Banfield, The Pet Hospital

Understand the communications and leadership skills required to operate a large national practice. Understand the vast support network available. Be able to write a S.W.O.T. Analysis outlining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with a large national practice. Compare and contrast with a traditional veterinary hospital.

Description of Activities:

Students will spend time with medical directors and field directors observing and learning leadership techniques. Students will spend time in the national offices observing the huge team effort that is required to successfully run a national practice. Students can select area of focus from marketing, finance, information technology, human resources, operations and others in which to focus while at the national office. The student will spend one to two days in a local hospital observing the implementation of all the services provided at the national office. The student will write a S.W.O.T Analysis at the end of their externship explaining how they see a large national practice fitting in to today’s veterinary profession.

Areas of Expertise:

From marketing to operational excellence. We have many people with various areas of expertise.

Methods of Evaluation:

Feedback from all participants, final interview with Dr. LaFevre and completion of the S.W.O.T. Analysis

Expected Time Commitment:

Five days per week and eight hours per day.

Time(s) of Year Offered:

All year

Length of Term:

2 to 12 weeks

Housing Provided:

Yes (assistance)