Description
This three-year residency focuses on exotic animal medicine in an urban zoo setting. It is compliant with residency expectations for the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) and European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management). The program is supervised by two board-certified veterinarians, and supported by an additional clinical veterinarian, four certified veterinary technicians, hospital keeper/veterinary assistant and pre-veterinary intern. Guidance in clinical training and literature review is designed to prepare the resident as ACZM- and ECZM-eligible and competent as an entry-level zoo clinician.
The ~800 animal, ~250 species population has hoofed animals, megavertebrates, marine mammals, large and small carnivores and primates, birds, and herptiles. The resident is supervised, but primarily responsible, for veterinary procedures and records throughout their program. Increasing independence is expected with each year completed. With advancing program status, the resident additionally will focus on departmental procedural coordination, nutrition, and shipment and quarantine procedures. Pathology training includes a dedicated four (4) week rotation and coordinated on-site participation with University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program which provides ACVP service to zoos and aquariums based in Chicago.
Per ACZM and ECZM guidelines, the resident will have scholarly opportunities to complete their original research project and publications for board-certification. On-site and electronic library access supports required reading lists for both specialties. The resident will guide veterinary students during their preceptorship rotations and participate in institutional teaching and presentations. Advanced academic courses or pursuit of a graduate degree will be coordinated with interested residents, but all residents will have completed a graduate-level medical biostatistics course. Resident will be funded to attend AAZV or similar national conference at least once during their program and one-time attendance of an ACZM preparatory course. Conference presentations or posters will be expected during the residency. Residents will be supported in off-site travel for external rotations with board-certified zoo and aquarium colleagues, and specifically, a dedicated four (4) week experience with our MedVet partner in any of their 14 board-certified specialties.
This position starts in July 2027 with annual re-appointment for a maximum of three (3) years based on annual performance; an elective fourth year fellowship may be available pending resident performance and goals. Residents will be employed by Lincoln Park Zoo with starting compensation of $60,000/yr and institutional benefits in accordance with a salaried position.
Informational queries can be made to Kathryn C. Gamble DVM, MS, Dipl. ACZM, Dip. ECZM (ZHM), and at AAZV’s Post-Graduate Training Expo (19 October 2026). On-site tours will not be scheduled, and interviews will be virtual. Materials to be submitted include: letter of intent, C.V., veterinary school transcripts, three (3) letters of professional recommendation, and zoo application form. All materials are to be submitted through Hireology (https://careers.hireology.com/lincolnparkzoologicalsociety/2874760/description), and emailed application intent made to Kathryn Gamble, whose email is shared in the Contact Information section below.
Requirements
Applicants must hold a DVM from an AVMA accredited program, or have a degree and examination combination that permits licensure in Illinois; this license is required at start of residency. Federal accreditation will be obtained once resident is on site. Applicants minimally should have completed a one-year internship or equivalent practice experience.
