Our History
Figure 2. The California Aggie, Volume 90, No. 31, 12 Nov., 1975
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In 1974, "Vet Maids" transitioned to what we know today as "Vet Aides". Vet Aides members signed up for shifts at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital to assist, learn, and shadow current vet students and veterinarians. Students who became members and were interested in a career as a veterinarian or still deciding on the path were able to gain more exposure to animals in a clinical setting, and experience in many types of specialties, but any member participating - just as our members to day - would "get out only as much as you're willing to give" (Fig. 2).
Many specialties were offered for volunteers to work under including surgery, radiology, radio therapy, and "small examination departments", or what we call today as "small animal" (Fig. 2). Not only were members able to shadow and learn under the vet students and veterinarians, they also lead group tours of the Teaching Hospital and the campus. Guided tours were available to students and members of the public. Even in their earliest development, "Vet Aides" membership and opportunities were very competitive. By 1975, there was presumably 175 members (Fig. 2). |