Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is pleased to offer Veterinary Preceptorships for clinical year veterinary students interested in Zoo and Wildlife Conservation and Medicine. Fossil Rim’s veterinary preceptorship is designed to provide experience in nondomestic animal medicine with a focus on the application of veterinary medical principles to semi-free ranging species and conservation medicine. Students will participate as part of the veterinary team, which oversees the veterinary care and management of 1,000+ specimens of over 40 species.
Students will be responsible for assisting with case management, pathology, preventative medicine, rounds discussions, record keeping and special projects if time permits. Students are exposed to ongoing research in the areas of reproductive sciences, nutrition, and health via collaboration with other institutions. Individual research projects for students are possible, and submission of a topic for presentation at an AAZV conference is encouraged. However, these may be difficult due to student time constraints and as such, if desired, should be discussed early on in the rotation to confirm appropriate time exists for the scope of the project.
Application requests include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and list of three references for contact. Along with the application, please include dates that would be feasible for your rotation (ideally at least three time slots), including any order of preference if multiple date ranges are possible. Applications are taken continuously throughout the year but openings are typically filled approximately one year in advance. A minimum commitment of 6 to 8 weeks is expected. Housing is provided free on site and a stipend may be available depending on funding. On-site transportation is provided. A personal vehicle is useful for off-site transportation, but is not required. Primary expenses involve travel to and from Fossil Rim and living expenses while here (i.e.: food, entertainment, etc). If selected, proof of a negative TB test and negative drug test within 30 days of starting and proof of rabies vaccination (or adequate protective titer) within the year prior to starting your rotation is required.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a unique experience to work with captive wildlife in a naturalistic environment. The majority of the hoofstock housed in the collection are housed in semi-free ranging conditions over the 1800 acres of the park, allowing for herd management and field immobilizations to be common principles here at Fossil Rim. This allows veterinary students to participate in slightly different aspects of zoological medicine than are found in traditional zoo externships. In addition, the facility focuses on propagation and care of several endangered species including black rhino, cheetah, and Attwater’s prairie chickens, as well as many others. Please see our website for additional information on our institution (www.fossilrim.org) and this program specifically (https://fossilrim.org/career-internships/#op-98921-animal-health-veterinary-preceptorship). You can also contact Dr. Julie Swenson (julies@fossilrim.org) with any additional questions.
The veterinary team consists of two full time veterinarians (one boarded ACZM diplomate), one fellowship veterinarian (a one year position), and a full time technician.
See above.
Student housing is available in our intern house on grounds. Typically the preceptee is given a room to themselves in a shared house but on occassion they may be asked to share a room. There is no cost for housing but a refundable $75.00 deposit is required at the start of the preceptorship. Pets are not allowed in the intern house. Laundry is available on site as well at no charge. Students also receive a stipend of $300 per month to help with any additional cost of living expenses. Details associated with housing and the stipend will be organized by the intern coordinator following acceptance of the preceptee. Having a personal vehicle is encouraged, but not required.