Y2 S1 Week 4: Client Simulation, Renal Final, and Rock Mama
We didn't have class on Monday due to Labor Day so the week was able to get off to a slower start. Churro and I did a fun 5.5 miler followed by a hot Pilates class with Julia! These classes are always a good time but doing them with a friend makes them so much more fun. There is something about temporarily suffering next to someone that brings you closer together. After running some errands, the rest of the morning was spent reviewing some lectures followed by some more pre-vet mentoring. The afternoon included a nice field session with Churro followed by some grooming. I then used the rest of the day to meal prep and get things ready for the upcoming week!
Tuesday started off with a nice hot yoga session followed by a little run with Churro! We then had an awesome lecture on radiographic imaging of the lower urinary tract followed by a case-based discussion that allowed us to practice these newly acquired skills. It is always nice when the lecture can be solidified with a discussion shortly after. The rest of Tuesday included a nice long walk with Churro and some preparation for the upcoming final exam.
Wednesday started off with a discussion based on drug excretion. This brought up prior concepts that we had covered in our pharmacology block last year while tying them into the renal system. It was a nice way to review old concepts and apply them to the new information that we are learning! We got to talk about how the pKa of drugs, coupled with the pH of the environment that they are in, determines if they are secreted or reabsorbed and how manipulating these variables can be used to enhance drug therapy. We then transitioned into an awesome case-based discussion that was a follow-up session from the previous week. This discussion highlighted the histology component of the case and we had an opportunity to discuss the microscopic characteristics of glomerular disease and how it contributed to the clinical signs that we had discussed last week.
Wednesday afternoon we had our first client simulation lab of the semester. This was the first lab that required us to implement the whole WISE COACH model instead of just the introductory portion (a full description of the WISE COACH model can be found in the week 2 blog). We were paired with a classmate and were given one of two situations. One was a dog with periodontal disease and an ear infection while the other was a male cat with a urethral obstruction. I was assigned the dog and had a great time walking my “client” through the appointment and discussing a treatment plan. These labs are always a fun way to practice different client communication skills while being in a safe environment. We also have these “encounters” recorded and get to watch the recording and reflect on our current communication skill level. Watching the recordings can be a little awkward but it is a great opportunity to reflect on what went well and what could be better during future client interactions! Even though it is sometimes weird to role-play these situations, it is the best way to practice and at the end of the day, there is honestly nothing negative that can happen.
The rest of Wednesday was spent at home with Churro reviewing some lectures.
Thursday started out with a short run with Churro followed by a hot yoga session and a quick swim. Most of the day was used to study for the upcoming exam but I was also able to have a quick meeting with an amazing Standard Process representative and veterinarian. It was great to learn about their company and the impact that they are having on the world of human and animal health. If you have never heard of Standard Process, you are missing out! They are a family-owned nutritional supplement company that was started in 1929 by Dr. Royal Lee with the focus on providing nutrients as they are found in nature in a whole food state. They have tons of incredible supplements for humans as well as our four-legged companions! I can guarantee you that you will be hearing more about Standard Process on this blog but if you just can’t wait to learn more you can check out this link!
Thursday evening consisted of some quality time with Churro followed by a SVVMA board meeting. It’s always super interesting to learn about local changes in the veterinary profession and hear from a variety of veterinarians in the Sacramento area!
Friday morning started out with a quick jog around the neighborhood followed by our renal final. This final was a comprehensive assessment of all of the material that we had covered over the past four weeks. It was exciting to see just how much we had all learned about the kidneys in such a short period of time!
After the exam I was able to get in a nice hot yoga session followed by some quality time in Dr. Yamate’s clinic. We saw a few special patients, each of whom absolutely loved their acupuncture treatment and practically fell asleep on the treatment cushion. By this point I know I sound like a broken record but being in her clinic is such a different experience and it is such a privilege to be learning under her!
Saturday started off with a whirl around the park followed by Steve’s Inferno Hot Pilates class! I then had the opportunity to get caught up on some things around the house and organize things that had been neglected while studying during the week. Churro and I spent a lot of time outside at the park and I also had the opportunity to help review vet school applications for a friend. The rest of Saturday was spent relaxing with Churro and getting some work done to prepare for the upcoming week. Sunday started out with a quick run with Churro followed by a long 42-mile bike ride! I then had the privilege of spending the rest of the day with Dr. Yamate! We spent some time in Rock Mama looking at all the beautiful crystals and ended the evening by getting some work done in the clinic.
Quote of the week: Chronic Kidney Disease - Mineral Bone Disorder: This does not predispose one to a long life" - Dr. Genetos
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