Externship Experience

Submitted by Externship Grant Recipient Paulina Peralta

During my final year as a veterinary student in Mexico, I had the
opportunity to complete four externships at AZA-accredited zoos in the
United States. These experiences gave me invaluable exposure to the
daily work of zoo veterinarians and the essential contributions of
other animal care professionals, including keepers, veterinary
technicians, and administrative staff. I gained hands-on knowledge in
the management and clinical care of animals under human care and
observed real-world conservation efforts for endangered species. In
three of these rotations, I also had the chance to prepare and deliver
a presentation on a case or topic encountered during my stay, which
sparked an interest in research and scientific writing that I had not
fully explored as a student. These externships deeply shaped my
professional development, and now, as a newly graduated veterinarian,
I am committed to a career in zoological medicine to advance both
animal health and species conservation. As an international student, I
sincerely hope that more people have the opportunity to benefit from
these kinds of formative experiences.