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National Aquarium in Baltimore ( Baltimore, MD)

Available to Junior and Senior students.

  • Attending Vet: Dr. Leigh A. Clayton, Director of Animal Health
  • Contact: Michele Martin, PhD, Medical Asst/ Animal Registrar

Email: mmartin@aqua.org

Phone: 410-576-3853

Fax: 410-576-1080

  • Website: www.aqua.org
  • Application process: Application is attached. Applications are accepted year-round, but should be submitted 12 to 18 months in advance. Submit application, cover letter detailing future goals in veterinary medicine, resume or curriculum vitae, official school transcript, 2 letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member), and three different dates of availability to Dr. Clayton:

Dr. Leigh A. Clayton, Director of Animal Health

Animal Health Department

Pier 3, 501 E. Pratt Street

Baltimore , MD 21202-3194

  • Perks : None provided. Animal Health Dept does have a list of possible housing sites. Contact Dr. Martin for more information.
  • Duration : Minimum 5 weeks, but prefer 6-8 wks. No students will be selected between Dec. 15 and Jan 15.
  • Additional Info : Externship information from Dr. Martin: This Veterinary Preceptorship/externship opportunity is specifically designed for students with an interest in Aquatic and Exotic Animal Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, and Environmental Medicine. Students spend six to eight weeks working in the Animal Health Department and are exposed to the multi-faceted nature of veterinary practice in a major marine aquarium. Preceptors are exposed to preventative and clinical medicine in our collection of 15,000 animals. The majority of the current clinical load is reptile and bird work, although the aquarium also has a large fish and amphibian collection. Mammals consist of dolphins, marmosets, tamarins, and a sloth. While veterinary staff try to provide students with as much clinical practice as possible, much of the students' participation is observational, especially with the birds and marine mammals. Hands on experience is provided wherever possible but is dependent on the experience of the student and comfort level of the staff. Preceptors are also asked to attend clinical rounds, present at informal journal rounds, and work on a case report and larger project. Preceptors are shown routine clinical laboratory tests and necropsy protocols and are expected to then carry out these as necessary.
  • Additional Application Forms: form1