Westhills Equine Veterinary Services is a 5 doctor, general equine practice located 10 minutes west of Stony Plain, Alberta that offers a variety of services including preventative medicine, dentistry, reproduction, sports medicine and emergency care. The practice was originally developed as an ambulatory practice that has since expanded into a busy clinic with an extensive hospital setting. Our facility offers stocked treatment areas, a large, heated arena for lameness exams and exercising horses year round, numerous 24 hour monitored stalls for hospitlized patients, covered outdoor pens, a round pen and a complete lab with several in-house capabilities.

Our practice has a large sports medicine and lameness component and is well equipped with two portable digital radiographs, four digital ultrasounds, shockwave, Prostride and PRP, an endoscope and a gastroscope. Two of our veterinarians are also licensed in chiropractic and acupuncture. General equine and preventative medicine plus 24/7 emergency services consume the remainder of our busy caseload. The internal medicine specialist we work with offers case management support and advanced diagnositic procedures as well as additional educational lectures throughout the year. Our patients range from top level performance horses to backyard companions, which results in a very diverse caseload that allows interns to identify their futures goals and interests.

During breeding season we also have two full-time veterinarians that focus exclusively on reproduction. We breed a large number of mares with fresh and frozen semen as well as perform embryo transfers. Stallion services such as collections, shipping and freezing semen and phantom training are also provided. In addition, we offer foaling out services including emergency dystocia and neonatal foal care. A reproduction focused internship opportunity is availablefor discussion if interest from applicant is expressed.

Our internship program provides an in-depth mentorship that prepares the doctor with the technical skills, educated decision making and exceptional client communication required for general equine practice. We have a very collaborative, team-based work ethic and are proud to offer an inclusive and supportive teaching environment. 

INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE & DUTIES

• On call duties are shared 50% between two interns, alternating weekdays and weekends (2 weekdays per week and 2 weekends per month). Interns are required to be on site when on call. An overnight tech is available for evening treatments and monitoring, which allows the intern to focus on case management and appointments.
• Interns will rotate between hospital, reproduction and ambulatory care responsibilities.
  • The hospital and ambulatory component consist of managing hospital cases as well as participating with in clinic or on farm appointments. Initially, the intern will assist veterinarians in appointments and will then move to performing daytime emergencies and appointments as their experience and comfort level increases. This typically occurs within 2 months of the internship. A hospital tech is available to support the intern and help with treatments. The interns will be supplied with a fully stocked vehicle for appointments and have the technical and communication skills to feel confident to complete appointments on their own. A senior veterinarian will always be available for questions or mentoring as needed.
  • The reproduction component consist of working alongside our reproduction veterinarians, ultrasounding and palpating mares, developing mare management plans, managing recipient mare herd and performing diagnostics and treatments. The intern will participate in foaling out mares, neonatal care and developing treatment plans for sick foals. A senior veterinarian is also always available in this department for monitoring and consulting as needed.
• We do not perform any abdominal, orthopedic, or arthroscopic surgeries, therefore these cases will be referred to local surgical facilities. No residency options are available at this time.

EXTRAS 

• Mentorship to associate program with increasing compensation as skills and confidence improves
• Hands on wet labs with a supervising doctor to perfect technical skills
• Internal medicine specialist and theriogenologist on staff
• Educational lectures from our specialists
• Optional surgical rotation at a referral facility
• Clean, new and separate apartment for each intern
• Supportive team to optimize your learning experience
• Trained and helpful support staff

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Both 6 and 12 month internships are offered, with both rotating or strictly reproduction focused options available. Dates are flexible.

PRE-REQUISITES FOR APPLICATION

• DVM degree or equivalent and the ability to be licensed in Alberta, Canada
• Resume
• Letter of intent
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Eligibility to operate a motor vehicle
• Externship strongly encouraged but not required

Interns are provided paid ABVMA dues, CE allowance, health spending account, clothing allowance, opportunity for paid travel to surgical referral center of choosing and one week vacation. On-site housing available.

About Westhills Equine Veterinary Services

Westhills Equine Veterinary Services is an in-hospital and ambulatory equine practice based out of Parkland County, Alberta. We offer a variety of veterinary services which include wellness, dentistry, sports medicine, reproduction, emergency care and more. Westhills strives to provide compassionate and high-quality care to our equine patients and clients. We proudly service clients in a variety of disciplines including hunter/jumper, dressage, western performance, driving and pleasure. Our team-based approach focuses on creating a positive work environment that encourages advancements in knowledge and education while encouraging the best possible relationship between our clients and their equine partners.

Connections working at Westhills Equine Veterinary Services