DVM Mission Launch: Externship + New Grad Opportunity

Mission Pet Health; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Forest Animal Clinic in Lake Forest, CA, invites DVM students graduating in 2027 to join an externship track designed to lead toward a full-time doctor role. Externs will receive a hands-on experience with mentorship from experienced veterinarians in a supportive hospital setting.

The externship offers a $1,000/week stipend, with the possibility of continuing into a full-time veterinarian position if there is a fit.

Qualifications

• Active enrollment in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited university, graduating in 2027.
• Professional comportment and appearance, with excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, friendly attitude.
• A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
• A compassionate, team-player attitude and a respect for clients and their pets.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Gain broad clinical experience: Receive mentorship & supervision from experienced veterinarians.
• Observe & participate: Get involved in medical and surgical procedures, the diagnostic process, and client communication when possible.
• Genuine mentorship: You won't get lost in the shuffle; the team invests in students who train here.
• Enhance diagnostic skills: Practice interpreting fecal samples, blood smears, radiographs, urinalysis, CBC/Chemistry panels.
• Fine-tune your technical skills: Develop hands-on abilities in a supportive environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Professional comportment

Team-player attitude

US work authorization

Education

DVM program (accredited university)

Job description

Welcome to the Lake Forest Animal Clinic, where our priority is upholding the highest standard of patient care. As an established and highly respected AAHA-accredited practice, we maintain a commitment to excellence that is recognized by the community, reflected in our outstanding 4.7-star Google rating. We are looking for experienced and dedicated veterinary professionals ready to join a team focused on providing comprehensive, compassionate medical care. If you are seeking a supportive environment where you can truly do your best work, this is your opportunity. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive network dedicated to your professional success. We believe strongly in investing in our teammates, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth regardless of your career stage. Whether your goal is becoming a credentialed technician, moving into a leadership role, or expanding your clinical knowledge, you will find programs and mentorship in place to help you achieve those career milestones. We focus on providing the workflow support you need so you can concentrate on patient care, knowing your contributions are valued and celebrated. At Lake Forest Animal Clinic, our AAHA accreditation ensures you are practicing top-tier veterinary medicine in a state-of-the-art facility. We are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including in-house Ultrasound capabilities, and offer specialized care like Cardiology services. Beyond our immediate facility resources, our affiliation provides you with access to internal specialty consultations. This means you have a built-in support system of experts to collaborate on complex cases, ensuring you always have the resources necessary to deliver excellent patient outcomes. Located in beautiful Lake Forest, California, you will be working in a vibrant community known for its natural beauty and proximity to major Southern California attractions. This area offers a fantastic quality of life with excellent access to outdoor recreation, parks, and easy commutes. Enjoy the benefits of practicing high-quality medicine in a welcoming community that offers sunshine and a superior lifestyle year-round.

DVM Mission Launch: Externship + New Graduate Opportunity

$1,000/Week Stipend | Open to the Class of 2027

We’re doing more than offering a great externship - we're looking for the veterinarians who will join our team. This is an externship track designed for students who are ready to start thinking about where they’ll launch their careers.

Externs in this track receive an enhanced stipend of $1,000/week - double our standard rate - because this experience is tied to a hiring opportunity. This hospital has an open new-grad doctor position, and your externship here is a genuine first step toward a full-time role. You get paid, hands-on experience, and we both get the chance to see if this is the right fit for your career.

This externship is designed to give you a real, working look at what it’s like to practice here—the team, the caseload, the community, and the day-to-day. Think of it as a two-way conversation. You get to evaluate whether this is where you want to begin your career, and we get to know you as a future colleague. There’s no obligation, and there’s no pressure. But if it clicks, the path from extern to full-time doctor here is a short one.

What To Expect

• Gain broad clinical experience: Receive mentorship & supervision from experienced veterinarians
• Observe & participate: Get involved in medical and surgical procedures, the diagnostic process, and (when possible) client communication
• Genuine mentorship: You won't get lost in the shuffle. Our team invests in the students who train here
• Enhance your diagnostic skills: Practice interpreting fecal samples, blood smears, radiographic images, urinalysis, and CBC/Chemistry panels
• Fine-tune your technical skills: Put your classroom knowledge to the test and develop your hands-on abilities in a supportive environment

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Active enrollment in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited university, graduating in 2027
• Professional comportment and appearance, with excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, friendly attitude.
• A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
• A compassionate, team-player attitude and a respect for clients and their pets.
• Authorization to work in the United States.