5 Questions for a Research Anesthesia Veterinary Technician Specialist

The Specialty: Veterinary technicians who achieve Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in Laboratory Animal Medicine (VTS-LAM) possess a high level of technical skill, highly ethical character aligned with the mission of the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses and can provide an advanced level of service to research organizations. 

The Specialist: Stephen Niño Cital, RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Research Anesthesia) is the COO of the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, LLC, co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy, and Executive Director of the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. He is a lab manager at Stanford University in the department of neurobiology and is Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer and Director of the Pain and Cannabinoid Medicine services at Remedy Veterinary Specialists.

1. What made you choose your specialty area?

My Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential is in laboratory animal medicine with a focus on research anesthesia. I have always had a passion for anesthesia and analgesia, and I even applied to the non-research-focused anesthesia/analgesia specialty, but I failed due to the types of cases we see in research. There’s just something really cool about making a patient “sleep” and waking them back up again. I love cooking and feel like the art of anesthesia is like the art of seasoning food. A little bit of this, a little bit of that can do wonders or completely ruin a dish. On the analgesia side of things, who doesn’t want to help an animal feel better?

2. What is one thing you wish you could tell general practitioners regarding your specialty?

I have always been a technician advocate and now consider myself a technician activist (meaning I’m not scared to push boundaries or buttons), promoting the utilization and advancement of credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVT). What I would love for general practitioners to know is that any VTS, or even just a highly trained and seasoned (pun intended) CrVT, can significantly elevate your level of care, which has the added benefit of increased revenue. As it relates to my specialty, having a VTS in anesthesia/analgesia or research anesthesia, like myself, is like having your very own anesthetist—not quite an anesthesiologist, but someone who can take on those challenging or tricky cases so you can focus on the surgical part of a procedure.

3. What is one thing that clients could do that would make your job (or the job in general) more satisfying?

One thing that would make my job more satisfying (and is already underway in at least three states, with growth anticipated), is allowing a bit more autonomy for VTSs. To be clear, I am not talking about the controversial Veterinary Practice Associates (VPA), but I am in favor of allowing VTSs to do just a bit more, either by expanding the scope of practice or adjusting the levels of supervision required to perform specific tasks for VTSs, all while under the supervision of the veterinarian.

4. What is the most rewarding part of being a VTS-LAM (Research Anesthesia)?

I am incredibly fortunate to work in both research and private specialty practice, where my credentials are respected and utilized to help patients receive the best care. My specialty has also opened many doors to opportunities, such as professional writing, contributing to scientific research, and increasing my earning potential.

5. What advice would you give to someone considering your specialty?

Do it, but understand that it’s a lot of commitment. I am currently pursuing a second specialty in neurology, so I feel this immensely at the moment.

BONUS question: What type of research will you focus on with a second VTS in Neurology?

If—and that’s a big if—I get this second specialty, I’m not sure it would change my focus. Especially for CrVTs, many of us don’t pursue these specialties to earn more money (although that should be a standard) or get to do more in practice (as should also be standard); we do it for ourselves and our own personal growth. It’s a challenge to say the least, or maybe my pursuit is just a symptom of my ADHD and need for validation.

5 Questions for a Specialist (5Q4) is a monthly micro-interview, where we ask five questions to a veterinary professional who has specialized in their field. The questions are (generally) the same each month, but the answers are always different and enlightening.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Stephen Niño Cital 

Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.