Externships & Internships
Internship in Aquatic Animal Health
A veterinary internship is an introductory training program (1-2 years) in clinical medicine for graduate veterinarians. The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (UF-TAL) (School of Forest Resources and Conservation) in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (MMPL), the Florida Aquarium and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, have developed a two-year post-DVM training opportunity in aquatic animal health. This veterinary internship will provide veterinary experience in the areas of marine mammal pathology and stranding response, public aquarium, zoo, and aquaculture medicine.
The position will be available July 1, 2013 and the successful incumbent will spend the first year working at the FWC-MMPL (St. Petersburg, FL) and Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa, FL). The second year of the program will include a primary assignment at the Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL) and the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (Ruskin, FL). All working locations are in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
Job duties during the first year will include assisting with research and necropsy of marine mammals, mostly manatees, at the FWC MMPL as directed by senior staff at the facility. During the first year, the intern will also spend approximately one day per week working at the Lowry Park Zoo. The zoo has a state-of-the-art manatee hospital and the incumbent will have an opportunity to develop clinical experience with manatee rehabilitation. In addition, the intern will assist the veterinarian and medical staff with care of other animals in the zoo’s diverse collection.
Assuming successful completion of the first year of training, the incumbent will be invited to transfer to the Florida Aquarium as the primary base of operations for the second year of training. Close collaboration with the UF-TAL is expected during this time, and the expectation that back-up support will be provided to the FWC-MMPL and Lowry Park Zoo as needed.
During the two year program the intern will be expected to participate in the University of Florida Aquatic Animal Health program’s extensive teaching and public outreach programs.
Basic Qualifications: A DVM or equivalent degree, is required. Demonstrated research and pathology experience and a demonstrated track record in publication of research results is highly desirable. Candidates with demonstrated clinical proficiency with non-domestic species will be viewed favorably. The ability to work well with UF and FWC personnel is essential.
How to Apply: Interested persons are requested to submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information (names, addresses, email and telephone numbers) for three professional references from whom recommendations may be requested. All of the above must be post-marked by December 14, 2012 to be considered for initial screening. The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please send applications to Dr. Ruth Francis-Floyd, Search Committee Chair, Dept of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 100136, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0126; phone 352-294-4197, e-mail: Rffloyd@ufl.edu. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to review applications until an appointment is made.
Clinical Externships
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Externship List When you search under Category = ‘Aquatic Animal’ at the above link, you will find several two – six week externships offered through various zoological and aquarium facilities. Follow the links to facilities of interest.
Note: The UF Fish Disease Diagnostic Lab Externship at the Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, FL may be available in a 2 week format for UF students with aquatic experience. Contact information for applying to the externship program is provided at the link above.
Funding
Funding from the Marine Mammal Health Program is available on a competitive basis to support student externships. University of Florida students can apply for funding to any externship in the field of aquatic animal health. Non-UF students can apply for funding to any externship in the field of aquatic animal health as long as it is in the state of Florida. For more details, you can access our application (PDF). Application due dates are either Nov 20th or Apr 20th.
Other Officially Recognized Internships and Externships
AAZV - Click on Education Center and go to Educational Opportunities, which links to Internship and Externship opportunities listed within or outside of the U.S.
Mote Marine Laboratory - Internships
Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP)