Moving on…

9 April 2012

I have decided after much debate and deliberation, that I will be moving on from Desert Veterinary Clinic in Yuma. At this point in time, I am not entirely certain where the next stop will be in my veterinary adventures. Currently I am looking at an interview tour back East in OH, TN, KY, and NC. I am also considering staying here locally to work in partnership with the Humane Society of Yuma.

Although the next step at this time is uncertain, I look forward to what the future holds in store. I have been very lucky to meet some amazing people while here in Yuma, and consider my time here, and at DVC, very special.

As soon as I know where the next step is, I will be happy to let you know. I will keep you updated through this blog once I know where I land!

THANKS for checking in…

Business card

VetStem

28 February 2012

A few weeks ago I was able to travel to Poway, CA and tour the VetStem laboratory. It is an impressive new medical modality to offer our patients as well as a well run business and laboratory. I am looking forward to the opportunity to improve the quality of many patients’ lives with this new treatment option, and greatly enjoyed my time in Poway and the San Diego Zoo!

Catching up in Yuma

20 January 2012

Thanks so much for checking back, or for finding me for the first time on my professional site.

Over the past year, I have been working as a small animal and exotics veterinarian in Yuma, AZ. Yuma is a small size city in the summer (as the temperature reaches 120F), and a medium sized city in the winter as it becomes inundated with senior citizens for our beautiful weather at that time. It is roughly 2 miles from Mexico and California, in the very corner of the United States.

I work for an AAHA accredited hospital which also provides emergency services for the entire city of Yuma. This combination has increased my knowledge and experience in emergency medicine, as well as high quality medicine.

My surgical skills, namely in soft tissue, have improved significantly as I have been able to practice and become more comfortable with exploratory surgeries, C-sections, GDVs, and mass removals.  I would very much like to continue advancing in my orthopedic surgery skills as I have not had as much opportunity to practice in this area.

I am in my 2nd year in my MBA program through Colorado State with a year left prior to graduation. I one day wish to either partner or own my own clinic. I have found the information learned from this program invaluable and wish that I would be able to contribute more business knowledge in my current position.

My future plans include, as fore-stated, to one day own or partner in my own clinic. However, prior to that, I am interested in becoming acupuncture certified and obviously, receiving my MBA degree. I have been pondering returning to school for a board certification in Internal Medicine, but I am uncertain as to whether I will pursue that, or simply become a board certified veterinary practicioner in the future.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by. New updates on this site will include an updated resume, my Linked-In Profile, and videos. My current clinic is having a reality TV segment through a local channel, and my portions from this show will be spliced onto here for your viewing pleasure. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!

Visit me on Linked-In as well!

http://www.linkedin.com/in/drjessicatracy

An Informal Interview…

23 June 2010
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If you have found your way onto my site, you may be interested in knowing a little bit more about me professionally.  That is why I am posting an ‘informal’ type interview that may answer some frequently asked questions.

What am I looking for in a practice?

I am looking for a small or mixed animal full time associate veterinary position.  As far as the practice goes, I am looking for an environment that is open to communication and support between staff members.  The ideal work environment would contain discussion and consultation between doctors, especially on difficult cases.  New ideas would be heard and even expanded upon if the business could potentially benefit.  In house lab ability is something I would find almost necessary.  A decent staff:doctor ratio is also preferred.

What are my strengths?

1.) My great love is internal medicine, especially endocrinology.  I feel that my strengths lie in the diagnostics of many of the difficult cases.  If I find a situation where I am uncertain, I seek out further information in order to solve a case.  The joy I get from finally figuring out a difficult case is indescribable.

2.) My ability to educate may be another plus.  At my current job, the technicians have often stated I am the best educator of the staff and clients.  With the knowledge clients have today (or potentially, with the confused information on the internet), I feel that it is essential to educate them about why their pet is being sent home on a certain medication or why a certain test must be performed.

3.) My commitment and dedication to my profession and position.  I continue to want to improve myself in multiple areas.  I have applied for the distance MBA program through CSU (and will hopefully hear soon whether I am accepted!).  I feel business is VERY important to understanding how to improve a clinic and veterinary medicine as a whole.  I am constantly seeking out ways to involve myself and my clinic in the community, as well as improve my clinic.  I do not like to sit still very much!

What are my weaknesses?

1.) I would state that I often do discuss things TOO much in detail.  I realize I need to work on not allowing discussions to last too long if another client or room is waiting.

2.) I do not have as much experience in surgery as I would like, especially orthopedics.  I am attempting to remedy this by hopefully traveling with our local surgeon if possible.  However, I am proficient in routine surgeries such as spays, neuters, declaws, mass removals, etc.

Why am I leaving my current position?

During my first year out, mentorship was very important to me.  I received little to none.  Therefore, although I got excellent experience my first year out in a vast array of cases and species, I was always basically without consult.  I found this very frustrating and eventually unacceptable. My boss is aware that I am leaving my current position, and we have agreed to part our separate ways.

Would I be willing to relocate?

I would be more than willing to relocate, especially if some aid in relocation was offered.

What is my desired salary?

Please feel free to discuss this with me in person!  However, I will say that if my salary were to include production pay, I would prefer a base salary at least to start.

What about my family and pets?

I have a WONDERFUL albeit often needy family of pets!  Most of my creatures have been rescued, so they come with their own sets of problems.  Jada is my ACD, who has taught me a number of things about behavior training!!  Kodak is what I lovingly refer to as a ‘cochund,’ what appears to be cocker spaniel and dachshund mix.  He is too cute, and he knows it.  Then there’s Dolly. I rescued her from my clinic in Casper.  She is a difficult to manage diabetic.  Her glaucoma was so out of control, she lost both her eyes. However, I was able to put in silicone implants which was new and exciting to me!

I have three cats that like to keep us awake at night!  Dingo, Adonis, and Didgeridoo.  I also have a foster cat named Slippers.  She is a good little cat and deserves an excellent home.

I also have a chinchilla named Kokopelli.  He is a social little creature and provides entertainment just watching his antics.

Finally there is my horse, Gryffindor.  Yes, he is named after the house in Harry Potter.  He is a relatively green gelding, but I am working on him!  I have had my fair share of throws from him, but he improves every day!

Also, I have a wonderful and understanding companion that has been by my side for the past 7 years.  He works long distance for Mississippi State currently.  He is excited to move on and discover another chapter in our life together!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS!!

I hope this may have helped you learn a little bit more about me. Please don’t hesitate to ask if there is any further information you would like to know!

Another chapter in life…

29 April 2010
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Thank you for taking the time to read a little more about me!

I am currently working for Casper Animal Medical Center in Casper, WY.  I have enjoyed my time in Casper and like the city very much.  I have experienced quite a bit my first year out!  However, I feel it is time for another chapter in my life to be explored.

Working for a clinic that is open to communication is my ideal position.  I would enjoy working at a mixed animal practice, but it is not a necessity.  Doctors and staff that are willing to consult, learn, and have fun together would be an exceptional work environment.

Please let me know if you have any more questions about me or my job search.  I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this and learn more about me. I hopefully look forward to meeting you!

The Adventure Begins…

28 April 2009
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And the decision has been made!

I have accepted a mixed animal position in Casper, Wyoming at Casper Animal Medical center.  It is a wonderful little clinic which practices very advanced medicine.  I am looking forward to starting my career here with the wonderful people I enjoyed meeting.

Check it out!

http://www.casperanimalmedicalcenter.com/

About Me…Jess Tracy, DVM

28 January 2009
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I am soon to be Dr. Jess Tracy.  I am a fourth year veterinary student at Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine with my anticipated graduation date April 2009.  I am very excited to be joining such an amazing and satisfying profession.  I would ideally love to work at a mixed animal practice and have a special interest in sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas.  My strength, however, lies in small animal medicine.  I know that I would enjoy a small animal practice as well.  Thank you for taking the time to visit me here.  Attached you may find my resume, as well as my senior paper on bovine uterine torsions.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!

If you are interested in getting to know me better, here is a little bit more about myself…

I was born on the coast of Mississippi, raised outside of Philadelphia, PA, and spent most of my life in Hendersonville, TN, a small town outside of Nashville.  This combination of places and experiences makes me a cultural hybrid.  People from other places of the country knowing I am from Mississippi are often disappointed when I present without a Southern accent.I have 3 dogs, all rescues.  Jada is a blue-heeler mix, and she’s too smart for her own good.  She is also quite excited to move out of the apartment to some place with a bigger back yard.  Pongo is our dalmatian, and he was relinquished by his former owners because of  atopy.  Finally there’s Kodak, an adorable puppy we were fostering.  An intussusception, aspiration pneumonia and $500 later, we couldn’t bear to part with the little guy.  We also have 3 cats:  Dingo, Adonis, and Didgeridoo (my love of Australia and the Greek classics provided for their names!)  Finally, there is Kokopelli, our chinchilla who adores getting his chin scratched!

My hobbies outside of school include hiking, running/marathons, bike riding, reading, kayaking, photography, cooking, archery (attempting!), traveling, soccer, tennis, board games, swimming and whatever else life gets me into!