Internship Program:

As veterinarians at Ferguson and Associates, we feel there is no bigger need today than for more well informed and dedicated equine practitioners. One way to achieve this is to provide the new graduate with further “direct” and hands-on experience of the true art of veterinary practice. This encompasses not just further practical veterinary education, but also an introduction to the private veterinary clinic/multi-person practice, and most importantly, an introduction into client/practitioner relationships. We believe our practice can provide excellent education of the new graduate in all these areas. As far as practical collective hands-on experience, we boast over 50 years of experience in all areas of collective equine veterinary medicine. The practice covers all aspects of the horse world, from getting the mare in foal, tending to sick foals, dealing with developmental and lameness issues, to providing the best surgical and medical care available. The practice takes over 40,000 radiographs and performs more than 3,500 endoscopic, as well as 1,000 ultrasounds examinations per year. Over 600 tendon injuries are scanned in a year, and there are countless physical and lameness exams. Although the surgical suite is relatively new, the practice is approaching 10-20 surgeries a week. In addition, the absolute best technologies are used in our practice; there is no room for compromise. We also feel like our practice, a multi-person ambulatory practice with a central hospital, is the way of the future. Not only can the horses receive the best of care through general practitioners, specialists and the most updated equipment, but it also provides the equine practitioner with his own quality of life not obtainable through other practice organizations. Practitioners virtually rotate through all the clients, and when one veterinarian is off, another can meet the client's needs. We feel it is very important to introduce the intern or extern to this type of practice environment. Finally, the intern will be introduced to the client/practitioner relationship as they happen in a private practice. Ferguson and Associates feel the key to being a successful practitioner lies in the ability to communicate with the client and/or trainer. While this training is far removed from experiences gained while in school, there will be many useful experiences in this regard while doing this internship.

Intern Responsibilities:

The intern will be involved in the direct care of hospitalized patients, assist in surgeries, be directly involved with anesthesia, and assist the ambulatory veterinarian in field work. Where the intern has shown exceptional skills, routine and emergency calls may be performed. The intern may be asked to attend out of state horse sales and assist in pre-purchase examinations.

Intern Benefits:

Compensation:

The intern will receive $28,000 per annum.

Requirements:

Deadlines:

Contact Personnel:

We highly encourage interested applicants to contact previous interns and externs for recommendations. Our office can provide names and addresses.

Externship Program:

Ferguson and Associates offers a two-week externship to any individuals currently a student in an AVMA-approved College of Veterinary Medicine. This program lasts two weeks, and the practice provides housing. This is not only an excellent opportunity for the student to visit various practices and different veterinarians, but also gives the staff a chance to become familiar with the various students and possible interns. For information, and times available, please contact Deborah Peters at 352-622-6199

Ferguson and Associates Equine Hospital, 6897 N.W. 225-A, Ocala, Florida 34482 (352)-622-6199 Fax (352) 622-5663