What do you notice about the different roles of the vet team?

Overview

When asked about how the vet team worked together on clinical placement, these are the things you should mention and keep in mind: they want to see that you understand that the vet team all work together; the practice is not hierarchical.

What you should aim to deliver about the vet team:

• Demonstrate what each member of the team’s role was
• Appreciate that a good team requires teamwork and communication
• Working as a team
• Respect every role
• Recognise how the team’s dynamic shifts under pressure

The Interview

Ideas of things to mention about each member of the team:

The vets:

• Make clinical decisions
• Communicate in layman terms
• Balance all considerations
• Delegate tasks fairly across the team
• Rely on nurses

The vet nurses and technicians:

• Anaesthetised
• Diagnostic testing
• Hands on care
• Empathy
• Coordinating treatment plans

Receptionists:

• First point of contact for clients
• Manage clients
• Triage calls
• Coordinate appointments

Practice managers:

• Finance
• Ordering supplies
• Staff rota
• Supporting the team

Lab workers and pharmacy:

• Diagnostic lab works
• Prep medication

Key points

• No one works alone
• How the team worked together under pressure
• Sharing the responsibility of each patient
• Communication
• The veterinary practice is collaborative and not hierarchical
• Each role contributes
• Good vets appreciate their team