Veterinary Preceptor opportunities are offered to students in the clinical year of a Doctoral program in Veterinary Medicine and are receiving credit from an accredited institution of higher learning. Each rotation is four to eight weeks long. Veterinary Preceptors will shadow veterinary staff and receive exposure to all aspects of zoo-based veterinary medicine. Students will learn through a problem-based approach to clinical veterinary medicine and be exposed to a diversity of species, challenging medical cases and interesting zoo management issues.

Goals of the program are to provide:

• A broad exposure to zoological medicine and familiarity with the idiosyncrasies of some species.
• An understanding of the applications and limitations of domestic animal medicine when working with zoo species.
• Familiarization with necropsy protocols as they apply to non-domestic species.
• Familiarization with immobilization equipment, safety, drug protocols and anesthetic effects.
• A general overview of zoo animal husbandry and management, specifically where it relates to disease prevention.
• Exposure to applicable diagnostic techniques in a clinical zoological setting.
• An appreciation of the implications of captive animal health as it relates to species management and conservation.
• Exposure to some areas of current research in zoological medicine.
• An overview of what a veterinary career in zoological medicine would entail.

Preceptor Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Doctoral program in Veterinary Medicine at an accredited institution of higher learning and in their fourth year clinical rotations at the time the preceptorship is scheduled.
• The time commitment required is four to eight weeks.
• Provide proof of negative TB test results within six months prior to starting the preceptorship. In addition, it is advised that the student has had a tetanus booster within the past 10 years.
• All successful candidates will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Preceptors will submit copy of vaccination card during onboarding.
• All positions are unpaid and students are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but no earlier than 18 months in advance of requested dates.