Every summer, the Wildlife Medical Clinic student volunteer base leave campus for their own adventures and learning opportunities. With the summer being our busiest season, we still have plenty of animals to take care of during this period. So, who takes care of all the animals? The WMC student managers and a handful of veterinary student summer interns take on that task! We interviewed this year’s four summer interns about their experiences and the Wildlife Medical Clinic.
Selena Harrison, third-year veterinary student
Why did you apply for the internship at the Wildlife Medical Clinic?
I was a team leader in the clinic this past year and loved helping teach other students about the clinic and about medicine. However, I wanted to take this summer to further my own learning and thought this internship would be my best opportunity.
What is your favorite wildlife species?
Snow leopards and bears!
What do you want to do in your future career?
I want to pursue wildlife and international medicine. So, I’m hoping to combine my passion for travel with my passion for wildlife medicine.
What has been your favorite part of being involved in the WMC?
The friendships I’ve made and the amount of hand on experience I have gained. I’m a very experience-based learner and so the clinic has given me an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I gain in class to a clinical setting.
Lauren Vincent, second-year veterinary student
Why did you apply for the internship at the Wildlife Medical Clinic?
I wanted to gain more clinical experience with wildlife species. I have previous experience with rehabilitation and conservation efforts, which sparked my interest in wildlife medicine. I chose to attend Illinois for veterinary school because of the amazing work done at the WMC. After volunteering in the clinic during the school year, I was eager to take on more responsibility and become more involved!
What is your favorite wildlife species?
Cheetahs! Unfortunately, we don’t see many of those in the clinic… . In terms of patients, I love working with our raptors and think they are so cool!
What do you want to do in your future career?
I am a huge advocate for wildlife conservation and would like to use my veterinary degree to make advancements in this field. Ideally, this would be manifested as working in a wildlife rehabilitation center while volunteering for wildlife conservation groups or providing medical assistance as part of a disaster response team.
What has been your favorite part of being involved in the WMC?
I love being surrounded by people who share my passion for wildlife medicine. When a new patient is admitted to the clinic, there is a collaborative effort between members of our team and guidance from faculty to get that animal back to full health. It’s exciting that as future doctors, we have this opportunity to apply what we’re learning in class and watch our patients improve as a result of our care. This team is amazing, and I have so much to learn from them!
Colleen Elzinga, third-year veterinary student
Why did you apply for the internship at the Wildlife Medical Clinic?
I loved volunteering at the clinic during the school year and I was ready to take on more responsibility with a larger caseload over the summer. Though this summer will be particularly unique and tough given current events, I’m excited for the opportunity to learn more and save all the animals we can.
What is your favorite wildlife species?
It’s hard to pick just one, but right now I would say the Virginia opossum. They have a positive impact on the ecosystem that often goes unappreciated, not to mention they can be pretty darn adorable.
What do you want to do in your future career?
My ultimate goal is to become a zoo or wildlife veterinarian. Who knows where I’ll end up, but hopefully my future job will be related to that field.
What has been your favorite part of being involved in the WMC?
The people! I’ve learned so much since I started there and it’s all thanks to the doctors, team leaders, and other volunteers. Putting our heads together to figure out a problem or work through a treatment plan has really helped me grow and build confidence in applying what I’ve learned in school.
Rebecca Berton, second-year veterinary student
Why did you apply for the internship at the Wildlife Medical Clinic?
I applied for this internship because I enjoyed volunteering in the clinic this past school year. I had learned so much and wanted to continue to learn from the amazing faculty and staff at the Wildlife Medical Clinic. We get to do so much hands-on learning and, not to mention, we get to see plenty of adorable animals!
What is your favorite wildlife species?
My favorite wildlife species would have to be barred owls! They have such a sassy personality and tend to do well in our care. Sometimes they can come in quite debilitated, but by the time they are ready to leave they will definitely give you a run for your money! It is exciting to see such a dramatic improvement as a result of our efforts!
What do you want to do in your future career?
In the future, it is my goal to apply for internship and, eventually, a zoological medicine residency. I want to be able to work at a zoo someday and become involved in the Species Survival Plans of various species, especially primates.
What has been your favorite part of being involved in the WMC?
My favorite part of the WMC is the knowing that I have the support from everyone around me. Everyone respects each other as a doctor and is willing to talk you through different medical decisions and help you make the best plan for your patient. Being able to plan the treatment for a patient and follow it through until the end is so educational!
