Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Externship Stipend
Through the generosity of Maddie’s Fund®, MSMP provides travel stipends to a limited number of veterinary students participating in Shelter Medicine externships. Students in this program will gain a hands-on overview of different models of animal sheltering systems and develop shelter-specific veterinary skills through clinical work.
What are some things I should know about completing the Maddie’s® Externships?
Students will complete two externships. Each externship must be a minimum of two weeks long and include an open-admission animal shelter as well as an adoption-guarantee (“No-Kill”) animal shelter.
In addition to full-time attendance, students will keep a daily log.
Students will be required to write a report describing the importance of the experience with photo illustrations. These may be published on the UF Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine webpage. Templates for the report will be provided.
Additionally, the student will complete an evaluation within one week of completing the program. Likewise, the hosting agency will evaluate each student.
How many credits are awarded?
The externships are worth 4 credits (two credits for each of two different externships).
What is the stipend amount?
At least 8 stipends are available for 2012. Stipends of $1500 are provided to selected students. Up to $750 will be paid for each of the two externship components no more than one month prior to each scheduled component. Stipends must be repaid within one month if a component is not completed. Some externship agencies also provide stipends and housing support. Such support is in addition to the stipend from the Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program.
When can I enroll in these externships?
This externship program can be completed during the junior and senior years.
For whom is this program designed?
All veterinary students are encouraged to apply! Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Certificate in Shelter Medicine if there are insufficient funds to support all of the applications.
How do I apply?
Students should submit stipend applications to sheltermedicine@vetmed.ufl.edu including:
- A short essay (one page maximum) indicating their previous experience with shelters, why they would like to participate in Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Externship Program, and their career goals.
- A current resume and a picture of the student (preferably with an animal).
- The choice of agencies and the proposed schedule for completion.
Helpful Links
2012 Stipend Program Information Sheet