An externship experience at an NVA hospital will give students the unique opportunity to understand the day-to-day operations of the practice, and to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience. McAbee Veterinary Hospital is a small animal practice with a growing team located in beautiful Winter Park, FL. They offer high quality and progressive medical, dental, and surgical care to a devoted community following. Their team of collaborative doctors and skilled support staff make the hospital an outstanding place to learn about excellent medical practice and for mentorship.

Students will work closely with the supervising Associate Veterinarians to gain experience in gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, creation of treatment plans, diagnostics, dentistry services, observing/assisting or performing surgical procedures, and medical management of patients. In addition to practicing their clinical skills, student externs will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills with the medical team, support staff, and clients.  

The hospital is a large building that offers state-of-the-art medical care.  There are 7 exam rooms that include hydraulic scale lift tables; a double surgical suite with electrocautery and surgical laser; and a special procedures room with endoscopy and ultrasound. The hospital offers equipment to provide all in-house diagnostics: state of the art digital radiography, including dental, digital ultrasound, EKG, full in-house laboratory, as well as referral lab availability.

Most externship experiences at McAbee Veterinary Hospital range from two to eight weeks depending on student and hospital schedules. All veterinary students (regardless of class year) are encouraged to participate in NVA externships.

Veterinary students who are in the clinical portion of their education are eligible for a travel/living expense stipend. Click HERE to view list of stipend amounts and HERE for details on the stipend program.