Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Veterinary Internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine , presented by TowneBank, is offering an annual opportunity for graduate veterinarians pursuing specialization in aquatic and zoological medicine to receive clinical training. Made possible by TowneBank, the veterinary interns will train under the Aquarium’s two specialty-trained aquatic veterinarians, including one board certified specialist.
"With this internship program, we aim to provide the next generation of aquatic veterinarians with the hands-on experience and mentorship needed to care for aquatic species and succeed in this evolving field." Said Dr. Allyson McNaughton, Chief of Veterinary Science and Research.
The Veterinary Internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine will begin summer of 2026, with applications now open. The internship will join the Aquarium’s veterinarians, a hospital manager, and a clinical licensed veterinary technician to assist in preventative healthcare, emergency medical care, and welfare of over 4,000 animals, representing over 250 species including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The Virginia Aquarium is currently one of only seven programs in North America that offers this type of internship, with just one other on the East Coast of the United States.
Clinical responsibilities will include performing annual examinations, anesthesia, development and implementation of diagnostic and treatment plans, implementing health screening and quarantine protocols, interpretation of diagnostic findings, surgical case management, conducting necropsies, recommending humane euthanasia based on medical condition, and administering drugs or authorizing drug administration.
The Aquarium’s veterinarians also provide comprehensive medical care and necropsy services for stranded sea turtles and marine mammals through the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program. The veterinary intern will share rotational veterinary coverage for 24/7 on-call and after-hours consultation or response for the Aquarium’s resident animals and Stranding Response Program.
Internships are a one-year program with the opportunity for a second year. The intern will be expected to contribute to ongoing research projects and to complete a publication for submission to a scientific journal.
The veterinary intern will gain professional teaching experience through mentoring other veterinary undergraduate students and by participating in other informal educational programs and seminars. Interns will educate Aquarium guests as a component of the main veterinary hospital, including a viewing window for an interactive guest experience.
Since 2017, the Virginia Aquarium has had 18 veterinary student rotations in addition to frequent veterinary shadowing from colleges and universities.
Learn more about the Aquarium’s internship and fellowship opportunities at VirginiaAquarium.com .
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.
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