Students will spend time with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fish veterinarian(s) and be exposed to a wide variety of salmonid aquaculture practices and techniques across the state hatchery system. This will include working with fish culturalists and hatchery staff to learn about husbandry and fish culture practices, clinical presentations of moribund fish, microscopic recognition of ectoparasites and bacterial organisms of concern, management strategies for the most common salmonid diseases, reportable pathogen monitoring, and laboratory techniques commonly employed in fish health. The student will be able to spend time in the fish health diagnostic lab if interested. If scheduling permits, other local aquatic veterinarians affiliated with federal government fishery programs, tribal fishery organizations, and private aquaculture entities also may be available for shadowing. Most work is performed on site at facilities and possibly outdoors. Students are expected to produce either a comprehensive case report or a 30-minute powerpoint presentation to staff about a related topic of interest. 

All species of freshwater reared salmonids (i.e. chinook, coho, kokanee), trout (i.e. rainbow, steelhead, bullhead, cutthroat), sturgeon, and tiger muskie.

An interest in population fish health, aquatic pathology, preventative medicine, and/or freshwater aquaculture in general is desired. Previous experience is recommended but not required. 

Externs are accepted year-round and usually scheduled for a four week block, rotating between veterinarians and/or fish health specialists on the west and east sides of the state. The busiest season (in terms of case load) is late spring through fall however most spawning opportunities exist late fall through winter. Housing is not provided, but we will provide information on local opportunities depending on need and availability. Please note: Due to limited space, we are now only accepting applicants for 2019 and beyond.

Please send the following to Dr.  (elizabeth.bamberger@dfw.wa.gov).

• letter of intent (include specific interests and/or research ideas);
• veterinary school transcripts; and,
• a curriculum vitae.