The veterinarians and staff at GVC and SVC feel a strong commitment to give back to the profession by contributing to the education of veterinary students and veterinary technician students. We strongly believe in learning by doing and we are what you would call a “hands on” group.
We hope that GVC’s externship program will offer you the opportunity to experience cowboy culture ingrained in modern medicine at one of the last remaining truly mixed-animal practices.
Currently, we are approximately 75% small animal and 25% equine on average, with livestock and exotics scattered throughout. However, it is difficult to give a true percentage species breakdown given how seasonal our work is due to the nature of living in the mountains. The summer is our busiest season for equine work, and the late winter/spring is our busiest season for livestock.
Offering real-world private practice experience and countless learning opportunities, students observe a wide variety of cases, are exposed to new procedures and protocols, and have a chance to work with all of our veterinarians and staff.
We are also happy to provide insight on questions related to business, practice management, and career placement as it interests you. We encourage students to apply for a 2-3 week stay during their clinical years.
We purposefully prepare a structured schedule for the externs, so assignments with specific doctors each day are based on caseload, the particular interests of the extern, and the human resource needs for the day.
Our goal is for students to leave here with broad exposure to all aspects of privately owned, mixed animal general practice. We do our best to give students as much hands-on experience as possible; depending on experience, the patient, and the sensibilities of our clients regarding student involvement with cases.
GVC and SVC provide on-site housing for visiting students free of charge. A car is strongly recommended but not necessary, as shopping and other services/amenities are within walking/biking distance, or by public transportation. Most students get here by
flying either to Denver, Vail/Eagle, Aspen, or Grand Junction, then arrange for transportation from there.
Public transportation is available from all of these airports except Vail/Eagle, and car rentals are available from all airport options, including 1-way rentals. Many students use either a Greyhound bus or the Colorado Mountain Express to get here from Denver, or a service called Bustang, operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation, which is relatively fast and affordable.
Students may apply for externships by using the form below. Please include 2-3 options for dates if possible, planning for Friday arrival and Sunday departure. This can be adjusted as needed based on travel plans. A detailed document with more specific externship guidelines will be provided upon confirmation of your visit.
We have no more than 3 externs at one time to maximize the quality of the experience, so application well in advance of your anticipated arrival is strongly encouraged. When applying for an externship, you are applying for externship at both our Glenwood and Silt locations. Assignments for which clinic you will be housed at will be determined closer to the time of your visit depending on logistics and how many students are scheduled at one time.
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