Exotic and Zoological Medicine Internship

The zoological medicine internship at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University is a 12-month post-DVM clinical program which provides a broad experience in comparative medicine.

The intern will have the opportunity to work with numerous species including companion and wild birds, exotic pets (including reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, and rodents), wildlife, and zoo animals. The intern will gain experience in captive management, medicine, anesthesia, and surgery of exotic animals. In addition, the intern will assist in diagnosing and treating of diseases, in chemically immobilizing, and in refining and implementing programs in preventative medicine for approximately 275 animals annually at the Sunset Zoo.

The intern will be provided opportunities for teaching senior veterinary students in a clinical setting and manuscript preparation. Interns are encouraged to author or co-author three papers; i.e., case reports, what’s your diagnosis?, etc. Opportunities to conduct or assist in original research studies may be available.

The intern will have the opportunity to rotate through another specialty or take an out-rotation at another institution or zoo for at least 5 days. A longer rotation might be considered based on specific requests by the intern and depending on scheduling and other professional considerations. In addition, the intern is permitted to attend a conference pertaining to zoological medicine in accordance with the KSU-VHC guidelines for interns. The intern will also be expected to rotate on night and weekend zoological animal emergency coverage.

Interns will receive tri-annual written evaluations which are discussed with the Intern Advisor and the Hospital Director.

The intern must be physically present for orientation on the first day of the program.

The Veterinary Health Center is a modern, spacious facility on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. The University is in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas with numerous recreational opportunities available.

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. A background check will be required of all successful applicants prior to employment at Kansas State University. Matched applicants must apply for a Kansas Veterinary Institutional License.

Intern and resident candidates are selected through the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC) Veterinary Intern and Resident Matching Program (VIRMP). Information about position availability, program descriptions and forms needed to apply can be found at the VIRMP web site.