The Indianapolis Zoo's Veterinary Department offers a 4 - 8 week externship opportunity for 4th year veterinary students. The Indianapolis Zoo refers to these experiences as Internships. A maximum of 6 students will be accepted annually. The student will spend a minimum of 40 hours per week at the zoo, observing and assisting the staff veterinarians with all aspects of clinical work including treatments, immobilizations, necropsies, lab work, radiology, surgery and animal records. The zoo has a very modern veterinary hospital and is fully staffed with 3 full-time veterinarians, 1 post-graduate veterinary intern, 1 zoo nutritionist, 3 veterinary technicians, 2 hospital keepers, and 1 registrar. A small project such as a case report or similar project is required, and will be presented at the end of the externship.
- VP of Veterinary Sciences: Dr. Jeff Proudfoot, DVM. Member of AAZV, WDA, AVMA. Areas of interest: Rhino and elephant medicine.
- Associate Veterinarian: Dr. Michelle Bowman, DVM. Member of AAZV, AVMA, IAAAM, WDA, AAV, AZA. Areas of interest: Primate and avian medicine, emergency medicine.
- Associate veterinarian: Dr. Melissa Fayette, DVM. Member of AAZV, AVMA, ARAV. Areas of interest: Great ape and emergency medicine.
- Zoo Nutritionist: Jason Williams, PhD
The student will spend a minimum of 40 hours per week at the zoo, observing and assisting the staff veterinarians with all aspects of clinical work including treatments, immobilizations, necropsies, lab work, radiology, surgery and animal records. A small project such as a case report or similar project is required, and will be presented at the end of the externship.