About the Program
The objective of the Residency in Aquatic Animal Medicine is to train the next generation of aquatic veterinary specialists to contribute to the health of aquatic species through the advancement of high quality medical care, wildlife conservation, and scientific clinical research. The Residency in Aquatic Animal Medicine through the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (UF CVM) is a three year veterinary specialty training program accredited by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). The program is designed to provide specialty training in zoological, wildlife, and exotic animal medicine with an emphasis on aquatic species. The residency provides opportunities for the advancement of clinical skills and medical knowledge in aquatic and exotic species, training in scientific research and scholarly writing, and preparation for board certification by American College of Zoological Medicine.
This program offers experience with a diverse array of aquatic and exotic species under human care in addition to free-ranging wildlife. The resident spends 1 year with each of the institutions listed below to gain clinical experience with experts in the fields of aquatic and zoological medicine. Throughout the program, the resident is also provided opportunities to attend conferences and complete field conservation work on free-ranging populations including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles among others.
UF College of Veterinary medicine
Year 1
The first year of the program includes rotations with UF CVM services including Zoological Medicine, Imaging, Anesthesia, and Anatomic Pathology in addition to rotations at the Florida Marine Mammal Pathology Laboratory and the UF Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience.
Busch gardens & UF tropical aquaculture laboratory
Year 2
The second year of the program is spent at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, and the UF Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin, Florida.
SeaWorld Orlando
Year 3
The final year of the program is spent at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, in addition to rotations at aquatic institutions as determined by the resident and mentor committee.
Application Process:
Our highly competitive residency program is currently able to accommodate only one resident per three year cycle. Applications are submitted directly through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
Our Resident Coordinator:
ACZM Board Certified Resident Mentors:
Ruth Francis-Floyd, DVM, MS, DACZM (University of Florida)
Ramiro Isaza, DVM, MS, MPH, DACZM, Diplomate ECZM (University of Florida)
Peter Black, DVM, DACZM (Busch Gardens)
Claire Erlacher-Reid, DVM, DACZM (SeaWorld Orlando)
Dana Lindemann, DVM, DACZM (Sea World)
Our Aquatic Animal Residents:
Tatiana Weisbrod, DVM, MS (2020-2023)
Molly Martony, DVM, Dipl. ACZM (2017-2020)
Estelle Rousselet, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM (2014-2017)
Stephen Castle, DVM, MPH, Dipl ACVPM (2011-2014)
Claire Erlacher-Reid, DVM, Dipl ACZM (2010-2013)
Jenny Meegan, DVM, Dipl. ACZM (2007-2010)
Lara Croft, DVM, Dipl. ACZM (2004-2007)
