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Desert Pines Equine Internship Program

The internship opportunities at Desert Pines Equine have been designed to provide the hands-on learning experience and knowledge-base growth needed by first year veterinarians to become skilled general practitioners or advance into residency programs. We consider our interns an integral part of our practice and our goal is to provide a rewarding educational experience.

Interns will rotate with each doctor at Desert Pines Equine every two weeks, until released to see appointments independently. Rotation experience will include providing direct care for hospitalized patients, assisting with or performing surgical procedures, performing or assisting with diagnostic procedures, running anesthesia, and accompanying veterinarians in the field in order to learn a variety of approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and communication. Through the established relationships of our veterinarians with clients, interns will have enhanced opportunities to practice newly acquired skills. In addition, interns will participate in bi-weekly Journal Club/Case presentations, allowing for improved research skills and knowledge.

Compensation and benefits include a competitive salary, health and LTD insurance, AVMA professional liability coverage, vacation, sick days and rotating holidays, continuing education stipend, and AVMA and AAEP membership. Through our partnership with Altano, interns have access to a mental health and wellness platform, and various CE and collaborative opportunities.

Prerequisites: 

  • Completion in good standing of a DVM or VMD degree at an accredited university.
  • A passing score on the NAVLE.
  • A veterinary license and accreditation to practice in the State of Nevada.
  • All required board tests must be completed by the beginning of internship.

Application Requirements: 

  1. Letter of Intent addressed to DPE Internship Selection Committee
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Three letters of recommendation addressed to DPE Internship Selection Committee

Applicants that have visited and participated in an externship will have an advantage in the selection process.

Progressive Medicine and Compassionate Care

Desert Pines is southern Nevada’s only full-service primary care, referral and emergency hospital for horses, providing sports medicine, surgery, internal medicine, reproduction, preventive care, ambulatory, emergency and critical care services. Our thriving six-doctor practice includes two surgeons, an internist, and excellent support staff. 

Desert Pines is the Preferred Provider at the South Point Equestrian Center who plays host to events 40 weeks out of the year. There is a thriving equine community beyond the glow of the neon lights, with a diverse horse population competing in events such as show jumping, dressage, eventing, racing, western pleasure, western cow-horse, cutting, and rodeo. As we move into fall, we welcome some of our largest events, including the Las Vegas National Horse Show, Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The practice has served as the official veterinarians for the National Finals Rodeo since 1985.

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We are a part of the Altano Group:

With over 2,000 employees at more than 80 locations in 12 countries, Altano is the world's leading group of equine clinics. Our veterinarians and medical specialists use their knowledge and experience to provide the highest standard of medical care for the animals entrusted to us. Altano employees are passionate about giving their best for the welfare of animals and benefit from a corporate culture based on appreciation as well as a fair and respectful working environment. In order to continuously improve as a team and shape the future of veterinary medicine, we focus on promoting the ongoing development of our employees, collective life-long learning, and the transfer of knowledge within our group.