Aquaculture medicine remains an underserved and largely-unknown specialty within the scope of veterinary practice. Only a small number of veterinary schools incorporate fish health classes into their core curriculums and fewer still offer insight into herd health management of aquatic species for production (human consumption) and/or mitigation (wildlife supplementation) purposes. This program was created in the hopes of exposing veterinary students, those who have a proven and focused interest in the field, to a variety of salmon and trout hatcheries, natural resource agencies, and aquatic health professionals within the Pacific Northwest.

Pacific salmon and trout

Students should have a proven and focused interest in aquaculture. They should participate during their 4th year of veterinary school.

Three applicants will be chosen to participate in a two-to-four week externship during the late summer and fall (August through late October) per calendar year.

Housing is available

Deadline is July 1, 2023 to participate in the Fall of 2024. Early applications are welcome. Veterinary students who wish to apply to the program are expected to send a CV and/or resume, a cover letter that includes some of their personal goals for the rotation, how many weeks and what dates you are available, a list of three references to Dr. Bamberger before their fourth year of veterinary school. Selection will be dependent on the student’s commitment to aquaculture medicine. Once selected, and the availability of all parties is confirmed for the dates requested, students will be expected to tend to travel logistics and arrange for transportation and housing during their stay; a rental car or privately-owned vehicle is required for the entire duration of the rotation. Students will spend roughly one week in each region (Eagle, ID; Spokane, WA; Wenatchee, WA; and Olympia, WA), rotating between veterinarians and moving east to west or west to east.

Email: betsy.bamberger@dcpud.org