Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals
Kaihla Parker, DVM
Externship/Summer Internship Coordinator
2132 Amnicola Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37406
Phone: (423) 698-4612
Fax: (423) 622-8145
Email: KaihlaDailey@gmail.com
Rivervetemergency.com
Future Externs,
Thank you for your interest in our internship/externship program. We are excited to be
able to provide a unique learning experience for veterinary students seeking total
immersion in an AAHA accredited specialty referral center that is on the leading edge of
technology and emergency medicine. Our top-ranked, board-certified veterinarians,
skilled technicians and caring staff treat more than 11,000 patients a year. We deliver
specialty services in surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, ophthalmology,
dermatology, radiology, and neurology along with 24 hour emergency and critical care.
RIVER is truly a unique facility with some of the most advanced veterinary equipment
found in the country. Among other services, we offer CT, MRI, endoscopy, hyperbaric
oxygen chamber, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and digital radiography. This level and
sophistication of care, similar to advanced human medical facilities, enables us to
provide the highest quality specialty medicine possible. Most importantly, we value the
human/animal bond and consider our patients part of the family. RIVER exists as a
partner with referring veterinarians, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, McKamey
Animal Center, and the Chattanooga Zoo to provide the services and compassionate care
required to go beyond the ordinary.
Every year we are pleased to host many student externs. Externs will spend one week
with our emergency staff, working primarily between the hours of 6:00pm – 8:00am,
and one week rotating through our internal medicine and surgery services between the
hours of 6:00am-6:00pm. Interns will have the opportunity to rotate through all of our
services more than once.
What can you expect from us?
 Access to a specialist or emergency veterinarian at all times during your experience
 Considerable amounts of hands-on experience to include admission and triage of
patients, emergency care, wound repair techniques, surgical experience, diagnostics,
and more.
 Based on your level of skill and comfort, you may be allowed to act as a primary
physician with the assistance of a staff doctor
 Topic rounds to include subjects such as CPR, The Acute Abdomen, DIC, Sepsis,
Dystocia/C-Sections/Pyometra, GDV, IMHA/ITP, Toxicities, Wounds, and Wound
Management, or other areas of your interest.
 We will help arrange lodging options
What will we expect from you?
 Participation and effort. While some of your evaluation will be based on knowledge
base, interpretive skills, technical skills, ethical standards, and professionalism, the
majority of your evaluation will be based on your attitude towards learning and
your participation in your education. Grading scale will be in accordance with that
required by your school
 Punctual attendance
 Professionalism, and the maintenance of the highest ethical standards.
 Feedback at the end of your rotation as to how we may improve our
internship/externship experience for future students.
While your externship/internship experience will require a considerable commitment
of time and effort on your part, we hope that you will take advantage of this unique
learning opportunity. If you choose to proceed with the application process, please email Dr. Dailey (KaihlaDailey@gmail.com) with the dates that you will be available for
externship/internship along with a letter of intent. If you are able, we encourage you to
arrange a visit to our facility. Pending the acceptance of your application, you will
receive an orientation letter as well as a memorandum of agreement.
Sincerely,
Kaihla Parker, DVM
RIVER Externship Coordinator