SCBI Conservation Medicine Clinical Rotation Program

Description

The SCBI Conservation Medicine Clinical Rotation Program is available to veterinary students in their clinical/fourth year of study who have a serious interest in zoo, wildlife, and/or 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. Students will participate in all facets of the clinical 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 will have the opportunity to participate in clinical research and will complete a mentored project during the externship. Externs will also gain experience communicating and collaborating with clinicians, technicians, and research staff. Students attend daily rounds, weekly rounds with the National Zoo’s veterinary staff, and other Animal Care and Research meetings as appropriate and available. Students may participate in a biweekly journal club hosted by the National Zoo, where they are encouraged to review and present on current literature for predetermined topics of interest. Students are required to complete a mentored project (case or case series presentation, retrospective review, special topic, research proposal, etc.), including a presentation for veterinary, research, and husbandry staff. Development of project into a manuscript for publication will depend on student interest, time constraints, and funding availability. This program is located in Port Royal, VA.