Rotating Veterinary Internship

dr. waxman
Dr. Lindsey Waxman (right), 2017 intern, assisting the UF Marine Animal Rescue team with stranding call by getting a heart rate on a pilot whale.

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Aquatic Animal Health Program (UF AAH Program) internship is a one year rotating introductory training program in aquatic clinical medicine. This internship includes mentorship from faculty in the University of Florida Aquatic Animal Health Program, zoological medicine service, radiology, and pathology services.  Interns also complete external rotations at facilities such as the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences), The Florida Aquarium, SeaWorld Orlando, and the Jacksonville Zoo.  A research block will provide opportunity to work on a project related to ongoing marine mammal programs. The intern will also participate in zoological medicine rounds and journal club for early preparation for possible ACZM boards in their career.  During the program, the intern will also be given the opportunity to participate in UF AAH Program courses as well as field health assessments of dolphins and manatees with program partners. This internship will provide veterinary experience and training in the areas of marine animal medicine, stranding response for manatees and dolphins, public aquarium and zoo medicine, and marine mammal research topics.

Qualifications

dr. tatiana weisbrod
Dr. Tatiana Weisbrod (right), 2019 intern.
  • A DVM or equivalent degree
  • A minimum of one year of practice or an internship incorporating a strong medicine program is preferred.
  • A candidate with a strong interest in aquatics as well as zoo and aquatic experience is desirable.
  • A publication of a case or research material in non–domestic animals is highly desirable. Material in preparation for publication may also be considered.
  • The ability to work with people at all levels in organizations and with numerous backgrounds is essential.

Application Process

The position is available on July 1st through the VIRMP program at http://www.virmp.org/.  Timelines for submission and notifications will be through this program. 

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

dr. Peterson with ultrasound
Dr. Allison Peterson (left), 2018 intern, getting a look through the ultrasound at a bottlenose dolphin system.

AAH Program Faculty Support

Dr. Ruth Francis-Floyd, Program Coordinator

Dr. Ramiro Isaza

Dr. Michael T. Walsh

Dr. Nicole Stacy

Dr. Iske Larkin

Dr. Tatiana Weisbrod

UF CVM Support

Radiology– Dr. Erin Porter

Zoological Medicine – Dr. James Wellehan, Dr. Amy Alexander and Dr. Daryl Heard

Pathology – Dr. Robert Ossiboff

External Rotation Support

Dr. Laura Burns (right) 2020 intern.

Zoo Tampa (Tampa, FL)- Dr. Cyntha Stringfield and Dr. Melissa Nau

UF Tropical Aquaculture Lab (Ruskin, FL)- Dr. Roy Yanong

Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL)- Dr. Lindsey Waxman

Jacksonville Zoo (Jacksonville, FL)- Dr. Meredith Persky

SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, FL)- Dr. Claire Erlacher-Reid

The Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory (St. Augustine, FL)- Dr. Brooke Burkhalter


For further questions about the internship, please contact Dr. Ruth Francis-Floyd or our program staff.

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