A majority of the individuals who work in the Wildlife Medical Clinic are current University of Illinois veterinary students. However, a not-enough-talked-about aspect in our clinic is the incredible undergraduate program that allows students hand-on experience prior to attending veterinary school! Our undergraduate volunteers are an irreplaceable asset to our entire team. These amazing students make the trek all the way to the vet school campus to assist with orphan care, patient treatments, pager shifts, and everything in between. We wanted to take the time to spotlight just a couple of the students in this program and see what they like about volunteering in the WMC. Take a look at what they had to say below!
Lindsay Dwyer
Q: What has been your favorite part of being in the Wildlife Medical Clinic?
My favorite part of being in WMC is getting exposed to knowledge that I wouldn’t learn through undergrad classes. Learning from vet med professors, team leaders/members and from the patients has made me feel much more prepared for my future.
Q: What is the coolest experience you’ve had in the clinic?
The coolest experience I’ve had was doing a necropsy (animal autopsy) on a turtle!
Q: What do you think you’ve gained from this experience?
I have gained lots of experience, knowledge and friendship from the WMC
Q: What is your favorite species to work with?
Raccoons!
Q: What is your favorite skill you’ve learned?
How to draw blood and run tests like CBC’s (complete blood count).
Hanna Garrison
Q: What has been your favorite part of being in the Wildlife Medical Clinic?
My favorite part of being in WMC has been making new connections to people with the same passions as me, as well as feeding the cute baby orphans!
Q: What is the coolest experience you’ve had in the clinic?
The coolest experience I’ve had was last year when my team had a bald eagle for a few months. She had a broken wing, and we weren’t even sure that she would survive after she re-fractured it in transfer. I got to hold her, which was a terrifying and cool experience! She ended up getting released, and my whole team was proud that we had helped a case that could have ended much differently.
Q: What do you think you’ve gained from this experience?
I have gained knowledge and experience in the wildlife medicine side of vet med, as well as many new friends to say hi to all around campus! I’ve gained skills in triage, handling, husbandry, and many more areas!
Q: What is your favorite species to work with?
My favorite species is definitely any type of turtle. They’re so cute and interesting to work with!
Q: What is your favorite skill you’ve learned?
My favorite skill I’ve learned is probably a wing drop test. Although it’s a little scary to do the first time, it’s really cool to be able to test a birds flight with your own two hands!
Paige McGovern
Q: What has been your favorite part of being in the Wildlife Medical Clinic?
My favorite part of being a part of the WMC is all of the opportunities I have had to get hands-on training in the medical field alongside lovely people who help at every turn.
Q: What is the coolest experience you’ve had in the clinic?
One of the coolest experiences was when I got to handle a great horned owl. I’ve had the chance to handle many animals here, but that was one of my first raptors. It’s crazy how strong their talons are.
Q: What do you think you’ve gained from this experience?
I’ve obviously gained valuable medical experience in various species, but I’ve also gained a sense of confidence in the field and a group of people who I will always hold in my heart. This experience really shaped me for the better.
Q: What is your favorite species to work with?
I’ve LOVED working with raccoons and opossums, even though they’re so messy. I just love their little faces and hands. Sometimes, for me, the most rewarding experience also has to be the messiest.
Q: What is your favorite skill you’ve learned?
I really love that I learned to triage cases on pager shift. I’ve also really loved learning how to wrap wings & appendages, and also how to draw blood.
These wonderful students are just three of many undergraduate students who contribute so much to our clinic every single day! We are so grateful to them for the time and effort they put in to helping our patients. If you are an undergraduate student interested in volunteering in the WMC, head to this link for more information about our program!
This interview was conducted and written by Jamie Booth, C/O 2023
