General information
City: Wichita
State: Kansas
Hospital Name: Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita
Job Type: Veterinary Extern
Employment Type: Externship
Description & Requirements
Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita (VESH) welcomes fourth-year veterinary students enrolled in accredited domestic or international veterinary programs pursuing a DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.
Our externship is designed for students seeking hands-on experience in veterinary emergency medicine within a supportive, collaborative learning environment. Students work alongside experienced emergency veterinarians, credentialed technicians, assistants, and client service representatives while participating in the care of canine and feline emergency patients.
This is primarily an Emergency Medicine externship, providing exposure to a broad range of emergent and critical cases. While opportunities to observe specialty consultations or procedures may occasionally be available, specialty experiences cannot be guaranteed and vary based on specialist availability.
Program Overview
Externship length and scheduling may be tailored to meet veterinary school requirements while aligning with hospital caseload and educational opportunities.
Following orientation and a hospital tour, students are paired with a veterinarian mentor to discuss individual goals and learning objectives. Throughout the externship, students are encouraged to actively participate in patient care and become integrated members of the clinical team.
During your rotation, you may:
- Participate in emergency case evaluations and treatment planning
- Observe and assist with procedures appropriate to your skill level
- Attend patient rounds and case discussions
- Develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills
- Gain exposure to emergency triage, stabilization, hospitalization, and discharge processes
- Collaborate with veterinarians, credentialed technicians, and support staff in a fast-paced clinical environment
About VESHW
Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita provides emergency and specialty services for pets throughout Wichita and the surrounding region. We treat both dogs and cats, managing a wide variety of medical and surgical emergencies ranging from trauma and toxin exposures to respiratory distress, endocrine disease, toxicities, and critical illness.
At VESHW, we know that building a great team is an ongoing process. We work hard to foster a culture where collaboration, respect, empathy, accountability, and curiosity are expected and encouraged. We believe the best patient care comes from people who are willing to communicate openly, learn from one another, and support their colleagues through both successes and challenges.
Externs are welcomed as part of that learning environment and are encouraged to participate in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to patient care appropriate to their level of training.
In addition to caring for owned pets, VESHW works with local organizations and agencies to help provide care for injured and ill stray animals brought to the hospital, allowing students exposure to a diverse and meaningful caseload that serves both pets and the broader community.
Facilities and Diagnostic Capabilities
Students gain exposure to a variety of advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including:
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Digital Radiography
- Endoscopy
- Point-of-care ultrasonography, including FAST examinations
- Dedicated ICU and treatment areas
- Advanced anesthesia and patient-monitoring equipment
Diagnostic imaging studies are interpreted through consultation with board-certified veterinary radiologists, providing students exposure to specialist-supported case management and medical decision-making.
Many members of our clinical team, including both veterinarians and credentialed technicians, have completed RECOVER CPR certification and actively incorporate current emergency and critical care principles into patient management.
Why Wichita?
Wichita offers many of the advantages of a larger city while maintaining an affordable cost of living, reasonable commute times, and a welcoming Midwestern feel.
Outside the hospital, students can explore:
- A growing food, coffee, and brewery scene
- The nationally recognized Sedgwick County Zoo
- Botanica Wichita and numerous public gardens
- Museums, performing arts venues, and local music events
- Riverfront attractions and a continually evolving downtown district
- Professional and collegiate sporting events
- Extensive walking and biking trails throughout the city
- Nearby lakes and outdoor recreation opportunities including kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking
Wichita's central location also makes weekend travel convenient, with destinations such as Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and the Flint Hills within driving distance.
Whether you enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, local restaurants, live entertainment, or simply spending less time commuting and more time enjoying life outside of work, Wichita offers a quality of life that surprises many visitors and keeps many young professionals here long term.
Join Us
Emergency medicine is challenging, rewarding, and unlike any other area of veterinary practice. If you're eager to build clinical confidence, strengthen your decision-making skills, and learn from a team that values collaboration, curiosity, and compassionate patient care, we'd love to welcome you to Wichita.
At VESHW, externs are more than observers. They are encouraged to engage with cases, contribute to discussions, ask questions, and learn alongside clinicians who are invested in teaching and mentorship.
Whether you're considering a future career in emergency medicine or looking to broaden your clinical experience during your final year of veterinary school, we invite you to experience VESHW firsthand.
Apply today to learn more about available externship opportunities and discover what emergency medicine in Wichita has to offer.