Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and Loggerhead Marinelife Center are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership hosting two veterinary interns in a year-long, immersive program focused on marine and terrestrial wildlife rehabilitation. This collaborative internship is designed to provide recent Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduates with the hands-on experience and specialized training needed to pursue a career in wildlife rehabilitation.
 
Under the expert mentorship of Dr. Heather Barron, DVM, DABVP (Avian), CertAqV, the Chief Science Officer and Director of Conservation Medicine at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, and Dr. Heather Johnston, DVM, the Chief of Veterinary Medicine and Conservation at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, the interns will receive hands-on instruction in a hospital setting, covering diagnostic techniques, anesthesia, surgery, rehabilitation, and public and One Health concerns. Throughout the year, they will also engage in research projects that aim to deepen understanding of wildlife treatment and its impact on long-term conservation efforts.
 
The One Health movement recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Wildlife rehabilitation is a crucial component of this framework, providing valuable insights into disease transmission, environmental changes, and ecosystem health - all of which are critical to preventing future pandemics and protecting biodiversity.
 
“Conservation medicine is an evolving and highly specialized field that can’t be fully taught in a traditional classroom,” said Dr. Heather Johnston. “By providing immersive, hands-on training, we’re equipping the next generation of wildlife veterinarians with the critical skills they need to protect and preserve our region’s rich biodiversity.”
 
This year’s inaugural interns starting July 7 are Dr. Emily McDermott, who earned her DVM from Colorado State University and recently completed a wildlife population health internship at Cornell University Hospital for Animals, and Dr. Nicole Scarberry, who earned her DVM from the University of Missouri, where this past year she also served as a large animal medical and surgical intern. Both bring a strong foundation in veterinary medicine and a deep passion for wildlife care. Their participation in this program marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in collaborative, conservation-focused veterinary training.
 
“Our two interns are already highly qualified veterinarians with impressive backgrounds and expertise, each aspiring to become future board-certified specialists in Wildlife Health,” said Dr. Heather Barron. “Preparing the next generation of veterinary professionals is a cornerstone of our shared conservation mission.