Beginning next year, students seeking to broaden their education through experiences outside private practice can apply to the AVMA for an externship stipend.

The Executive Board voted to provide annual funding from 2005-2007 for up to five $1,000 stipends for student externships in public and corporate employment settings. Those experiences add breadth to students' perspectives and make them better advocates for their patients and their profession.

The AVMA Member Services Committee had recommended funding up to 10 stipends annually, but the board decided to start with five and review the program in three years.

To be eligible, students must be in at least their second year of veterinary school and be members in good standing of the Student AVMA. Applicants must design and arrange their own externship and present the plan as part of the application process. The application deadline will be Jan. 1 of each year. Details of the application procedure have yet to be developed but will be announced in JAVMA when available.

Externships at the AVMA Governmental Relations Division in Washington, D.C., are part of a separate stipend program.