Offsite Electives

The Blank Park Zoo’s Zoological Medicine rotation provides a diverse clinical experience with zoological species under captive and semi-captive conditions. Students will spend 4 weeks with zoo staff observing and participating in procedures; however, the degree of participation will vary depending on the experience, interest, and skill level of the student. Students will gain experience in conducting physical examinations on a variety of non-domestic species. Students will be able to observe anesthesia of captive wildlife under various conditions, as well as a variety of capture and restraint methods. Students will be exposed to the Daninject remote delivery systems including dart and field procedure safety. Students will gain experience monitoring anesthesia in a variety of species. Students may have the opportunity to collect blood samples and perform minor procedures such as endotracheal intubation and catheter placement. Students will assist in laboratory testing and hospital cleanliness. Students will spend time with keepers to gain exposure to appropriate species-specific animal husbandry. Students are encouraged to give a presentation on an approved topic of choice to staff at the end of the rotation.

Shadowing the ER DVMs and nuring team during triage, client communications, specialist consults and any procedures

Students will have the ability to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of clinical veterinarians during a rotation at a small animal, private practice. Tasks include but not limited to wellness exams, sick exams, surgery, ultrasounds, radiology, labwork, etc.

Externs will work alongside clinical veterinarians, a zoological medicine resident from the Illinois Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency (IZAAR) program, and certified veterinary technicians. Participate in daily morning meetings to review and revise plans for each day. Accompany staff on weekly rounds to discuss the medical management of active cases. Veterinary Externs will also observe and participate in: Quarterly morbidity and mortality rounds with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Pathology Program, if onsite. Diagnostic and treatment plans and activities under guidance as appropriate. Shadow various animal care teams to observe and understand routine husbandry practices. Observe and assist Environmental Quality Laboratory staff with comprehensive environmental quality surveillance measures. Review mock cases and study materials as assigned. Complete a project to present at the end of the externship on a subject of the supervisor’s and student’s choosing. Other projects as assigned.

Harlingen Veterinary Clinic is a 6-doctor small animal and exotics general practice. Students will work with a variety of doctors to hone clinical skills in a variety of different species. Students will collect histories, perform physical exams, perform diagnostics/treatments, and client communication. Students will also have the opportunity to assist and perform surgeries under supervision. Students will also build skill in basic abdominal ultrasounds. Each rotation will be customized to the student to ensure that the rotation provides each student a unique experience. Students will be encouraged to take cases on as if they were the primary clinician to build confidence in practice.

This externship would be a mixture of sick appointments, well visits, and surgery/dentistry. An emphasis on more or less surgery days can be accommodated based on the externs goals (typically 1 day/week). While we do have an exotics-only DVM, the primary focus on this externship would be on canine and feline medicine. 

6 Doctor practice w/7th doctor-board certified surgeon that does procedures here 

General Practice with days on surgery, appointments and practice preventative care

We are a General  Practice that treats Canine and Feline patients only. We do surgeries almost daily. Mostly Dentals and spay and neuters. We treat sick and healthy pets in Wheat Ridge Colorado right outside of Denver 

Externs will spend time with our Doctors and our support staff to treat and assist in diagnostics of sick pets as well as preform annuals and maintain healthy pets. 

Big Rock Veterinary Hospital is a full service general practice that is community oriented and client focused.  We place emphasis on client education, internal medicine, dentistry and soft tissue surgery.  We also provide urgent care during business hours.  Students rotate through each aspect of the hospital under the supervision of a mentoring DVM.   Students will not only shadow the doctors in exam rooms  but also be able to perform hands on duties such as physical examinations, Needle aspirates, and blood draws.  Students will be an integral part in client communication during the appointment as well as for follow up care and bloodwork interpretation afterwards.    Under the supervision of the mentoring DVM students will be able to perform dental local blocks and extractions as well as perform soft tissue surgeries such as spays, neuters and mass removals.  The mentoring DVM's at Big Rock want students to gain practical clinical experience they can take with them post graduation.