Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

2026 House Officers’ Graduation Ceremony

Interns and residents celebrate a milestone
A group of individuals sitting on a floor and standing in front of a table, having their photo taken.
Cummings School’s Interns and Residents celebrated for their invaluable contributions to the hospitals and clinics. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University held its annual House Officer, Interns and Residents, Graduation ceremony on June 26. 

Twenty-three interns and 15 residents were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Cummings School’s hospitals and clinics. Residents completed a three-year appointment, while interns each served the school for one year. Fifteen veterinarians completed small-animal rotating internships.

Professor Emerita Mary Labato, D.V.M., DACVIM (SAIM), V83, presided over the ceremony, welcoming everyone and announcing the recipients of the annual resident achievement awards. These awards recognize the top performers from this year’s graduating class. 

Jules and Lucy Silver Animal Bedside Manner Award

This award is presented to residents demonstrating outstanding care, concern, and sensitivity for the well-being of both animal patients and clients. This year’s recipient is Dr. Caitlin Jozwiak, small animal medical oncology resident. 

Dr. John Berg Excellence in Teaching

This award is presented to residents for their exceptional talents and efforts in teaching and serving as student role models. This year’s recipient is Dr. Sarah Wilson, small animal surgery resident. 

Outstanding Research Award

This award is presented to a resident who excels in research during their residency. This year’s recipients are Dr. Sonya Karchemskiy, small animal medicine resident, and Dr. Bradley Whelchel, cardiology resident. 

Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (VSTONE) Award for Clinical Excellence

This award is presented to a resident from New England who demonstrates excellent clinical skills. This year’s recipient is Dr. Nathan Biedak, diagnostic imaging resident. 

Dr. James Ross Memorial Award

This award is presented to a resident who demonstrates clinical excellence and whose passion, energy, collegiality, and commitment shine in all aspects of veterinary medicine, including teaching, bedside manner, and research. This year’s recipients are Dr. Stephanie Maciorowski, emergency and critical care resident, and Dr. Alexander Snow, small animal medicine resident.

Following the resident award presentations, each intern and resident received a certificate of completion from their program director.

Interns 

Community Medicine
Program Director: Dr. Nicole Freeman, V02
Intern: Dr. Elizabeth Miller

Cardiology
Program Director: Dr. Vicky Yang, V09
Intern: Dr. Kate Murphy

Cardiology Research
Program DIrector: Dr. Lisa Freeman, V91
Intern: Dr. William Bousquet

Clinical Trials
Program Director: Dr. Cheryl London, V90
Intern: Dr. Cassandra Munroe

Large Animal Surgery
Program Director: Dr. Thomas Jenei
Intern: Dr. Kimberly Zullo

Neurology
Program Director: Dr. Dominik Faissler
Intern: Dr. Kara Scolman

Small Animal Rotating
Program Directors: Dr. Alexia Berg, Dr. Lilian Cornejo, and Dr. Sara Crain 
Interns:

Dr. Petter Burrows 
Dr. Caroline desJardins-Park
Dr. Angello Gutierrez
Dr. Kate Keough
Dr. Jillian Lawless 
Dr. Shannon Lucky 
Dr. Ashley Meisel 
Dr. Abigail Mills 
Dr. Nicole Moyer 
Dr. Janey Oline 
Dr. Kristine Ringelberg
Dr. Roxy Shahraki
Dr. Nicole Torres
Dr. Emery Wallace
Dr. Brian Wang

Zoological Companion Animal Medicine
Program Director: Dr. Marjorie Bercier
Interns: 

Dr. Kelsea Farmer 
Dr. Benjamin Walter

Residents

Cardiology
Program Director: Dr. John Rush
Resident: Dr. Bradley Whelchel

Diagnostic Imaging
Program Director: Dr. Amy Sato
Residents:

Dr. Nathan Biedak
Dr. Kimdele Lenoir

Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
Program Director: Dr. Armelle de Laforcade, V97, and Dr. Ian DeStefano
Residents:

Dr. WIlliam Hiller
Dr. Stephanie Maciorowski
Dr. Ansley Sackett

Large Animal Medicine
Program Director: Dr. Daniella Bedenice
Resident: Dr. Mireya Becero

Large Animal Sports Medicine and Surgery
Program Director: Dr. Kirstin Bubeck
Resident: Dr. Heather McCrary

Neurology
Program Director: Dr. Dominik Faissler
Resident: Dr. Catherine Wadman

Ophthalmology
Program Director: Dr. Stephanie Pumphrey
Resident: Dr. Lisa Gibson

Small Animal Medical Oncology
Program Director: Dr. Heather Gardner
Resident: Dr. Caitlin Jozwiak 

Small Animal Internal Medicine
Program Director: Dr. Claire Fellman
Residents: 

Dr. Caroline Bondi
Dr. Sophie Karchemskiy
Dr. Alexander Snow

Small Animal Surgery
Program Director: Dr. Ray Kudej
Resident: Dr. Sarah Wilson