Students receive hands-on experience at Royal York Animal Hospital

In this photo are Hailey-Kaye (in blue and lilac), Ashley (in red), and Denise Woonsam (in black),
RVT at Royal York Animal Hospital. The featured pets in the collage are Kobe (Aussie mix) and Bubba.

As part of a partnership with the Toronto District School Board’s Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, Royal York Animal Hospital (Etobicoke, ON) welcomed two students from the Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP) over the course of five weeks, working three days/week in clinic. 

For the past six years, the BSSLP have been providing experiential learning opportunities for Black students to support their graduation and career pathways. The team at Royal York, supported by their Operations Director Jen Bruce alongside Michelle Okeya, were thrilled to welcome students Ashley and Hailey-Kaye to the clinic. 

We sat down with these incredible students to learn more about their time at Royal York this summer: 

Why did you want to work in a veterinary clinic this summer?    

Hailey-Kaye: This summer I was interested in working at a veterinary clinic due to my passion for the biological sciences and desire to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. I wanted to understand the day-to-day operations of a veterinary practice and I believed this opportunity would allow me to see the different aspects of clinical practice from diagnosis to treatment and preventive care. I also wanted to interact with a variety of animals while simultaneously learning from professionals within the veterinary field.
 

Could you share with us what your day in the life looks like at Royal York Animal Hospital?   

Ashley: A typical day at Royal York Animal Hospital starts in the boarding section, where I help to feed patients, clean cages, and care for the cats and dogs. This includes taking dogs outside for bathroom breaks and giving them love and attention. Throughout the day, we perform various housekeeping tasks like laundry, washing bowls, and general cleaning to help ensure a clean and sanitary environment for the animals. 

What was your biggest learning this summer, which you will take into your future career?    

Hailey-Kaye: The biggest lesson I have learned this summer has been the importance of communication within a veterinary practice. From the kennel staff to the doctors, clear communication between team members ensures that everyone is on the same page concerning treatment plans and patient care. Furthermore, being able to communicate effectively with pet owners is also pivotal for providing the best care possible. Through this experience, I learned that explaining medical procedures and conditions in an understandable way to pet owners creates a relationship based on trust and improves compliance with treatment advice. This summer I am committed to strengthening my communication skills as I move forward in my career.  

Ashley: This summer, the biggest thing I learned is the importance of attention to detail and effective communication. Working at the animal hospital taught me to be more meticulous, whether it’s handling inventory, helping in the boarding department, or maintaining cleanliness. Additionally, working with the staff made me more comfortable with asking questions when I’m unsure. Effective communication ensures tasks are completed efficiently and accurately, highlighting its importance in any work environment. 

A big thank you to Ashley and Hailey-Kaye for sharing insight into their experience this summer, their passion for animals and desire to give back. Hailey-Kaye and Ashley worked with Royal York Animal Hospital Practice Manager Alana and the team to hold a bath-a-thon to raise money for their Oscar Fund. Thank you as well to Practice Manager Nadine Wells at Taunton Road Animal Hospital who shared her journey into veterinary practice management with the students. 

“Ashley and Hailey-Kaye were a great set of students, and I really enjoyed watching them grow. I have high hopes for them both on their future endeavours and hoping if not one, but both pursue a career in vet medicine.’’ – Denise Woonsam, RVT at Royal York Animal Hospital 

We believe in a level playing field for all in the veterinary industry! 

This is why we are collaborating with partners such as TDSB and the Black Student Summer Leadership Program. Through initiatives such as our Diversity Bursary program, providing financial and career support to BIPOC veterinary students, we are encouraging diversity across the veterinary profession and within our business.