Veterinary Student Externship Program
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. The program is designed for veterinary students who have completed their third year and is intended for them to become more familiar with the practice of zoo veterinary medicine. The externship period required is 4 – 6 weeks.
Preventive medicine, clinical judgment, proficiency with specialized equipment, and husbandry of a wide variety of species will be emphasized. 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 zoo veterinarians and licensed technicians supervise the program. Most procedures are performed in the zoo veterinary clinic or at cooperating institutions. The student will be expected to gradually develop confidence and knowledge in handling techniques, to demonstrate the proper use of equipment in routine procedures, and to utilize the available literature in exotic animal medicine.
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.
Application materials should consist of curriculum vitae, statement of intent/purpose, and recommendation by two faculty members. A personal interview, at least by phone, is also required. Application materials, with a notation of the time period requested, should be sent as soon as possible to the following address. Questions may be directed to Dr. Sam Rivera.
srivera@zooatlanta.org
Sam Rivera, DVM, MS
Dipl. ABVP (avian)
Associate Veterinarian
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
phone: 404.624.2817
