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Form of workAn externship experience at an NVA hospital will give students the unique opportunity to understand the day-to-day operations of the practice, and to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience. Although every NVA hospital is unique, we all have some things in common: an environment that is supportive, committed to excellent medicine, and provides exceptional service to animals and the people who love them. The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine (CBEAM) is a very busy, exotics-exclusive emergency and routine care practice that is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Our externs spend 5 days a week with us, shadowing and participating in rooms, as well as assisting with routine and emergency cases (including performing treatments and helping in surgery). Students will work closely with the supervising Associate Veterinarians to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. In addition to practicing their clinical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.
We are happy to have students with a strong interest and background in exotics spend time at our hospital. We require a letter of intent and CV from you (send to anneliesevet@yahoo.com, please make sure the subject contains "extern" or "externship"), as well as 2-3 letters of recommendation from advisors who can attest to your interest and experience in exotic animal medicine. The letters can be informal and sent to us via email (anneliesevet@yahoo.com).
We recommend 4 week externships, but can accommodate shorter spans. More details: The schedule is generally Sundays through Thursdays but this may be modified with advanced notice. The work day is typically from 7:30 am to around 6 pm (when day cases are completed or transferred).
Students are expected to help staff with treatments when they come in at 7:30, then attend hospital rounds start at 8 am. Students are expected to be available to be called in for emergency procedures overnight for at least 2 of their days with us (we can be flexible with the day schedule if you end up coming in for an extended period overnight). Mondays and Thursdays we have didactic rounds from 8:30-9:30 am.
Dress code is matching scrubs or dressy casual with a lab coat (ideally lab coats or scrub jackets should not be white, in an effort to be more fear free). Students should arrange to have a radiation badge to assist with taking radiographs. There is no compensation for the externship.
Housing: If you are in need of housing, we do have one bedroom available in our clinic's upstairs apartment for externs at no charge, but please let us know as soon as possible if you intend to stay at the clinic. Linens and towels are available if you stay in the apartment. Disclosure: The main part of the apartment is currently being used as an auxiliary customer service space during the day.
Externships at Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine are designed for 3rd and 4th year students. If you are interested in participating in an externship with our practice, please send an email inquiry with your resume and a cover letter directly to anneliesevet@yahoo.com. Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend.
Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.
