The Zoological Pathology Program (ZPP) is a full-service diagnostic, teaching, and research pathology program, specializing in exotic and wildlife diseases. Based in Chicago, ZPP is a unique collaboration between the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and the Chicago Zoological Society Brookfield Zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
Three to six week externships are offered for 3rd and 4th year veterinary students. The externship program is designed to provide students with exposure to all aspects of zoological pathology. Externs will conduct gross necropsies and microscopic evaluation of diagnostic cases in conjunction with residents and staff pathologists. Background reading and research for diagnostic cases will be expected of the extern as will participation in weekly gross and histopathology seminars. Special projects arising from case materials may also be pursued.
ZPP has 5 ACVP board certified anatomic pathologists on faculty who oversee all cases. Externs also work closely with ZPP residents. Fully equiped necropsy facilities are located at all collaborating institutions. A dedicated microscope and computer with internet access are available for student use.
Daily schedules will be determined by the current days' caseload. Typically, unless previously arranged, externs should expect to arrive at the ZPP offices at approximately 8:30AM Tuesday - Friday. Monday mornings externs must arrive by 8AM for gross and histopathology rounds. Externs are encouraged to provide a contact (cell phone) for weekend call. Weekend duty is not required for externs, however, if an interesting case arises on the weekend, externs are invited to participate. Whenever possible, participation in gross necropsies will be a priority. Teaching sets of classic non-domestic animal gross and histological lesions are available for study as are copies of important published papers and literature. The ZPP has a full library of textbooks and archives of case material that is also available for individual study if interest and time permit.