Noah Sorensen Ogata

• I shadow a shelter veterinarian during medical exams, surgeries (including spays, neuters and enucleations), and necropsies. I assist with animal handling, postoperative care, clinical maintenance (such as restocking supplies) and sanitization of medical facilities. I gained insight into managing population health in a high occupancy
  shelter, addressing animals' physical well-being through proactive strategies for preventing disease transmission as well as their mental well-being by promoting positive welfare and reducing stress through socialization and enrichment.

• This is a high-volume spay and neuter clinic, primarily serving animals from shelters and underserved communities in the greater Los Angeles area. I assist veterinarians by transporting dogs, cats, and rabbits, recording vital signs, administering intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, restraining for premedication and intubation, shaving and sterilizing surgical sites, and monitoring postoperative recovery. This experience taught me how to collaborate in a high-stress surgical team environment and reinforced my desire to treat animals in underserved communities.

• At this private aviation security company, I oversee security operations for charter flights, ensuring compliance with TSA regulations. I manage teams of up to 20 screeners, coordinate K-9 detection, operate metal detectors, search luggage for prohibited items, and conduct aircraft inspections. In 2023, I was promoted to the leadership position of supervisor, and then Ground Security Coordinator. Through these roles, I developed leadership skills, the ability to adhere to strict protocols, and learned to keep my composure and think analytically in high-pressure situations.

The Underdog Community Project is a pop-up clinic in downtown Los Angeles that takes place on the first Sunday of each month and serves the local homeless population, and their pets. My responsibilities include preparing vaccines, restraining animals during veterinary exams, updating medical records, and distributing food and supplies to owners. I gained a deeper awareness of the struggles people and their pets in these communities endure, as well as an appreciation for the bonds they form. I also developed a strong desire to give back to these communities in the future.

• I assisted veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians with daily medical exams by preparing surgical rooms, transporting patients, distributing medical equipment, preparing stalls, and grooming horses. This was my first major experience with equine medicine and my introduction to an animal hospital setting. I learned skills such as how to flush a mare's uterus during pregnancy, clean wounds, apply bandages, and operate an ultrasound machine.

• I worked with hospital staff and volunteers to take care of injured, sick, and orphaned native California wildlife in a rehabilitation setting. I learned skills specific to wildlife (e.g., small birds, squirrels, possums, owls): performing wound care and enrichment, hand feeding and administering medicine to vulnerable patients in the NICU, wild animal handling, species identification, and preparing specialized meals. Through this experience, I developed safe and responsible handling skills as well as an awareness of the diverse roles within the veterinary field.

• I collaborated with faculty and fellow teaching assistants to develop a summer kinesiology course for high school students offered through the University of Southern California. During class, I assisted students through laboratory procedures, delivered lectures on exercise physiology, and graded assignments and projects. This experience helped develop my ability to lead large groups of people and teach complex scientific concepts in an engaging way.

• Following each patient's visit with their physical therapist, I assisted them through prescribed exercises, and gave cues to improve their form. I also documented patient information, processed medical insurance, scheduled patient sessions, collected payments, and maintained the clinic space. This experience taught me how to compassionately communicate with patients, and provided me with an introduction to the clerical side of medicine. I also gained hands-on experience applying principles of movement in a clinical setting.