Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, PA

Description of Elective Experience: 

The Animal Health Department of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium accepts veterinary students in their clinical year for externships. The Animal Health Department serves the medical and surgical needs of the mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish that make their home at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Externships are 6-8 weeks long, with a work schedule of Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekend hours are possible). Externs will play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the animal health team.

Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, DVM will supervise.

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.: 

Fully equipped, modern animal hospital (digital radiology; in-house diagnostics; etc.); veterinary library

Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?: 

Student externs are expected to assist in all treatments, procedures and animal care, and to enter clinical notes daily for the cases they see while accompanying the veterinarian(s). In addition, veterinary externs assist with/perform necropsies and keep official records of the results.

Student Housing (include costs, amenities, pet friendly, contact info if different from elective contact info): 

Prviate room in a house adjacent to the zoo, with shared bathroom, kitchen and living room; must provide at least one months' notice of interest, preferably when applying. $50/week rent - half is due upon arrival, the rest prior to completing the externship.

Supervisor: 
Ginger Sturgeon, DVM
Website: 
http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/careers/Internships/VetInternships
Contact email: 
Address: 
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
United States
Animal Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
Yes
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
40