PAWS Veterinary and Public Health Externship Programs

The PAWS Veterinary Externship Program was established in 1998 to address the lack of training in the field of the human-animal bond in traditional veterinary medical education. In response to few opportunities for veterinary students to gain practical experience in issues involving the human-animal bond, a month-long veterinary internship program was established to provide firsthand experience in the context of a private, nonprofit organization such as PAWS. In 2003, this program was expanded to students pursuing a Masters in Public Health. By having top students from both the veterinary and public health fields as externs, PAWS fosters communication and cooperation between the human and veterinary medical communities. PAWS believes it is important for these fields to work together to ensure the mutual health benefits for both humans and animals.

Every year two to four externs are selected through a competitive process. This supervised, education-oriented externship involves public speaking experiences, direct interaction with clients and PAWS staff members, research projects, and field days with the local veterinary community. The work is designed to train and educate potential leaders and professionals who will have an impact in the field of the human-animal bond.

PAWS encourages extern applicants to propose their own research projects in their application, particularly around the topic of health benefits of the human-animal bond. PAWS is proud of this program and hopes that it will continue to grow and develop in the future as more people recognize the significance of healing and the human-animal bond.