Veterinary Preceptorship

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Veterinary Preceptorship is a six-week appointment for fourth-year veterinary students for the 2024-2025 clinical academic year. Students will participate in all facets of the Zoo's medical program, including attending rounds and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of species in a zoological setting. Students are expected to review medical records in preparation for procedures, complete reading as assigned by clinicians and participate in procedures on a supervised basis dependent on the medical situation, as well as preceptor knowledge and competency.

A mentored project (case or case series presentation, teaching module, research, etc.) is to be completed during the externship. Research opportunities may be available depending on student interest, time constraints and funding availability. Attendance is expected five days per week (7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

Learning Objectives

This is an unpaid preceptorship for fourth-year veterinary students. This is an opportunity wherein the preceptor will support the Department of Wildlife Health Sciences. Through this preceptorship, preceptors will:

  • Gain experience by participating in all facets of the medical program at the Smithsonian National Zoo's facility
  • Learn to review medical records in preparation for procedures, complete reading as assigned by clinicians and perform physical examinations on a variety of zoological species
  • Gain experience in procedures on a supervised basis dependent on the medical situation, as well as preceptor knowledge and competency
  • Gain experience in developing anesthetic protocols, as well as monitoring and recording anesthetic procedures

Qualifications

This preceptorship is available to veterinary students in their fourth year (or equivalent). International students are welcome to apply. All applicants are expected to have a serious interest in zoological/wildlife/conservation medicine. A negative tuberculin skin test within 24 months of rotation and up-to-date rabies and COVID-19 prophylaxis are required. An influenza vaccine is strongly encouraged.

Stipend

This is an unpaid preceptorship. The preceptor is responsible for obtaining necessary approvals from their university. The preceptor is responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance.

Location

Washington DC

Housing

The incumbent will make his or her own housing arrangements in the Washington, D.C., area.

Parking

The Smithsonian's National Zoo does not provide free parking to interns.

Term of appointment

Open for 2025-2026 clinical academic year. Preceptorships are six weeks long. Variations on time period may be considered based on institutional time restrictions, as well as individual applicant's need, availability and qualifications. A mentored project (research, teaching module, case presentation, etc.) is to be completed during the externship. Research opportunities exist and may be available pending student interests, time constraints and funding availability.

Application deadline(s)

Status

Open

Internship Category

Animal Programs

How to Apply

To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.

Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:

  • Basic personal information
  • Professional resume or CV
  • A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations
  • Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Two letters of reference (one must be from a current or a former supervisor)
  • Schedule of availability.

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

  • Type of appointment: “Internship”
  • Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
  • Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
  • Project: “Veterinary Preceptorship”

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.