Veterinary externs will work closely with the Vancouver Aquarium’s veterinary staff, which includes a board-certified veterinarian, veterinary fellow, two registered veterinary technicians, and one veterinary assistant, in the medical management of a large captive display collection that includes marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and a large variety of native and tropical fish. The veterinary extern will also assist the veterinary medical staff in providing medical management for approximately 150 live-stranded marine mammals (mostly harbour seals) which are cared for by the Vancouver Aquarium.
A computer station and textbook collection are available. The student is also able to reach out to any of our aquarist, keeper, and marine mammal training staff. No CT or MRI on site, but work closely with Canada West for advanced imaging. X-ray, ultrasound, doppler, ECG, small and large anesthetic equipment, microscope and full lab for blood and sample processing located within the vet department offices.
Veterinary Medicine
Assist veterinarians and veterinary staff with monitoring cases, participating in daily rounds, developing treatment options, and diagnostic and surgical procedures as required. Maintain complete patient records. Students should be aware that the number of clinical cases requiring hands-on care is low at a public display facility and the majority of time is spent developing health management programs for the collection animals. Students should be prepared to take advantage of unsupervised "down time" to read relevant literature and to pursue learning objectives.
Husbandry
Each student is required to assist husbandry personnel with their duties.
Science
Each student is required to participate in necropsies including record keeping, data entry, sample taking and storage, and cleaning. The student is also invited to assist with ongoing research projects.
Laboratory
Duties include processing blood samples, water quality analysis, and performing routine laboratory analyses.
Stranding
Assist the Marine Mammal Rescue program with the rescue, transport and care of stranded marine mammals as required. The student will spend at least one day every week at the rehabilitation facility.
Project
Students will be responsible for doing a literature review on a veterinary topic of their choice relevant to the Vancouver Aquarium externship experience. They will present their findings to the husbandry staff during their last week in the form of a noon hour PowerPoint presentation.
All candidates are expected to find their own accommodation and transportation in Vancouver. For more information on accommodation and maps, please find resources like the "Student Guide for Living in Vancouver" on our intern webpage: http://www.vanaqua.org/volunteer/internships.html
Public transportation in Vancouver is quite accessible. Please refer to the weblink for more detailed information: