Preparing DVM students for success in general practice

Spectrum of Care Externship Program

If you are an Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine student interested in pursuing a career in Small or Large Animal General Practice, the Spectrum of Care Summer Externship program offers an exciting opportunity to augment your veterinary education! The program combines intensive educational training with real-world clinical practice experience serving a varied client base in a rural or USDA-designated veterinary shortage area.

The Spectrum of Care Summer Externship is a ten-week program for students between their first and second years of the DVM program at Ohio State. Up to 12 small animal students and up to 6 large animal students are accepted on a competitive basis. Students will shadow GP veterinarians in busy, Ohio-based general practices with a broad socioeconomic clientele.

Program Highlights

  • Emphasizes the traditional role of the general practitioner
  • Prepares students to work with clients at various socioeconomic levels
  • Provides students with experience caring for animals in areas with veterinary shortages
  • Develops skills required for success in the real world with a focus on developing practice-ready GPs

Program Format

  • 1 day of orientation
  • 2 weeks of intensive hands-on training at Ohio State
  • 1 week of shadowing and 6 weeks of externship at a participating practice
  • 1 week dedicated to documentation of the experience

Students are required to keep a case log and prepare a case presentation as part of their final report.

Selection Criteria

  • An ideal candidate would be a student planning to pursue a career in private general practice who demonstrates experience with varied cultural backgrounds, self-motivation, excellent communications skills, and familiarity working with low-income populations. The amount of previous clinical experience is not a factor.
  • Students must be members of SAVMA and carry AVMA Professional Liability Insurance for the time frame of the program (free to SAVMA members).
  • You must be able to commit 40 hours/week during the session, including:
    • Orientation: May 13
    • Hands-on-training: May 18 - July 17

Compensation

Compensation includes travel and lodging (if placed outside of Columbus) and a ten-week stipend.

Shelter Medicine Summer Externship Program

We are pleased to offer the Shelter Medicine Summer Externship Program, which mirrors the Spectrum of Care Summer Externship Program. This program was offered for the first time in summer 2024 and we hope to continue and expand the program. We will be selecting at least 2 students on a competitive basis to participate and work with Ohio shelters and high-volume population medicine providers.

Application Process

Application deadline is January 16, 2026

2026 participants will be announced mid-February 2026.