Marine Mammal Veterinary Medicine
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International Association For Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAMA): www.iaama.org
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American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) Training Programs
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'After a person graduates from college (4 years), then veterinary school (4 years), and obtains veterinary licensure, he/she usually completes a 1 year internship (e.g.,small or large animal medicine and surgery, zoological medicine). The person then serves a 3-4 year residency in zoological medicine in a training program approved by ACZM under the teachings and guidance of ACZM diplomates. If a person did not complete an ACZM-approved formal training program, he/she must have at least 6 years of experience (100%) in zoological medicine. Once the residency or sufficient experience is completed the board certification process begins.'
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Resources
Books
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CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine (Third Addition)
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Pathology of Wildlife and Zoo Animals Edited by: Karen A. Terio, Denise McAloose and Judy St. Leger
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Marine Mammal Heath and Disease by Julia Zaias (release date 10.28.25)
Journals
Aquatic Animal Medicine Course
Courses in aquatic animal medicine are available for veterinary students and veterinarians. Each program is unique in the aquatic veterinary topics covered and experiences offered to students, however, all are meant to serve as an introduction to the field of aquatic animal medicine.
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Aquatic Extension Courses, University of Florida, Gainesville FL - https://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/distance-learning-courses/
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Cornell University, Ithaca NY - https://www.vet.cornell.edu/education/other-educational-opportunities/aquavet
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MARVET - https://marvet.org/
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Sea Vet, University of Florida, Gainesville FL - https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/seavet/
Aquatic Animal Medicine Externships/Internships/Residencies
Veterinary externships, also known as preceptorships, provide fourth-year veterinary students the opportunity to assist aquatic animal veterinarians for 3-6 weeks to gain exposure to the field. Most facilities will offer veterinary externships annually, with program and application details often found on the facility’s website.
Veterinary internships or fellowships are designed for graduate veterinarians to spend one to two years working under the mentorship of staff veterinarians at aquatic animal institutions. Only select organizations offer veterinary internships each year and program details are posted at the time the institution is hiring for the position. The programs that have previously offered aquatic veterinary internships and are most likely to have available positions in the future.
Veterinary residency programs provide three years of advanced training in aquatic and zoological medicine and are designed to facilitate specialty board certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). Each residency program is unique, however, several programs have a focus on aquatic animal medicine.