The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Aquatic Animal Health Program internship is a one year rotating introductory training program in aquatic clinical medicine. This internship includes mentorship from faculty in the Aquatic Animal Health Program, the zoological medicine service, radiology, and anesthesia services (3 week rotations). Interns also complete a research rotation as well as 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, the Volusia County Marine Science Center, and the Jacksonville Zoo. A research project related to ongoing marine mammal programs will be one of the rotations. The intern will also participate in zoo 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 the University of Florida Aquatic Animal Health Program’s courses with at least one lecture and field health assessments of dolphins and manatees with the programs 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
- 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.
AAH Program Faculty Support
Dr. Michael T. Walsh, Program Coordinator
Dr. Nicole Stacy
Dr. Iske Larkin
Dr. Tatiana Weisbrod, AAH Veterinary Resident, 2020-2023
UF CVM Support
Anesthesia– Dr. Bonnie Gatson
Radiology– Dr. Erin Porter
Zoo Medicine – Dr. James Wellehan, Dr. Amy Alexander and Dr. Daryl Heard
External Rotation Support
Volusia County Marine Science Center (Ponce Inlet, FL)- Dr. Craig Pelton
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
For further questions about the internship, please contact Dr. Mike Walsh or our program staff.
