White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest species through innovative training, research, education, breeding and field programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. White Oak Conservation is a progressive private facility with approximately 300 specimens including 30 unique and imperiled exotic species. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Marys River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 12,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.
The Veterinary Preceptorship provides continuing education opportunity for fourth year veterinary students intending to work in the zoo and wildlife field. The internship will provide extensive hands on experience working clinically with a wide variety of exotic species within an AZA accredited zoological setting with highly respected veterinary staff. Students will be under the direct supervision of head veterinarian Scott B. Citino, D.V.M., Dipl. ACZM. White Oak has a modern, well-equipped medical and surgical facility that includes digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopic and laparoscopic equipment and a fully equipped clinical pathology laboratory. Students frequently get opportunities to work with specialists from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine and local specialty practices on our cases.
White Oak Conservation Veterinary Staff includes a senior veterinarian, resident, two technicians, and a technician intern. The Animal Science Building which houses the clinic includes staff offices, housing for White Oak training programs, research and clinical pathology laboratories, treatment and procedures room, surgical suite, imaging room, and animal housing.
Skills, Experiences, and Duties:
Under the supervision and direction of the veterinary staff Veterinary Preceptors will participate in all aspects of the veterinary department including but not limited to-
Capture, restraint and anesthesiology
Clinical and preventative medicine
Diagnostics – Including hematology, cytology, fecal parasitology, radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy & post mortem exams
Disease control and conservation issues related to zoos and conservation centers
Nutritional concerns
Records-medical records using ZIMS
Neonatal care (if applicable)
Exhibit design
Students will work alongside veterinary, animal care and administrative staff learning the importance of various aspects of operations at the facility. Each student will identify a topic of interest applicable to the White Oak collection to be covered in a short-term project and give a brief presentation to the conservation center staff at the end of the program.
Students are not charged for housing, but must supply their own food, etc.