Dr. Clark's Journey Through Vetster's Virtual Care Master Class
Meet Dr. Jessica Clark, a companion animal veterinarian with nearly two decades of experience in general practice and emergency care. Dr. Clark is passionate about wellness, client education, and animal welfare, and is committed to compassionate, patient-centered medicine. She is also enthusiastic about expanding access to veterinary services through telemedicine. She holds accounts in both Canada and the US on Vetster.
Since Vetster has released its very own Virtual Care Master Class, we wanted to ask Dr. Clark what she thought about the course, and what highlights and learnings stood out to her.
“The most valuable takeaway from the Vetster virtual care master class was the emphasis on communication strategies specific to telemedicine…”
How did the course compare to other online courses you've taken in terms of depth, engagement, and overall usefulness?
Compared to other online courses, the Vetster course stood out for its practical focus and real-world applicability. While some courses stay too theoretical, this one offered actionable insights and interactive content that kept me engaged and made it easy to apply lessons to my daily practice.
In your opinion, what were the top three most informative modules?
(1) “The art of the virtual physical exam”, which honed my client interaction skills.
(2) “The role of the VPCR”, which brings to light legal and ethical considerations in telemedicine, and clarifies the boundaries and responsibilities of virtual care.
(3) “The benefits of providing virtual care”, which gave concrete examples of telehealth in action.
I would absolutely recommend this course to other vets, especially those new to virtual care. It provides a strong foundation in both the logistical and relational aspects of telemedicine, making it easier to transition into or enhance virtual practice confidently and competently.
What was the most valuable takeaway from the Vetster virtual care master class course, and how has it changed the way you approach your work in virtual care?
The most valuable takeaway from the Vetster virtual care master class was the emphasis on communication strategies specific to telemedicine, particularly the importance of clear, empathetic dialogue when physical exams aren't possible. This has shifted how I conduct virtual consults by making me more intentional with my language and approach, ensuring clients feel heard and confident despite the lack of in-person interaction.
Were there any new techniques or treatments introduced that you’ve started using (or plan to use) with your clients?
Yes, the course introduced structured triage protocols and a more nuanced approach to remote monitoring that I’ve started using with clients. These tools help me determine when an in-person visit is necessary and how to better support chronic condition management within the limitations of virtual care, while still improving both client satisfaction and patient outcomes.
What got you started in virtual care?
I got started in virtual care during the pandemic, when in-person appointments became limited and clients needed alternative ways to access veterinary support. It quickly became clear how effective telemedicine could be, which inspired me to continue developing this skill set. I saw a growing need for accessible, and timely support for pet owners who couldn’t always make it to a clinic. Whether due to geographic limitations, financial constraints, or busy schedules, many pets were missing out on care that could have been provided through telemedicine. With a passion for both animal health and technology, I was drawn to the opportunity to bridge that gap by offering expert advice, triage, and follow-up care remotely, helping pet owners navigate when and how to seek appropriate care.
How has virtual care changed and influenced your career goals?
Virtual care has allowed me to further pursue my passion of increasing access to veterinary care. There are many situations where physically going into a vet clinic is prohibitive to many clients and pets. Virtual care allows me to break down those barriers and provide help to people who want to help their pets. Virtual care has expanded my career goals by opening up possibilities for flexible work, broader client reach, and specialization in telehealth services. It's made me think more entrepreneurially and consider future roles that blend clinical work with tech-driven veterinary innovation.
Interested in taking the course?
You may learn all about Vetster’s Virtual Care Master Class here! Enhance your skills and expand your virtual care practice today.
If you're interested in being featured in our blog, please contact Jennifer, our Manager of Veterinary Success by emailing jennifer@vetster.com.
Looking to join Vetster?
You may create an account as a veterinary professional, or learn more here.
