Mackenzie Thackston
Lexington,SC
Summary
Hi! I am a fourth-year veterinary student looking for a job in the Columbia area. I would love to work at a clinic that sees anything that walks through the door. I love surgery and emergency medicine. I also value the importance of routine veterinary medicine like vaccines and prevention. Mentorship is extremely important to me and would like someone who is willing to pour into me to mold me into the best doctor I can be!
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgeon
CRSA Lifesaver
Aiken, SC
01.2025 - Current
- Conducted neutering procedures for 16 cats to prevent overpopulation
- Executed neutering procedures for 7 dogs to promote responsible pet ownership
- Performed surgical procedures in various specialties according to established protocols.
- Collaborated with medical teams to ensure patient safety and effective care.
- Educated patients on pre- and post-operative care instructions.
Non-sterile Surgical Technician
Small Animal Emergency Surgical Team
Knoxville, TN
01.2024 - Current
- Preparing an operating room for soft tissue, neurology or ophthalmology surgery
- Opening surgical packs and instruments with sterile technique
- Opening surgical gowns and gloves with sterile technique
- Opening instruments during the surgery with sterile technique
- Performing the final scrub before the surgeon cuts
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of surgical instruments to optimize their use during surgeries
- Cleaned surgical instruments to uphold sterility standards and safety protocols
Veterinary Shadow
Grace Animal Hospital
Lexington, SC
05.2026 - 06.2026
- Assisted in handling and procedures (blood draws, catheter placement, vaccines) to support efficient veterinary care
- Engaged in hands-on training to refine surgical techniques, contributing to improved patient outcomes
- Spay and neuter surgery
- Observed client communication during annual and sick exams to enhance understanding of patient needs
Surgeon
CSRA Veterinary Services and Home for Good Rescue
Aiken, SC
12.2025 - 01.2026
- Performed seven dog neuters using prescrotal approach on adult dogs
- Performed six dog neuters using scrotal approach on prepubertal dogs
- Performed one neuter procedure for a cryptorchid dog with inguinal testicle
- Executed seven dog spay procedures, ensuring safe and effective surgical practices
- Performed five cat neuters using scrotal approach.
- Performed seven cat spays
- Performed one pregnant cat spay
- Assisted in cystotomy procedure to remove a bladder stone
- Performed mass removal surgery from left dorsal flank
Elective Class, Surgeon
University of Tennessee
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Performed postpartum spay for 86lb dog to ensure health and recovery
- Executed prescrotal neuter on 70lb dog to prevent unwanted litters
- Executed prescrotal neuter on 48lb dog to prevent unwanted litters
- Performed spay procedure on 40lb dog
- Performed spay procedure on 25lb dog
- Performed scrotal neuter on 24.2lb dog
Veterinary Shadow
Hillcrest Animal Hospital
Simpsonville, SC
07.2024 - 07.2024
- Collaborated with veterinarians to create treatment plans for sick cases, enhancing patient care.
- Discussed differential diagnosis for sick cases to support accurate treatment planning.
- Assisting in handling and procedures (blood draws, catheter placement and vaccines)
- Observed various surgeries including spay, neuter, enucleation, dental procedures, gastropexy, and mass removal to gain practical experience.
- Observing client communication in annual and sick exams
Clean up
Knoxville Zoo
Knoxville, TN
01.2020 - 05.2023
- Monitored animal habitats to ensure safety and well-being of animals
- Maintained cleanliness of zoo environment to enhance visitor experience
- Changed trashcans throughout zoo to promote hygiene and aesthetics
Veterinary Technician
Oceanside Veterinary Clinic
Charleston, SC
09.2020 - 05.2023
- Vaccinations, blood draws, administering treatments, taking radiographs
- Canine Catheter placement
- Assisted in holding animals during examinations to ensure comfort and minimize stress through fear-free handling techniques.
- Educated clients on treatments and diagnoses, enhancing understanding and compliance with care plans.
- Scheduled surgeries and appointments while clearly explaining next steps to clients, ensuring smooth coordination of care.
- Phone communication with pharmacists, other clinics, and clients
- Medical history documentation
Volunteer Zookeeper
Charles Towne Landing
Charleston, SC
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Designed and implemented enrichment activities to enhance mental and physical engagement of animals.
- Developed tailored meal plans to support dietary requirements of diverse animal species.
- Transitioning animals into and out of enclosures
- Cleaning out kennels
- Engaged with customers through interactive educational sessions about animal care and conservation.
- Opening and closing the zoo
Pre-Surgical Procedures
Feral Fixing
Knoxville, TN
10.2023
- Expressing cat bladders
- Testicular blocks
- Shaving cats down for spay or neuter
- Performing a surgical scrub
- Ear tags
Vet School Rotation: Surgeon
Young Williams Animal Shelter
Knoxville, TN
- 11 cat neuters
- 13 cat spays- Autoligation technique used
- 1 pregnant cat spay- autoligation technique used
- 7 dog neuters- Scrotal approach
- 6 dog spays
Education
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine -
University of Tennessee- College of Veterinary Medicine
Knoxville, TN05-2027
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC12-2022
High School Graduate -
Gray Collegiate Academy
West Columbia, SC05-2019
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Patient safety
- Surgical procedures
- Wound closure techniques
- Administering medications
- Client communication
- Workplace safety
Accomplishments
- Published in Journal of South Carolina Academy of Science, 10/01/22, “Alu Dimorphism at the PV92 Locus of Chromosome 16 is in Equilibrium for University Student Population”, https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/jscas/vol20/iss2/3
- Academic Co-Chair for Class of 2027- University of Tennessee, 08/01/23 - 08/01/24
- Student Consultant for Mission Pet Health- University of Tennessee, 01/01/24 - Present
- Recover CPR: Basic and Advanced Life Support Certified- University of Tennessee, 10/01/24
Timeline
Veterinary Shadow
Grace Animal Hospital
05.2026 - 06.2026
Surgeon
CSRA Veterinary Services and Home for Good Rescue
12.2025 - 01.2026
Surgeon
CRSA Lifesaver
01.2025 - Current
Elective Class, Surgeon
University of Tennessee
01.2025 - 05.2025
Veterinary Shadow
Hillcrest Animal Hospital
07.2024 - 07.2024
Non-sterile Surgical Technician
Small Animal Emergency Surgical Team
01.2024 - Current
Pre-Surgical Procedures
Feral Fixing
10.2023
Veterinary Technician
Oceanside Veterinary Clinic
09.2020 - 05.2023
Clean up
Knoxville Zoo
01.2020 - 05.2023
Volunteer Zookeeper
Charles Towne Landing
01.2020 - 01.2022
Vet School Rotation: Surgeon
Young Williams Animal Shelter
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine -
University of Tennessee- College of Veterinary Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Charleston Southern University
High School Graduate -
Gray Collegiate Academy