American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Education Opportunities Submission Form

Externships/ Preceptorships

Institution Name:        Woodland Park Zoo

Address:                      5500 Phinney Ave. N.

City, State:                  Seattle, Washington

Zip:                              98103

State Abb:                   WA

Primary Contact:        Dr. Tim Storms

Position (of contact):  Director of Animal Health

Phone:                         206-548-2607

EMAIL:                      tim.storms@zoo.org

FAX:                           206-547-6962

Clinical Experience (to be gained during program):  Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo externship offers a hands-on clinical experience for fourth year veterinary students (must have completed one medical or surgical clinical rotation prior to externship). Students will work with a team of three veterinarians (including one Dipl. ACZM) and six veterinary technicians, and will receive exposure to clinical techniques, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, surgery, quarantine, preventive medicine, nutrition, and laboratory methods for a variety of zoological species. International students are welcome to apply.

Research:  A project is required during the externship. Students may investigate a clinical case, collection health problem, or relevant topic in zoological medicine and present findings to veterinary staff. 

Allied Institutions:   N/A

Responsibilities:  The student will have a wide range of responsibilities, determined by experience level.  Minimally, each student will be expected to participate in all aspects of zoo medical practice, including participation in medical procedures, administration of animal treatments, care of quarantined and hospitalized animals, performing postmortem exams, medical record entry, learning and performing laboratory techniques, and preventive medicine. The student will also rotate through animal care areas to gain husbandry experience. Students are expected to work a Monday-Friday 40-hour week but be available for weekend days and after-hours procedures or treatments as needed.

Duration: 4 weeks. Students should request dates that do not overlap with Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s holidays due to reduced staffing and caseload.

Application Requests:  Cover letter including desired dates (list three options in priority order),  Curriculum Vitae, and two professional letters of recommendation. 

If applications are not taken continuously, at what date will this position next be available:

Open continuously

Application Deadline:  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Application > 12 months prior to desired time period is strongly recommended.

Class Standing:  Fourth-year veterinary students with a demonstrated interest in zoological medicine and completion of at least one medicine or surgery clinical rotation at time of externship. International students are welcome to apply.

Compensation:  None.

Housing:  A small, furnished apartment with kitchen and laundry facilities is available in the zoo hospital free of charge.  Parking on zoo grounds is also available.

Transportation:  None provided.  The City of Seattle maintains a public transportation system, with a bus stop outside the zoo’s front gate.  The zoo is located within walking distance to restaurants, grocery stores, and other amenities.

Insurance:  Student responsible for their own.

Expenses:  Student responsible for their own travel and food costs.

TB test/Vaccinations:  Proof of negative skin tuberculin test obtained within 6 months of start date is required. Proof of SARS-Cov-2 vaccination is required. Must be up to date with Tetanus (vaccination in the last 10 years) and Rabies (vaccine or titer in the last 2 years) protection.

Does Program accept international applicants?  Yes

Miscellaneous: 

For International Applicants, a reasonable proficiency with written and spoken English is required, both conversationally as well as with veterinary medical terminology. International students are responsible for acquiring the appropriate Visa.

Last updated: 

27 Sep 2023