Kelsey Arrison, our Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program (MSMP) Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) Supervisor, recently traveled to South Dakota, to participate in her second continuing education (CE) trip via Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS).
Arrison traveled to Lower Brule Sioux Tribe where she, along with many other volunteers and veterinary students helped to complete 349 spay and neuters, along with wellness exams to the animals in this region. When asked, what would be your advice to anyone who’s never participated in a RAVS trip, Arrison said:
I think it’s really awesome to actually just go do it because you learn so much from so many other professionals from around the world. Even if you feel like you are doing great work where you are, you will learn so much more from a technician that works in Hawaii or that works in Texas. They do pretty much the same thing as you, but they might do it a different way. And it’s just great to learn about the culture and environment from everybody around you.
Arrison was also able to do some sightseeing during her trip and enjoyed visiting Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
LVT Supervisor Role
Arrison, who has a background of being an anesthesia technician before coming to shelter medicine, received a promotional title to LVT Supervisor. Her new title is much deserved, as she oversees the day-to-day operations at the SPCA of Tompkins County and is the primary point of contact for training the following individuals:
- New veterinary technicians
- Work-study students
- MSMP interns
- Preceptors-student veterinary technicians from outside schools
Arrison loves to learn and finds working with the specialty of shelter medicine very rewarding. She looks forward to taking on more of a leadership role within MSMP.
On behalf of the MSMP team, congratulations Kelsey and keep up the awesome work! 🙂
