Team Managed Care Approach

 The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is home to a talented and dedicated group of experts covering every field of veterinary medicine. We demand the very best for teaching our students and caring for your animals - our two most important missions. Because these missions are combined at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, your visit here will differ in some ways from a visit to a private veterinary clinic.

We approach medical care with the assumption that you have come to Colorado State University because you want complete diagnostic information and medical treatment. If this is not the case, please advise us of your limitations.

We use a team management approach for each patient we see. A faculty veterinarian serves as team leader, overseeing and monitoring the plans for your animal's care. Most faculty veterinarians have additional degrees beyond their veterinary medicine degree and are board-certified specialists with an average of 15 years experience.

Residents and interns carry out some aspects of your animal's care, depending on their level of training. Students in their final year of study also are members of your animal's medical team.

Our team management approach often will increase the amount of time needed for your appointments, and we appreciate your patience, cooperation, and understanding. Our students gain valuable experience by working directly with clients and their animals. They participate in taking the patient's health history, conducting patient examinations, and assisting faculty veterinarians in the medical and surgical treatment of patients.

This hands-on experience is a vital part of our students' education. The diversity of animals, illnesses, and care requirements gives students an excellent opportunity to learn while doing. Be assured that students always examine and treat under the direct supervision of a faculty veterinarian. The quality of your animal's care is never compromised. Your animal's welfare is always our top priority.

To further assure that quality, we will discuss each step of your animal's diagnosis and treatment with you before any action is taken. Your attending veterinarian may call in specialty teams for consultation if your animal's medical condition requires such expertise. You may reject any tests, treatments, and services suggested if you are opposed to them or cannot afford them. If you do not wish your animal to have key procedures done, you may be asked to sign a waiver.