, and ensure you are involved in decision making processes.
Introducing Our Mentor
Dr. Gensel received his DVM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has over 32 years of rigorous experience and has a passion for sharing his highly rated diagnostic and surgical skills with new energetic and dedicated veterinarians. He is an amazing teacher with high expectations and genuine compassion for all animals. Dr. Gensel loves sports and enjoys spending time outdoors.
About the Business
Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital is a family owned and operated business where the residence is located on the property. This is a well-organized general practice that will enhance and stimulate career goals.
Within the hospital there is a full in-house diagnostic laboratory, a critical care unit, a double surgical suite, digital radiology, laser therapy, a large extensive pharmacy, and we are currently designing a new dental suite which will house digital dental radiography and a new dental machine.
The hospital is equipped with a crematorium and hosts a memorial garden in a quiet and peaceful area on the property. Additionally, the grounds have an equestrian school, and the ability to board horses.
We are not currently providing large animal services, but the practice is set up for it.
The Location
Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital is in Bladen County, North Carolina and is situated on 50 acres of rural land. Over the last 18 years, the local area has grown tremendously. The proximity to major cities and beaches is ideal for finding everything you might be interested in. Fayetteville (40 minutes), Wilmington (50 minutes), and Myrtle Beach (90 minutes) are an easy drive away. These resort areas are close enough to visit while balancing the benefits of a rural environment with lush greenery, quiet serenity, and a lower cost of living.
Elizabethtown and surrounding communities offer several state parks, hiking trails, an ATV park, two wineries (one of which also has a distellery and spa), and a bike trail that hosts many races throughout the year. The downtown area has several locally owned shops, restaurants, salons, and a coffee shop.
White Lake is a main attraction during the summer for vacationers that has campgrounds, a water park that is family friendly, a bar, wedding venue, and several dining establishments.