New Clinic is both a Hands-On Learning Environment for Veterinary Medicine Students and a Critical Resource for Low Income Pet Owners
BOSTON and Danvers, Mass. Nov. 25, 2019 – In the three years since Angell at Nashoba opened at Nashoba Valley Technical High School, 16 students have graduated from the school’s veterinary science track and are now pursuing careers as veterinary technicians and other animal care and medical personnel.
On the heels of that success, Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center announced today the opening of Angell at Essex, its latest fully immersive academic and clinical training experience for veterinary science students enrolled at Essex North Shore Agriculture and Technical School (Essex Tech) that will also serve as a critical resource for low-income pet owners who need care for their animals.
“We began the process of building Angell at Essex after visiting the clinic at Nashoba in 2017 and we are so excited to partner with Angell Animal Medical Center to create this authentic learning experience to prepare our students for the workforce,” said Heidi Riccio, superindenant of Essex Tech, who added that students from Essex Tech’s buildings trade program worked alongside general contractors to build out the space.
Angell at Essex, which opens its doors to the public on Monday, Dec. 2, will provide discounted spay and neuter services, vaccinations and basic veterinary care for cats, dogs and other pets.
A significant portion of the clinic’s services will be offered to the region’s population of low-income pet owners who cannot afford care for their animals at general veterinary practices. Remaining appointments will serve the general public in the area who are seeking quality care for their pets.
Teaching (and healing) Together
Essex Tech students interested in a career in veterinary medicine will perform basic tasks such as client and patient intake, record keeping and appointment setting, as well as handling of animals, all supervised under the direction of their licensed classroom instructors, and with guidance from Dr. Erin Turowski.
As Medical Director of Angell at Essex, Dr. Turowski will oversee all animal care at the clinic and brings with her a passion for helping young people succeed in the veterinary profession.
“Not only will Angell at Essex provide an unparalleled learning experience for the veterinary science students at the school, but we’re also going to ensure that every pet owner—no matter their socioeconomic status—can secure basic veterinary care for their pets,” she said.
Assisting both Dr. Turowski and the students will be Laura Shields, a certified veterinary technician who has been named practice supervisor for the new clinic. “This [Angell at Essex] is an amazing opportunity to help develop the next generation of veterinary assistants and prepare them for exciting and lucrative careers, and I’m so excited to be part of it,” said Shields.
Quality Veterinary Care for Low-Income Pet Owners
Angell at Essex will be open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the year. The clinic does not provide overnight care, specialty care or 24/7 emergency service, as Angell’s Boston and Waltham facilities do, but will refer cases as appropriate to surrounding specialty veterinary referral hospitals. Appointments can be scheduled via phone at 978-304-4648.
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