The Mystic Aquarium veterinary team is composed of board-certified aquatic animal veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians who are experts in the medical care and welfare of aquatic species. The veterinary team oversees all aspects animal health for the aquarium animals as well as providing care for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles through Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program. The veterinary team is also actively engaged in the advancement of aquatic animal health through contributions to clinical research and wildlife conservation efforts.

Veterinary Student Externship

The veterinary externship program at Mystic Aquarium provides fourth-year veterinary students the opportunity to gain experience in aquatic animal medicine. Students are exposed to the veterinary care and husbandry of a diverse range of species including belugas, seals, sea lions, fish, invertebrates, sea turtles, terrestrial reptiles, penguins, amphibians, sharks and stingrays. Students assist the aquatic veterinary specialists with the medical management of aquarium animals as well as sea turtles and marine mammals in Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program. Students also participate in necropsy evaluations and clinical case rounds. Externs are responsible for completing a research project or literature review on an aquatic veterinary topic for presentation to veterinary staff. The veterinary externship is a non-paid position and students are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation during their program. 

Externship Scheduling

Externships are 3-4 weeks in duration and offered during the months of September through May. Applications are due by October 1st one year prior to the planned externship (for example, externships for the 2026-2027 school year are due by October 1st, 2025). Students will be notified of acceptance by December 31st. Once a student has been selected the program dates will be offered based on the students requested dates and aquariums availability. 

Application

1) Resume/Curriculum vitae
2) Letter of intent; please a) discuss your past experience in zoological medicine, b) what your ultimate career objective is, and how this externship will help you progress towards it and c) outline 3 specific and realistic goals you hope to work towards during your externship program and how you envision achieving them.
3) Veterinary school transcripts (unofficial is acceptable).
4) Two letters of reference from veterinarians familiar with your clinical experience and dedication to aquatic animal medicine, submitted directly by the letter writer.
5) Provide your institution’s evaluation/grading requirements for externs and the best contact information for your institutional externship coordinator or liaison.

Application materials and additional questions should be submitted to Dr. Tatiana Weisbrod (tweisbrod@mysticaquarium.org). Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Veterinary Internship  

Mystic Aquarium offers a post graduate training position for veterinarians looking to specialize in aquatic animal medicine through a Veterinary Internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine and Research. The internship is a one-year position; however, in select cases extension to a second year is possible. For more information click here;  Veterinary Internship Application

Mystic Aquarium is proud to have played a role in the careers of its intern alumni, see where they are now (Vet Internship Alumni).

Veterinary Technician Externship

Veterinary Technician students and recent graduates of accredited veterinary nursing/technology programs can gain experience in aquatic animal medicine.  Students are exposed to the veterinary care and husbandry of a diverse range of species.  Externs assist the veterinary team with the medical management of aquarium animals and for sea turtles and marine mammals undergoing rehabilitation in Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program.  Externs also participate and assist in necropsy evaluations, laboratory sample collection and diagnostic processing, surgical monitoring, annual preventive health and wellness exams, and clinical case rounds.  Acceptance to this program is on a rolling-basis and interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting the desired application materials. For more information click here;  Veterinary Technician Externship