Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell
Shelter Medicine Internship Training Program at Cornell University
(October 2009)
Faculty in direct support of the program:
Jan Scarlett DVM, PhD
Elizabeth Berliner DVM, MA
William Hornbuckle DVM, DACVIM
Staff in direct support of the program:
Kelly Garner MA (Program Coordinator)
Kelley Bollen MS, CABC (Animal Behaviorist)
Sue Honig MS (Computer Programmer)
Shelter Medicine Internships
We have two internships this year. The internship in shelter medicine offers training for veterinarians interested in the exciting new discipline of shelter medicine. Shelter medicine differs from traditional small animal medicine in its emphasis on preventive medicine and population health management (including behavioral health). Experienced veterinarians and recent graduates are welcome to apply. Whether you are interested in working as a full- or part-time staff member for an animal shelter or consulting with one, the program offers a foundation of knowledge to enable you to provide optimal care. The goal of the internship is to provide basic training in the maintenance of the health of shelter animals at the individual and population level, management of endemic and epidemic disease, and further experience and training with high quality, high volume spay/neuter techniques.
Interns work primarily in local animal shelters with an experienced clinician to deliver care to shelter animals, as well as consult on best shelter practices to ensure health maintenance and appropriate management of disease. Prevention of pet homelessness, including additional training in spay/neuter, is also emphasized. Training locally is supplemented with externships at other regional animal shelters employing staff veterinarians. Interns will participate in shelter medicine and other relevant seminars, journal clubs and shelter medicine rounds (often leading the discussions). Interns are also expected to assist in the supervision of veterinary students in the Community Practice Service (which includes spay/neuter training) at local shelters, and provide several lectures in the shelter medicine elective courses.
At least 30% of the internship will be spent rotating through clinical services in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, with rotations on services with most applicability to a career in shelter medicine (such as community practice, exotics, and internal medicine). On most rotations, the intern will act as member of a clinical service along with senior students, a resident in specialty training, and a clinical faculty member.
Learning occurs by example, by hands-on experience, by case and shelter discussion, by instruction of students, and by attendance at teaching rounds and seminars. Preparation of a manuscript for publication is encouraged.
Upon satisfactory completion of the internship, a “Certificate of Shelter Medicine Internship” will be awarded.