Equine Reproduction Concepts (ERC) offers a program whereby veterinary students are able to come to our facility and be exposed to various techniques and procedures dealing with stallion and mare reproductive management. Positions are available every year from March 1 through July 31 and are scheduled in 2, 4, or 6 week increments. Scheduling is structured with the intention that only a single participant is present at any one time in order to maximize theoretical and practical exposure.
The goal of this program is for participants to gain experience and a working knowledge of general and advanced equine reproductive management. Exposure will include reproductive management of mares utilizing palapation/ultrasonogrpahy, hormonal treatments, uterine infusions and lavages, cultures, cytologies and biopsies, artificial insemination with fresh, cooled and frozen semen, embryo recovery and transfer, and foaling. Stallion procedures consist of semen collection, evaluation, processing for immediate insemination, cooling, shipping, or freezing, reproductive evaluations, and stallion handling.
Participants will gain practical experience in palpation/ultrasonography, artificial insemination, semen collection, evaluation and processing for immediate insemination or cooling and stallion handling. Periodic sit-down sessions will occur whereby practitioners at ERC will discuss certain techniques and/or cases with the externs.
Desirable attributes of the participant: comfortable working with horses, basic understanding of reproductive physiology, desire to learn new reproductive techniques, work well with practitioners and staff.
Associated Veterinarians and special expertise available:
Kevin D. Dippert, PhD - Reproductive Physiology, PAS, MS Reproductive Physiology, Owner/Director of facility
Derek S. Vandrey, DVM, Veterinarian-in-Charge
Veterinary Intern
Educational Resources:
Journals
Various Equine Reproduction books, slides, lecture notes
University of Pennsylvania - 3 hours away
University of Virginia - 1.5 hours away
Marion Dupont Scott Equine Medical Center - 1 hour away
Computer access
Clinical cases
Assist with normal management practices at ERC
Will be involved with administering treatments, teasing mares, handling stallions, and assisting practioners with procedures such as preparing mares for uterine lavage, insemination, embryo recovery, etc.
Other responsibilities will include taking records during US exams, holding jump mares, preparing for semen collection, helping process semen for shipment.
10-12 hrs/day, 5.5 days/week
Support and supervision is available at all times and as determined by student's level of experience and growth.
Nearby B&B offers discounted rates for extern students.