Externship

Description of Externship:

Goals:

• To learn how to investigate questions in pathology and prepare information for presentation and publication. This include reference review, use of a reference management system, and formulating and addressing a scientific question
• To review and evaluate mystery slides weekly to come to a diagnosis and learn about pathologic conditions of animals
• To learn the process of tissue collection and processing to produce glass slides
• To learn various special stains and their proper applications
• To learn options for ancillary investigations in necropsy exams
• To assist in gross necropsy examinations
• To become familiar with veterinary literature related to animal pathology

Program description:
            This is a ten week program during the summer of 2011 designed to give veterinary students experience in exotic animal pathology. The primary responsibility is completion of a research project investigating a disease condition or clinical pathology finding of captive or wild marine animal species. The findings from the project will be presented to the pathology and clinical staff at the end of the summer, and can be modified into a presentation for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

This is an unpaid externship but students are encouraged to apply for course credit from their home institutions. We encourage the selected student to apply for scholarship funds to cover living and housing costs.

Students will have assignments including slide review, required readings, and production of manuscript drafts and presentations.

Week 1: Introduction, project selection, reading list introduction, weekly rounds
Weeks 2-4: Reference review, project design, communication with collaborators, reading list assignments, weekly rounds
Weeks 5-8: Project implementation, photograph selection and completion, slide case presentation, reading list assignments, weekly rounds
Weeks 9-10: Manuscript draft completion, Project presentation, reading list assignments, weekly rounds

Student requirements:
Students must have completed their veterinary pathology training prior to arrival at SeaWorld. Students must provide proof of health insurance. Students must be prepared to adhere to the SeaWorld dress and behavior code.
Interested students must submit a letter of intent, a current transcript (unofficial is fine), and two letters of reference (e-mail submission is encouraged). Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2011. Selections will be made by March 15th.

Applications should be submitted electronically to Dr. Judy St. Leger, SeaWorld. Judy.st.leger@seaworld.com

Updated: 2/8/2011