The Atlanta-Fulton County Zoo, Inc. (Zoo Atlanta) offers an opportunity for a non-paid veterinary student externship, whenever these arrangements do not conflict with other official educational programs.
Overview:
This program is intended for senior veterinary students to become more familiar with the practice of zoo veterinary medicine. Preventive medicine, clinical judgment, record keeping, proficiency with specialized equipment, and husbandry of a wide variety of species will be emphasized. Students will observe and participate in rounds, clinical procedures, quarantine, and necropsy depending on the needs of the collection at the time. An appreciation of the zoo veterinarian's role in the community, and knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to a zoo animal practice, should also be gained from this experience.
The student will be expected to gradually develop confidence and knowledge in clinical and handling techniques, to demonstrate the proper use of equipment in routine procedures, and to utilize the available literature in exotic animal medicine.
The zoo veterinarians and licensed technicians supervise the program. Volunteers serve up to 40 hours weekly.
Qualifications:
The program is designed for veterinary students who have completed their third year (or equivalent in foreign programs) and is intended for them to become more familiar with the practice of zoo veterinary medicine. The minimum externship period required is 6 weeks. Students may be required to complete a project of their choosing during the 6 week period.
This is a volunteer program; no stipend is available. We will try to assist the extern in finding housing in the local area, but this is not guaranteed.
TB test/Vaccinations: TB test current within the year. Rabies vaccination recommended. All other vaccinations as recommended by your physician.
Application:
Submitted application requirements include: curriculum vitae or resume, letter of intent/purpose, two letters of recommendation by faculty members, and the time period requested (please include three available blocks of time in order of preference).
The application deadline is rolling so early submission is recommended.
Additional information available at the following links:
Students are supervised by the zoo veterinarians and three licensed veterinary technicians. There are three full-time staff veterinarians and a veterinary resident in zoological medicine. The Senior Veterinarian is a DABVP (Avian), DACZM, and DECZM (ZHM).
Zoo Atlanta maintains comprehensive veterinary facilities and equipment. An extensive complement of diagnostic equipment includes: rigid and flexible endoscopic equipment, a SonoSite MicroMaxx portable ultrasound unit, a Vet Rocket X1 DR digital radiography system with table top and portable MinXRay HF100+ units, a ScanX Duo CR digital dental radiography system and NOMAD dental radiography unit. In-house laboratory capabilities include: an Abaxis VetScan2 table top analyzer, an Abaxis VetScan i-Stat1, compound microscopes, centrifuges, glucometers, refractometers, and coliform monitoring equipment. Two So-Low ultra-low freezers are available for storage of biological samples both for diagnostic and research purposes. For surgical and anesthetic needs, there are three isoflurane vaporizer units, including one portable system; an Ellman Surgitron radiosurgery unit; surgical loupes; suction; an EtO gas sterilizer; and an autoclave.
Comprehensive patient support and monitoring equipment including capnography, electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, oscillometric and Doppler NIBP monitoring, thermal support units (warm water heating pads, warm air blankets, heat lamps, and larger animal electric heating pads), IV fluid pumps, fluid warmers, and two defibrillator units. Multiple remote darting systems including blow pipes, a C02 pistol (DanInject), rifles (DanInject, Telinject, Pneu-Dart), and pole syringes (DanInject and manual) are maintained. An in house pharmacy is well-stocked for the majority of diverse patient needs. Hospital rooms, incubators, small to medium oxygen caging, modular caging, and varied species-appropriate enclosures are available for hospitalization needs. There are quarantine facilities on grounds for a diverse range of species including great apes, small to medium primates, most small to medium mammals including carnivores, smaller domestic hoof stock, amphibians, and most avian and reptiles species. Dedicated vehicles for vet usage include a gas-powered cart and a retro-fitted van with a large cabin for equipment and larger animal transport on/off grounds. Zoo Atlanta professionals maintain strong working relationships with local, regional, national, and international veterinary and human medical specialists available for consultation, as well relationships with specialized veterinary facilities for off-site advanced imaging (MRI, CT).
6-8 week program.
Hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM. Some weekend time possible, but not reguarly required.
Level of participation is dependent upon a student's experience, compentence, and assessment by the supervising veterinarians, but we try to incorporate and encourage clinical and rounds participation whenever possible.