Externship Application and Enrollment Form

WHEREAS, “Equine Activity” as hereinafter used shall mean rendering, observing, or assisting with equine veterinary service(s) of any kind, including but not limited to, examinations or evaluations of any equine, providing any type of equine veterinary care, riding or jumping horses, providing routine care and feeding of any equine, including general, veterinary or farrier, and any other boarding services, transporting, loading, unloading or moving any equine or equipment, any activity associated with breeding of any equine, both natural and artificial, teaching or instructing about equines, general association with any equine for any purpose whatsoever, and generally being in the vicinity of any equine, whether observing, actively or passively participating, or merely being a bystander while any Equine Activity occurs, regardless of location; and

WHEREAS, “Participant” as hereinafter used shall include any person engaging in Equine Activity with Unionville, including but not limited to persons serving a student internship, externship, or observing Equine Activity, regardless of the length of time of such internship, externship, or observation period; and

WHEREAS, Equine Activity, as above defined, is an inherently dangerous activity for all persons present in any capacity whatsoever, including the mere presence near any equine; and there are many risks, both known and unknown (just some of which are described below), that are inherent and intrinsic in dealing with equines which could at any time result in serious injury, including permanent disability, or even death (hereinafter the “Risk(s)”):

a. The propensity of an equine to behave in ways, including but not limited to sudden and unpredictable ways, including but not limited to kicks, bites, and the possibility of a collision between Participant and an equine, another animal, a person, or an object, etc.;

b. The unpredictability of an equine’s reaction to sounds, sudden movements, unfamiliar objects, persons, or other animals;

c. That there may be hazards, including, but not limited to, surface or subsurface conditions;

d. The potential of any Equine Activity Participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to an equine behaving in a sudden and unpredictable way, or failing to maintain control over an equine or failing to act within the ability of the Participant;

e. Potential exposure to various health/medical risks such as traumatic injury resulting from direct or indirect contact with animals; or exposure to infectious disease(s), including, but not limited to tetanus and rabies; and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, agreements and covenants herein and Unionville agreeing to permit Participant to engage in Equine Activity with it, the parties agree as follows:

Agreement Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees there are many Risks, known and unknown, some of which are above described, inherent and intrinsic in engaging in Equine Activity and that he/she may be subject to any of these Risks while engaging in Equine Activity with Unionville.

Our clients seem to know each other and may be competitors both in the show ring and in business. Therefore it is very important to keep their information confidential. Our staff needs to be aware that client/patient confidentiality in veterinary medicine is just as important as in human medicine. At no time should a patient’s history be discussed with anyone without the owner’s permission, also be careful about asking an owner about their horse in public. In addition all patient files must be approved by a veterinarian before release to anyone, even the owner. This includes treatment history, lab results, radiographs, ultrasounds and any other information or record documented.

Although our veterinarians communicate with our staff on their client’s behaviors and quirks we need to remember that they hold us in their confidence. The conversations that staff members have with our veterinarians go no further than that conversation.

Client and patient information used in our staff’s daily job activities is also confidential. UEA staff members should be aware of what is located in their workspace when visitors arrive to the clinic and make sure the information is not easily visible. To help protect ourselves and our clients, visitors are not authorized outside of the reception area without a UEA staff member as an escort.

Lastly, at no time should a UEA staff member discuss the value of our client’s horse(s) with anyone. Remember to keep client communication on a professional basis at all times.