Charlie Stewart-Bates, a 2023 fourth year veterinary student participant and current veterinary mentor, holds a Chinook salmon adult prior to collecting samples for virus surveillance.

Pacific Northwest Salmonid Veterinary Externship Program (PNSVEP)

Intention

Aquaculture medicine remains an underserved and largely-unknown specialty within the scope of veterinary practice. Only a small number of veterinary schools incorporate fish health classes into their core curriculums and fewer still offer insight into herd health management of aquatic species for production (human consumption) and/or mitigation (wildlife supplementation) purposes. This program was created in the hopes of exposing veterinary students, those who have a proven and focused interest in the field, to a variety of salmon and trout hatcheries, natural resource agencies, aquatic health professionals, and fish diagnostic laboratories within the Pacific Northwest.

Participating veterinarians and organizations

  • Dr. Bamberger, DVM – Fish Veterinarian, Douglas County Public Utility District, East Wenatchee, WA
  • Dr. Britt, DVM – Aquatic Veterinarian, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, La Conner, WA
  • Dr. Finley, DVM – Senior Aquatic Veterinarian, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, Olympia, WA
  • Dr. Hickey, DVM – Aquatic Health Lab Manager, WA Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, Pullman, WA
  • Dr. Johnson, DVM – Program Veterinarian, NW Indian Fisheries Commission, Olympia, WA
  • Dr. Morotti, DVM – Program Veterinarian, NW Indian Fisheries Commission Olympia, WA
  • Dr. Onofryton, DVM – Fish Health Manager, Aquatactics Bimeda, Kirkland, WA
  • Dr. Snekvik, DVM, PhD, DACVP – Executive Director, WA Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, Pullman, WA
  • Dr. Stewart-Bates, DVM – Aquatic Veterinarian, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, Wenatchee, WA
  • Dr. Veilleux, DVM – Veterinary Medical Officer, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bozeman, Montana
  • Dr. Walrath, BVMS – Wildlife Veterinarian, ID Department of Fish & Game, Eagle, ID

Application process

Veterinary students who wish to apply to the program are expected to send a CV and/or resume, a cover letter that includes some of their personal goals for the rotation, and a list of three references to Dr. Hickey before their fourth year of veterinary school. Selection will be dependent on the student’s commitment to aquaculture medicine. Three applicants will be chosen to participate in a two week externship during the late summer and fall (August through late October) per calendar year. Once selected, and the availability of all parties is confirmed for the dates requested, students will be expected to tend to travel logistics and arrange for transportation and housing during their stay; a rental car or privately-owned vehicle is required for the entire duration of the rotation. Some housing is available upon request. Students will split their time rotating between veterinarians and traveling to different regions, which may include Eagle, ID; Spokane/Pullman, WA; Wenatchee, WA; and/or Kirkland/Olympia, WA, depending on availability.

Deadline: July 1 of the year prior to the available spawning season. For example, apply before July 1, 2025 to be considered for the Fall of 2026. 

For more information or answers to specific questions, contact Nora Hickey.