National Zoo Veterinary Clinical Rotation Program

Description

The National Zoo Veterinary Clinical Rotation Program is available to veterinary students in their clinical/fourth year of study who have a serious interest in zoological/wildlife/conservation medicine. A negative tuberculin skin test within 24 months of the rotation and up-to-date rabies and tetanus prophylaxis are required. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged. Selected students will participate in all facets of the Zoo's medical program, including medical records review and writing, preparation for procedures, monitoring and data recording during anesthetic procedures, hands-on exposure to clinical, diagnostic, and surgical techniques, diagnostic imaging, participation in quarantine and outgoing animal procedures, and preparation of laboratory samples under technician supervision. Students attend daily rounds and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of species in a zoological setting. Students at the Zoo also participate in a biweekly journal club where they are encouraged to review and present on current literature for predetermined topics of interest. Students will complete a mentored research project (e.g. case or case series presentation, retrospective review, research proposal, special topic of interest) that will be presented to staff at the end of the rotation. Development of the project into a manuscript for publication will depend on student interest, time constraints, and funding availability. This program is located in Port Royal, VA.