Posted by
Anh Tran on Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @ 02:23 PM
Meet Dr. Andrew Ayre, VESCONE's newest Emergency and Critical Care Staff Doctor. Dr. Ayre hails from the New York tri-state area and is a new transplant to Boston! Learn more about our newest doctor below and he welcomes any suggestions of dog friendly places in Boston to visit!
What interested you in becoming a veterinarian?
I have always been fascinated with animals, how they interact with each other as well as with people. I became interested in their biology during high school and proactively sought to be a doctor of veterinary medicine since then as I felt this was the best way I could help. I love what I do and can’t imagine a better way to spend my time then helping people through the treatments of their beloved pets… and getting to play with a few along the way too! J
Why were you drawn to Emergency and Critical Care?
During my internship I found that the variety of cases and intensity of medicine was a right fit for me with emergency medicine. I found that I enjoyed identifying with pet owners in crisis and guiding them through the necessary steps to give their animals the treatments they needed.
You mentioned you worked in an exotic species show for kids, what are you favorite varieties of exotic species?
This is a hard question because the reason that I enjoy exotics is for the variety of species that this area of veterinary medicine has to offer. However if I were to choose a type of species I would say furry pocket pets – rabbits, rodents etc. I did have the wonderful experience of owning a rat with recurring oral abscesses since the pet store could not sell her. That experience gave me a fondness for rats and showed me the unique personality that rats can have and the type of relationship that an owner can have with them.
Are you excited about living near Boston? What things are you interested in seeing?
I am very excited, everybody I spoke to before coming only had good things to say and that “You are going to love it.” So it has to live up to some pretty high expectations! I am interesting in exploring “tourist Boston” to see all of the sights but I also really enjoy outdoor activities with my adolescent Shepard mix, Nala. I would love to find some good hiking and dog-friendly beaches/boardwalks, etc. Any suggestions?
Share with us your philosophy about being a vet? What motivates you to help animals?
I believe in the noble profession of veterinary medicine and the important role that is plays in our society – from companion animals to protecting the food supply to aiding endangered species. My role in companion animals is to protect the human-animal bond and help to promote health so that this bond can be as long and create as much happiness as possible. Dealing with disease and death, as we must being veterinarians, is the biggest challenge to overcome and I think guiding pet owners through these times of grief and suffering are just as important as the health of their pets. I want to go beyond the expectations of my clients as a healer of animals to be a leader in the community who listens to owners to provide a higher level of understanding and care.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Mon, Feb 13, 2012 @ 02:08 PM
When clients first meet Amy Breton, CVT, VTS (ECC) in our hospital, they see a small blond gal with a stunning smile and obvious love for animals. They certainly don't see all the letters that come after her name or the fact that she received the first ever MVTA Technician of the Year award in 2007. Only after they speak with her, do they realize the extensive experience she has and how lucky they are that she cared for their pet.
What do all those letters mean and how important are they to Amy's work?
CVT = Certified Veterinary Technician
ECC = Emergency and Critical Care
VTS = Veterinary Technician Specialist.
To get a VTS designation, Amy had to fulful these requirements:
- 5,760 hrs in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care medicine
- minimum of twenty five hours continuing education related to veterinary emergency and critical care
- case record log form January 1 - December 31 of the year immediately preceding the submission of the application with minimum of fifty cases. The cases should reflect the management of the emergent or critically ill patient and mastery of advanced nursing skills.
- Four case reports of no more than five pages each, double spaced. Case reports must demonstrate expertise in the nursing management of a variety of veterinary patients requiring emergency and critical care
- Two letters of recommendations from an AVECCT member, a Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society Veterinarian or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
With the VTS (ECC) designation, Amy is specially trained to deal with Emergency and Critical Care patients in all situations. This is critical to her work at VESCONE because we are open 24 hours a day for emergency cases. We always have a veterinarian and nurse on staff to triage and treat your pets whenever there is a need. Amy is also the head technician for the ECC department at VESCONE. She uses her skills to manage, train and motivate the staff.
Amy is also a published author and accomplished speaker. Her Continuing Education seminars for fellow nurses are in high demand. She travels to local veterinary practices around Massachusetts to lecture and teach. If you are a veterinary practice and are interested in having Amy speak at your practice for credit, please contact us.
Amy's love for animals extends much past her work life. At home she has three dogs and one cat. We invite you to meet Amy and Havoc, her 10 week old dog. She is currently training him for an agility competition.
At VESCONE, we are thrilled to have Amy part of our family and hope you enjoy meeting her.