Embarking on a career in veterinary medicine, particularly in the specialized fields of avian and exotic animal care, requires hands-on experience that goes beyond classroom learning. Externships offer a crucial bridge between academic knowledge and practical application, providing students with invaluable insights into the daily realities of specialized veterinary practice. The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) facilitates these vital learning opportunities through testimonials from students who have undertaken externships at various avian and exotic animal clinics and wildlife rehabilitation centers. These accounts highlight the diverse experiences, skill development, and passion ignited in future veterinarians.
A Spectrum of Learning Experiences
Students undertaking externships with the AAV report a wide array of experiences, each contributing to their professional growth. From busy avian and exotic animal clinics to dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centers, the settings offer unique learning environments. At Avian and Exotic Animal Care (AEAC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, fourth-year student Greta Karwath detailed how her four-week externship allowed her to strengthen clinical skills in physical exams, venipuncture, and handling. She was particularly drawn to the urgent care days, gaining practical experience in emergency medicine tailored to exotic species. Similarly, Ashley Boderick, also from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized her return to Avian and Exotic Animal Care of Raleigh for a two-week externship. Her experience was enriched by working with AAV leaders and avian experts, applying up-to-date medicine, low-stress handling, and advanced surgical techniques. Boderick also noted the valuable insights gained from client communications, particularly regarding disease management and husbandry improvements for avian patients.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota provided Marg Bednarek, a student from the University of Illinois, with a formative month-long experience during peak season. She honed her skills in wildlife medicine through triage, treatment planning, diagnostic imaging, and surgery, collaborating with a dedicated team. The National Aviary offered Alaina Duessel from the University of Pennsylvania a four-week immersion, where she learned the critical importance of species-specific care. Her experience included practical procedures like beak trims and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of avian medicine. At the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), students like Evanna Lai from the University of Wisconsin and Anna De la Cruz from Tufts University gained extensive experience. Lai highlighted learning fear-free handling techniques with a scarlet macaw and practicing skills from physical exams to endoscopy. De la Cruz’s externship involved assisting with patient intakes, inpatient care, and observing surgeries, notably a humeral fracture repair on a red-shouldered hawk, broadening her experience with diverse Florida wildlife.
Developing Core Veterinary Skills
Across these testimonials, a common thread emerges: the significant development of core veterinary skills. Students consistently report improvements in their ability to perform physical examinations, accurately diagnose conditions, interpret diagnostic tests, and formulate effective treatment plans. For instance, Erika Mueller from the University of Wisconsin found her externship at CROW invaluable for building skills in bandaging, radiograph positioning, and making diagnostic and treatment recommendations. She also participated in a fracture repair lab, practicing useful surgical skills. Jonathan Zziwa, a student from Uganda, described his externship at Abu Mukasa Agro Tourism Centre as a unique, hands-on opportunity to work with exotic birds beyond the typical poultry focus of his schooling. Under Dr. Onnenchan’s mentorship, he refined disease diagnosis and management skills, gaining confidence in handling complex avian cases.
The Importance of Mentorship and Practical Application
The role of mentorship in these externship experiences cannot be overstated. Students frequently express gratitude for the guidance and knowledge shared by experienced veterinarians. At Specialized Care for Avian and Exotic Pets (SCAEP), Rachel Corin from Lincoln Memorial University gained hands-on experience with a multitude of species, including basic avian skills, interpreting Gram’s stains, and placing intraosseous catheters. She particularly valued the opportunity to learn about avian cardiology and interpret avian ECGs, which differed significantly from mammalian interpretations. Noah Goldfarb, a student from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the mentorship received at MedVet Hilliard’s Avian & Exotics Service, where he enhanced his diagnostic interpretation skills and learned fear-free examination techniques.
The testimonials also underscore the value of practical, real-world application. Maryella Cohn from Louisiana State University described her time at the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital as an incredible learning experience, participating in both routine appointments and daily emergencies. The clinic’s high volume of surgeries provided ample observation opportunities. Jessica Malec from the University of Minnesota emphasized how her externship at the Wildlife Center of Virginia allowed her to practice physical examinations on a wide range of avian patients and take the lead in performing and interpreting diagnostics like radiographs, solidifying her transition into a clinician’s mindset.
Embracing the Challenges and Rewards
Externships in avian and exotic medicine are not without their challenges. Students often encounter situations that push their knowledge and emotional resilience. Zoë Selby, undertaking externships at both the South Florida Wildlife Center and The Medical Center for Birds, gained experience with diverse avian species, from seabirds to parrots. She practiced clinical reasoning, surgical skills, and even participated in pre-release conditioning. Her time at the latter clinic exposed her to common avian pathologies like reproductive disease and atherosclerosis in psittacines.
The dedication to animal welfare and the rewarding nature of helping these unique patients are recurring themes. Jared Zion from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine revisited the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine, the place of his initial clinical exposure to exotic animal medicine. He valued the fast-paced hospital environment, diverse diagnostics, and the opportunity to work with species ranging from common exotics to more unique cases like a peacock with a tendon rupture. The experience reinforced his passion for non-domestic species and provided him with clinical expertise for his final year.
Conclusion
The testimonials collected by the Association of Avian Veterinarians paint a clear picture of the transformative power of externships. These intensive, practical experiences are essential for developing competent, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinarians in the specialized fields of avian and exotic animal medicine. Through dedicated mentorship, diverse caseloads, and hands-on skill development, students are not only equipped with the technical abilities required for practice but also cultivate a deep appreciation for the unique needs and complexities of these fascinating creatures. The AAV’s commitment to showcasing these externship experiences highlights the vital role they play in shaping the future of avian and exotic veterinary care.
