Internships/Externships

Internship Program
Our internship program has grown tremendously since its inception in 1981. We feel as though our program improves every year toward a goal of creating a solid skill and knowledge base for the first year graduate.

The ambulatory interns spend approximately six weeks on rotation with our ambulatory clinicians. During this time they become familiar with the area and our core clientele. It also provides time for intensive instruction and a period of “mentoring”. This introductory period allows time for interns to learn the administrative part of our business (submission of lab work, billing, fee schedules, standard examination forms, etc.).

Once this introductory period is over, the ambulatory interns are expected to practice independently, and are set up with their own vehicles, equipment, supplies, etc. With this, a new stage of learning begins. Although we encourage constant communication between the interns and other clinicians, it is at this time that the interns are making their own diagnoses and prescribing treatments.

They will also be asked to assist and become involved in “more interesting”, challenging or unusual cases or procedures.

The hospital internship involves the intern with medicine, surgery, sports medicine and outpatient cases. They are involved in all aspects of patient management. As opposed to some internship programs we do not bring in our interns to be anesthetists or technicians, but rather as veterinarians. As such, their veterinary skills and knowledge, capacity for client interaction and work ethic will be called upon. The hospital internship provides an excellent basis in all aspects of referral cases and is ideal for the new graduate who is considering a residency program in the future.
All interns are required to attend a series of practice short courses during their internship at Peterson & Smith. These courses include topics such as: endoscopy, shock wave therapy, reproduction, pediatrics, and nerve blocks.

If you are interested in our internship program please contact Grace Tirado Perez, Operations Assistant by phone (352) 237-6151 or e-mail GTIRA@petersonsmith.com

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Externship Program
Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital welcomes visits from veterinary students. They come to us from not only the United States but from all over the World. We do not have a rigidly structured program for students but allow them as much flexibility as possible to see whatever aspects of the practice interest them. This enables the students to choose whether they go out in the field or remain at the hospital . We expect our students to assist practitioners as needed. From time to time they will be expected to help with emergency work no matter the hour. Students are primarily here to observe and little hands-on work will be available. This is dictated by the nature of the horse industry in the Ocala area. However, the number of cases that each student will be exposed to on a daily basis coupled with the knowledge and expertise of our veterinarians provides a strong learning environment. We know that students visit our practice to learn and we try to facilitate this as much as possible. Externs are also welcome to attend any continuing education opportunities available during their externship: evening lectures for local veterinarians, wet labs for interns, journal club, hospital rounds, etc.

The practice owns a large mobile home, located at our Equine Reproduction Center in Summerfield, Florida (a 20-minute drive from the hospital), and leases a two-bedroom apartment close to the hospital. We can accommodate up to nine students (male and female) at a time. Potential interns are strongly encouraged to participate in our externship program prior to applying for an internship.

If you are interested in our externship program please contact Grace Tirado Perez, Operations Assistant by phone (352) 237-6151 or e-mail GTIRA@petersonsmith.com

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Pre-Graduate Working Student Program
Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital also offers a pre-graduate working student program for students enrolled in general agriculture or equine science programs. This program is intended to fulfill the practical experience requirements necessary for each student’s area of study, and any personal goals that they may have. The program is offered in the Spring semester with a deadline for applications by mid-November.

For information about this program please contact Grace Tirado Perez, Operations Assistant by phone (352) 237-6151 or e-mail GTIRA@petersonsmith.com

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