San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo will increase diversity and inclusion in its zoological medicine mentorship program by removing financial barriers to participation. The program will recruit up to 34 veterinary students and recent graduates from veterinary colleges that enroll students who are classified as under-represented in veterinary medicine and those with high debt to income ratios. This mentorship program will support the education and training of these mentees independent of their financial circumstance and will help lessen the financial burden upon graduation. Zoo staff will guide students through activities such as planning research projects and reviewing clinical cases during the year-long mentorship. Students also will attend conferences as well as present and publish research projects. Veterinary students and recent veterinary graduates will benefit by gaining hands-on experience in zoological medicine and establishing a network of career mentors and advocates.