Special Information for Visiting Veterinary Extern Students
Space permitting, we welcome veterinary students to complete part of their learning at our clinic. We do require a minimum of three weeks and we book up very quickly. Veterinary students may email their personal/school details, along with a letter of intention, resume, and preferred dates to Jess Backherms at jess@exoticvetclinic.com. Please check availability here before contacting.
Technician externs may email their personal/school details, along with a letter of intention, preferred dates, and two references to Casey Gardner RVT at cgardnerrvt@gmail.com. Due to the typical length of externships and amount of hands-on technical skills, an interview may be required.
PLEASE NOTE: We are currently only able to accept students who are or will be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time of their visit.
Often students ask us to fill out paperwork required by their University programs. Please refer to the following information to complete your paperwork. Please send completed paperwork to the email address above. Please call if you have questions, but we request that you do not ask our staff to complete the paperwork for you.
General Information:
The clinic was established in 1985 as Indiana’s first all exotic veterinary clinic. The practice is dedicated entirely to the medicine and surgery of all exotic pet species. We do not treat dogs, cats, or horses.
Monday: 9-5pm
Tuesday: 9-5pm
Wednesday: 9-5pm (We are closed every Wednesday from 12-2pm for staff training.)
Thursday: 9-5pm
Friday: 9-5pm
Saturday: 9-5pm
After hours emergency calls are taken by our staff on a rotating basis. Common species seen include small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, etc.), avian species, reptiles, and wildlife. Occasionally the clinic will see fish, exotic cats, zoo animals, and privately owned foxes, raccoons, primates, etc. Common procedures performed include routine spay/neuter, dentals, mass removals, amputations, exploratory surgeries, and endoscopy.
Our staff:
Angela M. Lennox, DVM, Dipl. ABVP-Avian, ECM, (certified in avian and exotic companion mammal practice) ECZM-Small Mammal. Graduated from Purdue University in 1989. Practiced 100% exotic animal medicine since 1991. Complete CV is available upon request.
Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic is an ABVP residency training site and has several residents and/or interns on staff at any given time.
Our support staff includes 6 registered Veterinary Technicians, a team of Veterinary Assistants, and our practice manager.
Expectations:
Students participate in the activities of a busy 100% exotic animal practice. Students are responsible for the primary care and evaluation of injured and orphaned wildlife brought to the clinic.
Students may practice techniques and mock surgeries on available cadavers. Most students will participate in the general nursing care of our patients and client education after demonstrating adequate proficiency.
No formal evaluation will be provided beyond that required by the student’s University. Students are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude and professional demeanor at all times, and to help keep the practice orderly and clean. Students are expected to treat our clients and professional staff with courtesy and respect.
Veterinary Technician Students will have opportunities to practice technical skills outlined in their externship program manual under direct supervision depending on individual skill level.