tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436878270535434755.post3991107636793295348..comments2023-08-25T08:39:14.082-06:00Comments on Wildlife Vet, Author, Storyteller: Zebra stripes and leopard spotsJerry Haighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276901551047524363noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436878270535434755.post-90562570551973026702010-05-17T07:22:15.375-06:002010-05-17T07:22:15.375-06:00Hi Liz,
Thanks for yours & the kind words.
Fi...Hi Liz,<br />Thanks for yours & the kind words.<br /><br />First, up, remember that I got I into wildlife medicine at a time when there were not many vets involved anywhere in the world. Maybe half a dozen in Africa, at most. I got in because I played a fair game of tennis 45 years ago! I’ll leave you to figure that one out from the books, but it did require a mix of sheer luck and willingness to give things a try. I still may be the only vet to ever give an enema to a constipated rhino, and she was just the second rhino I had ever examined medically. If you want signed copies of the books, let me know.<br /><br />As for the NOW. Your success will depend upon where you are based, and your mail does not tell me that.<br /><br />First up, find out what sorts of students programs there are out there for the summer months. Students from the Western College of Vet Med are involved in at least 3 projects in Africa right now, either with Global Vets or the Canadian arm of Veterinarians Without Borders/ Vétérinaires Sans Frontiéres.<br /><br />I just had a call yesterday from one group who are in Uganda, working with faculty there on a large predator program. Other schools have similar programs in many corners of the world.<br /><br />Second, find out what sorts of programs are available in your own school. Most schools have some sort of wild bird, wildlife rehab or marine mammal clinical club. Join it, and you’ll be able to network.<br /><br />If there is a faculty member involved in wildlife work, see if you can get a summer research or tech job with her/him. <br /><br />Start looking at post-grad programs all over the world. These days it would be hard to get into the world of conservation medicine without a post-grad degree. Find one that excites you. If research is not your thing, there are internships in zoo medicine, but I don’t think there are in wildlife programs.<br /><br />There are several associations that are likely to be a big help. The Wildlife Disease Association has strong students chapters and a great annual conference. The American Assn of Zoo Veterinarians, The American Assn of Wildlife Veterinarians and the Canadian Assn of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians are all worth checking. I have been a member of all of these groups. There are bird, marine mammals and reptile/amphibian associations as well. If you are not in N. America, find out what is available locally.<br /><br />Then of course, work hard, have fun & GOOD LUCK.Jerry Haighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14276901551047524363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436878270535434755.post-2298914955010073162010-05-17T00:47:50.060-06:002010-05-17T00:47:50.060-06:00I just stumbled upon your blog by coincidence, and...I just stumbled upon your blog by coincidence, and I'm amazed by all the work you do! I know this is forward of me, but I'm a current undergrad (Junior level) with a passion for wildlife, conservation, and veterinary medicine. I've been working with primates for the past three years, and I'm recently starting with larger wildlife. I guess where this is leading is to...<br /><br />How easy or difficult was it for you to break into wildlife medicine after Vet school? What school did you attend? I'm not sure if there are any in particular with specific aims at wildlife training I should be applying to. <br /><br />Is there any advice you could give to someone whose dream is to be in your shoes one day? <br /><br />Keep doing what you are doing!!! =] <br /><br />LizLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15499042043315326683noreply@blogger.com