About The Position

The Pathology Veterinary Student Externship is an opportunity for veterinary students in their final/clinical year to gain experience in marine mammal anatomy and pathology. Pathology Veterinary Student Externs will conduct necropsies and collect postmortem data on our patients and select carcasses, which consist of phocids, otariids, and the occasional cetacean and sea otter. During their time at The Marine Mammal Center, they will become familiar with marine mammal gross necropsy, anatomy and necropsy report writing. There is no clinical/live animal component to this externship. This program requires a minimum commitment of 3 weeks and maximum of 4 weeks, between March 1 and September 30 of 2028. Shared housing near the Center MAY be available for a fee. Independent transportation is required; there is no public transportation to the Center’s hospital or guest housing. Students who are accepted into the program will be asked to submit a separate application for housing.

Requirements

  • DVM student enrolled in end of 3rd year through 4th year (clinical year) of veterinary school.
  • Primarily interested in pathology (no clinical interest).
  • Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds within the necropsy laboratory and/or in the field for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
  • Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength and coordination.
  • Ability to remain in a standing, stationary position and move in an office environment for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to operate a computer and use basic computer programs.
  • Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.

Responsibilities

  • Perform gross necropsies and write necropsy reports.
  • Learning collection techniques for sampling for histology and other diagnostics as case load allows.

Benefits

  • No benefits
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