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It's more than just an interest in federal politics that drives an AVMA Governmental Relations Extern. It's the desire to experience something completely different and accelerate their capacity for flexibility and increased self-confidence.
This program is designed for you to build momentum each and every week. In just four weeks, you'll go from being a bright-eyed visitor to actually lobbying for your future profession with legislators and staffers on Capitol Hill. You will also have the opportunity to meet veterinarians currently serving in a variety of roles for the United States government.
As a veterinary student, you spend a lot of time on the details. This externship will help you gain a better understanding of the bigger picture.
The American Veterinary Medical Association is offering $1,000 stipends for the 2010 calendar year for up to ten veterinary student externs.
Externship Blocks
January 4 – January 29
February 1 – February 26
March 1 – March 26
April 5 – April 30
May 3 – May 28*
May 31 – June 26*
September 6 – October 1
October 4 – October 29
* May and June blocks are the most popular. Applicants must select a first choice
and second choice block when applying. We ask that applicants interested in this
timeframe select either the May block or the June block, but not both when listing
their first and second choices.
What Does An AVMA Governmental Relations
Extern Do?
Externs learn about both the federal legislative and regulatory processes and are then actively involved in advancing the AVMA's agenda in Washington.
Work firsthand on issues that affect the veterinary profession such as the National Veterinary Medical Service Act, animal welfare, funding for veterinary education, small business, and tax issues. In the process, you have the opportunity to meet with Members of Congress and Congressional staffers.
Why Be An Extern?
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Senator Casey (D-PA) and Justin Sobota,
2007-2008 SAVMA President |
As a veterinary student, you only have one chance to explore many of the career opportunities available to you. Putting yourself in unique situations helps to prepare you for the real world where flexibility and the ability to influence others will be useful in everything
from academia and residencies to private clinical practice.
Along with other perks, externs get a chance to meet national newsmakers face-to-face in Washington, D.C.
YOU Can Be An Applicant, IF You:
- Are a member of SAVMA
- Have completed two years of a professional program at a college of veterinary medicine before the beginning of their externship
- Are interested in public policy
- Have a desire to advance the AVMA Legislative and Regulatory Agenda
- Think clearly and stay focused under pressure
- Are result-oriented, with a high drive to meet their goals
- Show excellent writing and verbal communications skills
- Relate well to people from diverse backgrounds in various social situations
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| Senator Chambliss (R-GA) and Kenya Crawford, student at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine |
The Externship Application
A completed application consisting of the following must be received by October 2, 2009, for the 2010 calendar year:
- A one page letter of intent with two preferred options of four week blocks
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A letter of recommendation from a professor who is an AVMA member
- A personal statement, no more than 600 words, describing why you are interested in an externship, the qualities you would bring to the position, and your issues of interest
- Answers to the following two scenarios, none of which to exceed 100 words:
- Describe a problematic situation where you used a creative solution to solve it.
- Describe a situation where you convinced a person on an issue that mattered to you.
Send completed applications to:
AVMA Governmental Relations Externship
AVMA-GRD
1910 Sunderland Place NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
If you have any questions or would like to email materials, please contact 800.321.1473 or externship@avma.org
Additional resources
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= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only
