Offsite Electives

Below is the information that describes the rotation.  Currently however, multiple modifications are in place while we work to address the safety needs during the current pandemic (fewer students, working in split teams, 2 days working off site currently but this will likely return to 5-6 days on site once the State of Illinois moves to the next reopening phase, wearing masks, social distencing, etc).  Students need to stricktly adhere to safety requirements while at the zoo and off grounds while COVID is still a concern. 

Introduction

Zoological medicine involves the care of both captive and free ranging wildlife.  This specialty integrates many aspects of veterinary medicine including clinical medicine, surgery, anesthesia, pathology, immunology, virology, parasitology, toxicology and public health.  Ongoing work in the field of zoological medicine, both clinical and research-orientated, incorporates principles of veterinary medicine, biology, ecology and conservation to improve the survival and quality of life of all species.  This elective clinical rotation is designed to give senior veterinary students exposure to the major disciplines encompassed by zoological medicine.  

General Information

• Students spend a minimum of four weeks (two consecutive blocks) working at the Brookfield Zoo and are expected to work six days a week.  There are 1-3 students (currently only 1-2) on each rotation as well as a resident at the zoo. Each student is expected to cover one day of weekend duty per week.  In addition, students are expected to be available for emergencies after hours. Work days start between 7:30-8 am and usually end by 7 pm but may be longer depending on case load.  

• During the rotation, students are expected to write medical records for all patients they are involved with including animals that receive physical or visual exams.  Students may also be expected to write updates for cases, including interpretation of diagnostic test results which are reviewed by the clinician on the case prior to being accepted into the medical record system. 

• Students will be expected to present and participate in case rounds as well as zoo med classes that take place during their zoo rotation.  Students should come prepared to participate in topic discussion and literature review.  Check with the clinician on-duty about reading assignments for these classes once you arrive. 

• Students assist with:  clinical case management, preventive medicine programs, anesthesia, surgery, clinical and gross pathology (necropsies), record keeping, radiology, preparation of equipment for procedures and maintenance of cleanliness of the hospital. Students are expected to help clean up after procedures and themselves.  Students are also expected to help with the husbandry, nutrition and environmental enrichment of hospitalized cases as directed by hospital staff.   

• Students receive direction from the veterinarians, technicians, keepers as well as zoo staff. Students are asked to research relevant topics as they relate clinical cases, zoological medicine and zoo management. This may involve reviewing medical records and performing library/computer literature searches.  

• Students, as with other client information, are expected to keep Brookfield Zoo patient case details confidential.  Any breach of confidentiality will result in the student being dropped from the rotation without a passing grade.

• In the event that students need to work past 7:30 pm, they must receive permission to stay after hours on zoo grounds from one of the veterinarians on duty.  Following veterinary approval, security at the South gate must be notified to inform them who will be staying after hours, give their location and their expected time of departure. 

• Rotations start at 8 am on the first Monday of the block and will end on the last Saturday of the block.  At the start of the rotation, students receive an orientation and hospital tour.  Our veterinary education coordinator facilitates students receiving their zooID badges at the start of the rotation.  Students must have their name badges displayed at all times.  Students must turn in their ID badges to Dr. Langan’s mailbox at the end of your rotation to receive a passing grade.  

• Students will enter the zoo through the South gate whether arriving on foot, bicycle or by car. Parking restrictions vary depending on season.  Please check with the Hospital Manager or Veterinary Education Coordinator where students should park after your arrival to prevent getting a ticket. (Generally: from April 1 – October 31 students must park in the Discovery Center Parking lot in the northeast corner of the zoo and walk across the park to the hospital. From November 1 – March 31 students may be allowed to park in the three rows at the far west side of the South Gate parking lot.  These parking guidelines may change under the direction of Brookfield Zoo Staff at any time. 

• Students are assigned a locker in the changing rooms in the hospital.  Personal items (coats, backpacks, etc.) and valuables should be kept in these lockers.  Personal cell phones in public areas are not permitted for most zoo staff.  Students should leave their cell phones with their personal items in assigned lockers unless specific permission has been given for their use.  Cell phones may not be used in public areas where guests are present when in zoo uniform. Students must keep their work spaces, located in public access areas of the veterinary hospital, orderly at all times.

• While working at Brookfield Zoo, students will be expected to dress and behave in a professional manner (please see attached BFZ dress code policy).  Although, the zoo has a broad selection of veterinary textbooks and journals students may find it helpful to bring text books and class notes (large, small and exotics animal medicine all equally important) as references to look up information regarding medical cases.

• Photography behind the scenes at the zoo, the veterinary hospital, and clinical cases is not permitted without prior approval from a veterinarian on-duty and is done on a case by case basis.  

• Students are not permitted to bring visitors behind the scenes at the Brookfield Zoo without specific approval from a veterinarian on-duty.  Guests interested in visiting are welcome to purchase tickets to visit the zoo and will need to pay for parking to enter the park.

• Students will be engaged in discussions and participate in meetings with zoo staff regarding numerous issues.  It is very important to communicate in a professional and courteous manner at all times.  It is also important to be sensitive to the staff’s relationship with the animals they care for. 

• Although, student housing is not readily available, we will make an effort to help students find housing on an as-needed basis.  Please contact Claudia Ramirez (Veterinary.Education@czs.org) to inquire about housing as soon as possible.

Rotation Goals for Students

1. Develop an appreciation of the diversity of basic zoological taxa and the ability to recognize the normal biological features and disease conditions for a wide variety of species.  Students should acquire the ability to identify and relate proper husbandry techniques for these zoological species.

2. Gain an appreciation for the comparative aspects of anatomy and behavior of zoological species with a focus directed at principles of restraint and physical examination. Convey principles of humane treatment of animals as well as public and animal safety during handling procedures.

3. Be able to obtain a useful history and perform a physical examination with zoological species and develop the ability to understand and interpret the clinical data obtained from these procedures.  

4. Recognize the concepts of population and preventive medicine as they relate to zoological medicine. Be aware of the importance of genetic diversity and recognize the key principles of population management.

5. Develop an understanding of emerging and zoonotic diseases as they relate to zoological medicine, employee safety and environmental health.

If you have any questions or concerns contact:  

Jennifer Langan, DVM, Dipl. ACZM

University of Illinois – Brookfield Zoo

3300 Golf Road

Brookfield, IL 60513

Tel: 708-688-8504

Fax: 708-485-0263

Email: jennifer.langan@czs.org