About the Program
EVSBEP stands for Early Veterinary Student Bovine Externship Program. EVSBEP is designed to expose students to careers in cattle and livestock veterinary practice. Since most veterinary students do not come from agricultural backgrounds, exposure to animal agriculture and veterinarians working with cattle creates awareness of new career opportunities.
Who can apply?
First or second year veterinary student in the School of Veterinary Medicine, at UC Davis, may apply.
What is the amount of the award?
The award amount is currently $2,000 for 4 weeks of participation. DVM students must be in good academic standing at the end of the spring semester to receive an award.
How much time is required?
Students work with a livestock practitioner (focusing on production livestock such as dairy, beef, small ruminant or swine work) for 4 weeks during the summer. The dates are flexible and are arranged to be mutually convenient for the livestock operation/veterinarian and student.
What will the student do?
Students will work with a cattle/livestock veterinarian performing common bovine/food animal veterinary services associated with a particular production unit/veterinary practice. For a student who chooses to work on a production facility such as a dairy, the student will typically work with the owner, herdsman, or private practice veterinarian performing duties such as delivering calves, raising calves, milking cows, feeding cows, breeding cows, treating sick cows, and working with the veterinarian during his/her visits. Students typically work 5 to 5 ½ days a week by agreement with the manager/veterinarian.
Where does the student live?
Housing arrangements/meals/transport are the responsibility of the student. Some dairies have free housing suitable for a student. Students may also live at home or with a friend or relative if they live near the production unit/veterinary practice.
When should you apply?
First and second year enrolled veterinary students at UC Davis are invited to apply by the deadline that is typically announced during December preceding the summer that a student will participate in the program. Acceptance decisions are typically made during February. After that, students will have to actively identify their mentors by early to mid-March.