Veterinary Residency in Zoological Medicine

Veterinary Residency in Zoological Medicine Position Type : Full-time Location:   Multiple campuses Department: Animal Health Classification: Exempt Position Summary: 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 through the following: Development of the comprehensive knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise necessary to function as an independent clinician in the field of zoological medicine. Preparation of candidates for ACZM board certification (Zoo Animal Medicine certifying exam).

Refinement of skills in applied research and presentation/manuscript preparation to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of medical care and conservation of zoological species. Exposure to operations of a large zoological institution, including communication among veterinary and animal care managers and zoo staff, animal husbandry and management, nutrition, animal shipments, conservation, and laws/regulations concerning management of zoo animals and wildlife.

Exposure to teaching and clinical training of veterinary students through didactic lectures at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and mentorship of students on clinical rotations at the Saint Louis Zoo. 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 including our Forest Park campus (including a 17,000 square foot Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital building), our WildCare Park campus (a 425-acre safari park and conservation center), and our Sear’s Lehmann Jr.

Wildlife Reserve (a 20-acre conservation habitat for American red wolves). Experiences include but are not limited to, 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. Responsibilities: The veterinary resident will assist in the care and preventive medicine programs for the Zoo’s taxonomically diverse collection, with oversight from four supervising ACZM Diplomates.

In addition to clinical service, the individual is expected to 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. The resident is expected to maintain professional conduct and ethic, and abide by the mission, keys, and policies of the Saint Louis Zoo.

Must have a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (or equivalent) Qualifications: Candidates must have a DVM (or equivalent) and be able to practice veterinary medicine in the United States. Must be able to obtain a Missouri Veterinary License and USDA accreditation within six months of employment. Must be eligible to obtain a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) practitioner license, and be registered under the Missouri Boar