Community Medicine through the Lens of a Veterinary Nurse with Marilyn Jerome, LVT, MS

What happens when veterinary professionals take healthcare directly into the communities that need it most?

In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, we're joined by Marilyn Jerome, LVT, MS who shares her experience helping establish and operate low-cost wellness clinics throughout all five boroughs of New York City while working with the ASPCA. These clinics provided essential preventive and wellness care—including vaccines, spay/neuter services, nail trims, and more—to thousands of pets whose families might otherwise have gone without veterinary care.

Marilyn takes us behind the scenes to explain how these large-scale community clinics worked, who they served, and why veterinary nurses were at the heart of their success. From patient flow and anesthesia support to client education and compassionate care, this conversation highlights the incredible impact veterinary technicians and nurses make every day—especially in underserved communities.

Whether you're a veterinary professional, shelter worker, or pet owner who believes every animal deserves access to care, this episode offers an inspiring look at one model that has improved countless lives.

In This Episode You'll Learn

•  How the ASPCA's free and deeply discounted wellness clinics  operated 
•  What services were offered and why preventive care matters 
•  How families qualified for affordable veterinary services 
•  The essential role veterinary nurses and technicians played before, during, and after each clinic 
•  The logistical challenges of providing high-volume veterinary care 
•  Lessons learned from serving diverse communities across New York City's five boroughs 
•  Why improving access to veterinary care strengthens both animal welfare, the human-animal bond, and society at-large
•  Marilyn's advice for veterinary professionals interested in community medicine and outreach 

Why This Conversation Matters

Preventive veterinary care is one of the most effective ways to keep pets healthy—but for many families, access remains a significant challenge. Community wellness clinics help bridge that gap by providing affordable services that prevent disease, reduce suffering, and keep pets with the people who love them.

As Marilyn explains, none of this happens without skilled veterinary nurses who coordinate patient care, educate families, assist veterinarians, and keep high-volume clinics running safely and efficiently.

This episode is a reminder that expanding access to veterinary care isn't just about medicine—it's about compassion, teamwork, and meeting people where they are.

Enjoyed this episode?

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PetAbility Podcast — Helping pets live healthier, happier, and more mobile lives.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
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