Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1518483
April/May 2024 | maconmagazine.com 115 vital signs and where to pursue follow-up care, if needed. After the pet parent visit, veterinarians (and soon, veterinary students) administer vaccines, microchip pets, provide pet food, flea and tick treatment, and any other supplies PPP has in stock at the time. It could be a winter coat, leash, or pet collar. And while this visit doesn't replace full-service veterinary care, the veterinarians treat minor ailments like ear or skin infections. Dr. Devyn Seifert, senior veterinarian at PAWS Humane Society in Columbus, Georgia, has been volunteering with People and Pets for more than a year and loves it enough to make the trip regularly. "It's a perfect scenario. We provide fast-paced, bulk wellness care. We vaccinate, trim nails, and perform an exam." SPREADING THE WORD People and Pets had a string of wins in early 2024. Janet was invited to join the American Animal Hospital Association's expert task force, which creates One Health guidelines. PPP held its first clinic outside Macon at the Twiggs County Elementary School — the first of two clinics scheduled in Twiggs for 2024, as Janet says, "based on Dr. Callins' connection and because rural Twiggs County needs it." Janet made her foray into the veterinary world, addressing the Shelter Medicine and Public Health Clubs at the University of Georgia Veterinary School. For Janet, there is always new ground to cover ABOVE Veterinarian Dr. Brendan Bergquist of Auburn University and S.A.F.E. vet tech Janae Matthews volunteer with PPP alongside other well- qualified providers. perform the screenings. I'm there as a mentor, providing real-time technical oversight. We discuss the significance of their findings and the clinical ramifications which we tie to what they're studying in medical school." Janet appreciates the dual benefits for med students. "While providing basic healthcare checks, they're honing their communication skills. People and Pets is less intimidating than a medical setting which can change the dynamic [between] healthcare provider [and] patient." A woman named Sharmaine Thomas and her dog visited the February clinic at the Health Department. Although she came for her pet, she learned about her own health. "As a prediabetic, I knew my numbers were up, but the screening made me more aware of what I need to do for myself." And that's the point. CLINICS People and Pets clinics operate on a first come, first served basis for two-and-a-half hours. Each twofold, straightforward visit averages 20 – 30 minutes. After registration, the medical students screen for blood pressure and glucose, two big areas of health that tax the system, according to Janet. "Probably one-third of the people we screen have high blood pressure, known as the silent killer. Many with Medicare don't realize there are preventative care and programs available." The medical students field questions, discuss healthcare options and availability, and provide an after-care summary which includes