Veterinary Residency in Zoological Medicine

Saint Louis Zoo • Saint Louis, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Saint Louis Zoo’s Department of Animal Health offers an intensive three-year clinical residency in zoological medicine, compliant with requirements set forth by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). The objective of the program is to provide the facilities, case material, training opportunities, and mentorship necessary for the resident to become a Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine TM. This includes developing comprehensive knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise for independent clinical practice, preparing candidates for ACZM board certification, refining skills in applied research and publication, and gaining exposure to the operations of a large zoological institution. The resident will also be exposed to teaching and clinical training of veterinary students through didactic lectures and mentorship. The resident’s clinical experience will be primarily through veterinary care of the Saint Louis Zoo’s extensive and diverse animal collection on three campuses: Forest Park campus (including a 17,000 square foot Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital building), WildCare Park campus (a 425-acre safari park and conservation center), and Sear’s Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve (a 20-acre conservation habitat for American red wolves). Experiences include clinical medicine and diagnostic services, anesthesia, preventive medicine, surgical care, pathology, quarantine and pre-shipment evaluation, training of veterinary students, and professional development. The position is a member of the Department of Animal Health, comprised of the Director of Animal Health, an Assistant Director, four full-time Staff Veterinarians, a Staff Pathologist, six Veterinary Technicians, two Animal Health Keepers, and an Administrative Assistant. This position requires a dynamic, kind, and compassionate individual. Candidates should demonstrate a teamwork style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, collaboration and safety, and promotes the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Program start date is August 2027.

Requirements

• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (or equivalent)
• Able to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
• Able to obtain a Missouri Veterinary License and USDA accreditation within six months of employment.
• Eligible to obtain a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) practitioner license, and be registered under the Missouri Board of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD).
• Completed at least one year of structured post-graduate training, or two years of experience as a veterinarian.
• Demonstrate excellence in clinical decision-making, knowledge and experience in zoological medicine and strong communication skills.
• Able to work both independently and under supervision.
• Demonstrate a service mentality, a positive attitude, thrive in a collaborative team dynamic, and align with the Saint Louis Zoo’s values and mission.
• Undergo a criminal background check and a drug test.
• COVID vaccination is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the care and preventive medicine programs for the Zoo’s taxonomically diverse collection, with oversight from four supervising ACZM Diplomates.
• Share responsibility and take initiative for professional growth and advancing zoological medicine through participation in scholarly activity, peer-reviewed manuscript publication, and meeting credentialing guidelines set forth by the ACZM.
• Maintain professional conduct and ethic, and abide by the mission, keys, and policies of the Saint Louis Zoo.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree