The preceptorship program at the Shedd Aquarium offers exposure to the veterinary management of a large and diverse collection of fishes, marine mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, non-marine mammals and invertebrates. Students work closely with the veterinary staff (includes 3 veterinarians, a veterinary resident, 4 veterinary technicians, staff microbiologist and water quality personnel). Responsibilities are assigned based on each student’s level of interest and aptitude. Students must complete a project, which will be determined in the first week of the preceptorship. A full service aquatic sciences library is available to students on-site. Please note that student housing and stipends are not available. Some students have been able to arrange boarding accommodations with Shedd employees, but this is uncommon.
Transportation:
Public transportation allows for fairly inexpensive and easy commuting to the Aquarium. Parking is available in via daily discounted passes or monthly passes.
Requirements:
- Fourth year veterinary student at time of the preceptorship.
- 4-6 week time commitment (5 days weekly, 8 hours per day)
- Negative tuberculin skin test w/in 60 days prior to arrival and current tetanus vaccination.
- Student must provide vaccination history and TB test results on the first day.
- Health insurance
Application:
- Letter of intent
- Resume or Curriculum vitae
- Three letters of reference
- Specific available dates during the next academic year
Applications are due by December 1st (e.g. 12/1/08 for 2009-10 academic year)
Decisions will be made by winter break and are provisional based on results from a mandatory background check. Accepted students must complete and sign “Background Information Release Authorization” and “Background Investigation Information” forms prior to starting the preceptorship.
